Moira church bids farewell to rector
Claire West, Dennis Christie, people's church warden; Joan and Archdeacon Roderic West, Melissa Cunningham, rector's church warden; and Rev Joanne Megarrell, curate assistant, at a farewell event at St John's Parish Centre, Moira, for Archdeacon West who is moving to a new church. US1712-501cd
Mrs Joan West, Archdeacon Roderic West and artist Janice Lightowler
ON Friday April 20, St Johns Parish Centre, Moira was filled to capacity as they said farewell to their rector, Archdeacon Roderic West, his wife Joan and daughter Claire.
The West family came to minister in Moira in June 1995. The rector was appointed Canon of Dromore Cathedral in 2005 and then Chancellor in 2007 before being made Archdeacon in 2011.
The evening began with entertainment, hosted by the Curate Assistant Rev Joanne Megarrell and the Youth Ministry Co-ordinator, Mr Simon Henry.
The choir, the praise group and the junior choir treated the audience to some hymns and children's songs; the staff team performed a sketch and Naomi Beattie and Linda Doogan recited poems.
There was also a power point presentation which gave a snapshot of the past 17 years.
After an interlude for some supper, speeches were made by the Area Dean, the Rev Canon Gareth Harron, the Rev Howard Gilpin (representing the local clergy of Moira) Mr Bertie Logan (representing the nominators who appointed Archdeacon West) the Rev Joanne Megarrell (Curate Assistant of St Johns, Moira) and Mr Dennis Christie, the people's church warden.
Tributes were paid to the rector, Mrs. West and Claire for their faithful ministry in Moira which has seen much change in recent years. Archdeacon West then reflected on his time in Moira and wished the Parish well in the future.
Mr Dennis Christie, on behalf of the Parish, presented Archdeacon West with a cheque and a beautiful graphite drawing of St John's, Moira, the Logic Café, the rectory, the Parish Centre and the Main Street, painted by local artist and parishioner Mrs Janice Lightowler. The rector preached his farewell address at the morning services on Sunday April22. His institution as Co-ordinator Seapatrick, Banbridge is on Friday April 27 at 8.00pm.
Ulster Star
27/04/2012
