THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST ANNE

DIGESTJUNE / JULY 2019

Schoolboy pilots are honoured Pages 10-11

Dean escorts HRH The Duke of York from the Cathedral following a Thanksgiving Service for Sacha, Duchess of Abercorn, on Thursday May 30, attended by more than 800 guests. Full report on pages 8-9. Cathedral Digest 3 A time of change - Stephen reflects...

or many, June marks the end of a position busy academic year. For teachers, of Organ Fthere is the flurry of school reports Scholar or end of year concerts. For pupils, the at Sidney end of exams and the expectation of a Sussex long summer holiday. For students, ex- College in Cambridge, and Catherine ams are completed and results awaited. Harper, who has been vocal coach to our choristers. For everyone, the month of long evenings is often a time of change. In a summer of musical changes we thank each one for their commitment, June will be such a month for us. On wish them well for the future, and look Sunday evening June 16, we shall wel- forward to new faces and new talent come the Community joining us in September. Gospel Choir to fill the Cathedral with their harmonious enthusiasm. Sunday flowers And on Saturday June 22, we welcome We would like to acknowledge the the King’s Singers for their only Irish kind donations of flowers as performance this year. We expect lovers follows: of choral music to travel from every corner of our province to hear them sing June 2 - Margaret Wilkinson in in a major fund raising event for our memory of Noel Wilkinson. Cathedral finances. Do make sure that June 9 - Jean Fox, thanksgiving gift. you also have purchased your ticket. June 16 - Dr Alan McCormack in deep & loving memory of William But the musical changes of June will Thomas McCormack; husband, also impact us at St Anne’s. Some of our father & inspiration. longstanding choristers have reached Stanley and Noreen McIlroy in the end of their school careers in Belfast, memory of parents. and hope to study ‘across the water.’ June 23 & 30 - Canon Noble Hamilton in memory of Pat Hamilton. Evensong on Sunday June 23 will be July 28 & August 4 - Michael & a celebration of all that our choirs have Barbara Callender. achieved under the Direction of David August 11 - Ronnie Lawrenson in Stevens over the past seven years, memory of Berta McMillen. because at the end of this summer, August 18 - Ronnie Lawrenson in David will also be leaving us to take up memory of Dean Sammy Crooks. a new position at the prestigious Wells Cathedral. To make a donation towards the provision of Sunday flowers, please Also leaving for new musical challenges email admin@belfastcathedral or will be Jack Wilson, as he takes up the speak to Chris Weir in reception.

2 Cathedral Digest Saying Goodbye Service with The Mariposa Trust ‘We are named, so we are known... for all eternity’

ames matter, Dean Stephen birth,” Dean Forde explained. Forde told families who gath- ered on Sunday June 2 for the “In creating these services, to give Nannual Saying Goodbye service. comfort, help and hope to bereaved parents, such as yourselves, at the They matter, the Dean said, most painful and difficult time in your ‘because when we are named, lives, every word and every phrase so we are known, for all of time and was carefully and powerfully all of eternity.’ considered.”

The Saying Goodbye service is for He said many of those who contribut- anyone who has lost a baby at any ed to the formation of these services stage of pregnancy, at birth or in early spoke from their own experience. years, or who has been affected by a family member or friend’s loss. The Dean shared some of the prayers the Church has written for these This year, the Mariposa Trust, which services. runs these services across the UK, extended the services to welcome “Let me offer these prayers to you anyone who is grieving the fact that today, as you each remember a tiny they haven’t had children. life conceived and created, longed for and loved, yet a person who found Baby loss affects around one in four God’s eternity before they found all pregnancies each year in the UK, with the challenges, and conflicts of the nearly 700 babies lost each day. life that you and I live every day.”

Addressing the congregation, Dean The Dean spoke of the Cathedral’s Forde said the Church of , at ‘Remember our Child’ books, which its General Synod in May, had agreed hold the names of many children who to introduce two new services. died before, or soon after, their birth.

“The first service is a form of words “They too are offered and and prayers for the Naming of a remembered this afternoon, because Child who has died in the womb when we are named, then we are before birth, or who has died within known: We are known to those who hours of birth, but not been have loved us deeply, even through baptised. The second service is a grief and loss, and we are known to funeral service where a tiny life has God, who has written our name on the been lost due to miscarriage or still palm of his hand,” the Dean said. Cathedral Digest 3 The eventual winners, Harding Memorial Primary School. Schools’ Choir of the Year he Cathedral was packed on May The competition was once again 15 for the third annual St Anne supported by Belfast City Council, and TTrust Belfast Primary School Choir this year also enjoyed sponsorship from of the Year Competition. the Arts Council of .

Eight primary schools put on amazing The Lord Mayor said: “This is an performances, singing two songs each, excellent competition that brings together giving this year’s adjudicator, BBC Art schools from diverse backgrounds in all and Music Producer Richard Yarr, a very four corners of our city.” difficult task. After all the choirs had performed, the It was an close competition, with 400 children, along with teachers and Harding Memorial Primary School taking parents, were led in communal singing first place, followed by Victoria College by Laura McFall of Opera NI. Preparatory School. In third place was Glenwood Primary School. The Awards were presented by Lord Mayor Hargey and Ms McDonough, who Pupils, teachers and parents were said the event had been inspiring and welcomed by the Chairman of the St uplifting. “There is no finer event than Anne Trust, Mr Joseph Watson. this to hear children’s voices rise up as they did. You are all a credit to your Adding his welcome, Dean Stephen schools. I hope you look back on this day Forde, said: “I know that you have been with great fondness and a sense of joyful practising for this for many weeks, and achievement,” Ms McDonough said. today your hard work will pay off. I want this to be a day you will remember long Every school received a Certificate of after you leave here.” Performance. 4 Cathedral Digest Energetic singing from St Patrick’s Primary School The choir of Cranmore Integrated PS. Announcing the winners, Mr Yarr said: nuala Jay-O’Boyle and Mr Richard Jay. “It has been an absolute joy to be here. It was a real celebration of music. The The competition ended with the singing skills you learn in a choir are skills for of a blessing by Cathedral Board life. I was once a chorister in this Member Mr Nick Pierpoint. Cathedral, and in the choir I learned about team work, commitment, attention The St Anne Trust was established in to detail, and confidence.” 2016 to advance education and promote arts, culture and heritage by promoting Among the guests were Her Majesty’s good relations with and between young Lord Lieutenant for Belfast, Mrs Fion- people and their families.

Pupils from Harberton Special School and Jordanstown School who took part in the Come & Sing Day on May 16. Smiles say it all on Come & Sing Day he smiles and laughter said it all performing their two chosen songs. on day two of The St Anne Trust Some of the children relayed the song TBelfast Primary Schools’ Choir of lyrics through sign language. the Year competition when pupils from two Special Schools took centre stage! Jordanstown Choir sang the very popular ‘A Million Dreams’ and ‘You’ve got a The Come & Sing Day featured the friend,’ while Harberton delighted the choirs of Jordanstown School and audience with ‘Flying Machine’ and Harberton Special School. Led by the ‘She’ll be coming round the mountain.’ talented ladies from Opera NI, the boys and girls took part in a series of music Congratulations to all the young people and dance workshops, before involved – it was a truly uplifting morning. Cathedral Digest 5 Funeral of murdered journalist he eyes of the world were on St Anne’s on April 24 when the packed congregation: “In the words of TCathedral hosted a service of Lyra herself, ‘We must change our own thanksgiving for the life of Lyra McKee. world, one piece at a time’.”

The 29-year-old journalist was shot dead Writing in the Belfast Telegraph, journal- by a dissident republican group during ist Alf McCreary said the service in St unrest in Londonderry on April 18. Anne’s had been ‘a model of simplicity.’

The service was jointly led by Dean “It was an attractive blend of the old and Stephen Forde and parish priest Fr the new, with two ancient but still widely Martin Magill, whose impassioned plea popular hymns interspersed with more to politicians was reported by the global modern pieces performed by Gareth media. Commending political leaders for Dunlop, Gemma Doherty and Morgan standing together at a vigil in Creggan MacIntyre,” he wrote. on Good Friday, Fr Magill said: “I am, however, left with a question. Why in He said the choir’s rendition of Howard God’s name does it take the death of a Goodall’s version of Psalm 23, better 29-year-old woman, with her whole life in known as the theme tune to ‘The Vicar of front of her, to get to this point?” Dibley,’ was also fitting for the service.

Mourners were led by Lyra ’s partner, Mr McCreary added: “The short readings Sara Canning, her mother and her from... St Matthew and St John brought brothers and sisters and the service reassurance and hope in the midst was attended by political leaders. They of death, while the tribute to Lyra by included Prime Minister Theresa May, Dean Stephen Forde, and also the brief Northern Ireland Secretary Karen prayers, conveyed a great deal in a few Bradley, British Labour leader Jeremy words with the maximum effect.” Corbyn, Irish President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and He described John Rutter’s ‘A Gaelic Tánaiste Simon Coveney. Blessing,’ sung by the choir, as ‘gentle and comforting in such an intense and During the service, Dean Forde said: emotional atmosphere,’ and said the “Lyra was a person who broke down final organ voluntary, played by Organ barriers and reached across boundaries Scholar Jack Wilson - an improvisation ... This was her hallmark in life, this is on the hymn ‘Now Thank We All Our her legacy in death.” God’ - provided ‘a fitting musical back- ground as Lyra’s coffin was carried on its Lyra’s sister Nichola Corner told the final journey.’ 6 Cathedral Digest Members of the Friends of Belfast Cathedral pictured during their Spring Pilgrimage to Down Cathedral on May 4. Friends’ visit Downpatrick for annual Spring Pilgrimage hirty members of the Friends of history and he has written many books Belfast Cathedral enjoyed the on the subject – through the lives of TSpring Pilgrimage to the people who created history. Clive had Downpatrick area on Saturday May 4. brought some with him and these were quickly snapped up. After a delayed departure from Belfast Cathedral due to congestion caused by He led the group to the Cathedral and the return of the Labour Day marchers gave a riveting account of the Cathedral to Writers’ Square, the coach arrived and of St Patrick. He also talked about in good time at Down County Museum the recently consecrated replica of the where they enjoyed tea, coffee and Irish High Cross, the original being freshly baked scones in the Cathedral secure in the Museum. View Tearoom with its panoramic view. After a visit to the Gift Shop, the group The weather was kind but chilly. The moved to Hollymount Church Hall in its group had a leisurely afternoon studying lovely country setting, where a mag- the various exhibitions, many provoking nificent tea awaited. There was a table memories of childhood. They found the nearby stocked with raspberry and prison section with its cells and legends strawberry jams and marmalade – all very interesting. homemade. Another vanishing act!

The Friends were then joined by a good The Friends ended the evening with ‘Friend’ Clive Scoular, who lives near compline in the church Chapel of Ease Killyleagh. He was a chorister in his conducted by the Rev SJ McDonald who youth and still has a passion for music. had joined them for tea, and afterwards One of his other passions is for Ireland’s all members got home safely. Cathedral Digest 7 Royal guest attends memorial for Duchess

is Royal Highness the Duke of The Dean added that the Duchess had York joined the family and friends ‘inspired across borders and boundaries.’ of the late Sacha, Duchess of H Sacha, who trained as a professional Abercorn, at a service of Thanksgiving in Belfast Cathedral on May 30. counsellor, was very aware of the trauma ‘’ in Northern Ireland inflict- The Duke, who was representing the ed on children. To help them to express Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the their thoughts, their feelings and to find a service, was joined by other representa- ‘voice’ of their own, she established the tives of the Royal Family, including the Pushkin Trust in 1987. Earl of Caledon, Viscount Brookeborough, Leonora, Countess One of the children she reached out to of Lichfield and Lord O’Neill. was John McDaid, now a member of the hugely successful band Snow Patrol. Sacha Hamilton OBE, Duchess of Paying a moving tribute in front of the Abercorn, died on December 10 2018 800 guests at the service, Mr McDaid aged 72. Born in Tuscon, Arizona, she spoke of his close personal friendship was related through her mother Georgina with the Duchess, whom he first met to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, and was when he was 11-years-old. also a great-great-great granddaughter of the legendary Russian poet, Alexander “She showed me that we all have within Pushkin. us a universal potential,” he said. “Her dream was giant but her heart had more The Duchess came to live in Ireland in than enough space to nurture and grow 1966 when she married James Hamilton, it. She held up a light and altered the now Duke of Abercorn. They had three future for generations.” children, James, Sophie and Nicholas. The family has connections to the Queen r McDaid said Sacha had given and Prince Philip and to the late Lord him ‘the most precious gift of all, Louis Mountbatten. Mnot a voice, but the gift to use my own voice, and she listened.’ He added: Welcoming guests at the Service of “In every word, story or song that I will Thanksgiving, the , the ever write there is something of Sacha Very Rev Stephen Forde said: “She was that is alive in it.” related to royalty, yet at home with all. And through her own experience of loss Mark Patrick Hederman OSB, former through the violence of terrorism, she Abbot of Glenstal Abbey, also paid tribute worked tirelessly to find healing from the to the Duchess. He said Sacha had been trauma of ‘The Troubles’ for children and a catalyst for peace and reconciliation, adults alike.” and an icon of elegance, nobility and a tireless promoter for creativity. 8 Cathedral Digest After the Omagh bomb in 1998, the Cathedral Choir, and a setting of ‘Aedh Duchess became a trustee of the then wishes for The Cloths of Heaven,’ sung Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and by Codettta. Transformation. In 2003, she received an honorary doctorate from the University Renowned classical pianist, Christian of Ulster. In 2006, the Ireland Fund of Blackshaw, enthralled the congregation Monaco presented her with the Princess with his Schubert Impromptu. Grace Humanitarian Award, and she was also awarded the OBE in 2008 for her Jamie Hamilton, eldest son of the services to charity. Duchess, read ‘The Otter’ from his mother’s book of poems ‘Feather from om Hederman spoke of the trees the Firebird,’ and Timothy Knatchbull, and flowers that decorated the Lord Mountbatten’s surviving grandson Cathedral for the service, which from the Sligo assassination, read from D the 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. Tatiana came from her home at Baronscourt, the original saplings having been brought and Nicholas Hamilton read an excerpt from Pushkin’s grave. from André Chénier, in Russian and in English. Music at the service was led by the Belfast Cathedral Choir and Londonderry Prayers were led by the clergy and choir Codetta, directed by Donal Doherty. ministers of Baronscourt, Rev Sam Organist was David Stevens and Livingstone, the Rev Jonathan Cowan, Trumpet Players were Pamela Stainer the Rev Ivan Dinsmore and by the Rev and Patrick McCarthy. Tim Close of the Cathedral staff.

The music included the Rachmaninov Following the service guests enjoyed ‘Bogoroditse Devo’ sung by the refreshments in the Nave. Cathedral Digest 9 RAF Volunteer Reserve honoured by plaque oung lives lost in the service of teer Reserve & the Receiving of the new their country were honoured as a No 502 (Ulster) Squadron Standard. Ymemorial plaque to the RAF Volunteer Reserve was unveiled in A unit of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Belfast Cathedral on Sunday May 19. Reserve (RAFVR) was formed in Belfast in January 1939, under the command of The service was attended by veterans Wing Commander HG Gauntlet who had and by senior figures in the Royal Air been a Colonel in the British Army during Force, including Air Vice-Marshal Harvey World War One. Smyth, and RAF Chaplain-in-Chief, the Venerable (Air Vice-Marshal) John Ellis The RAFVR in Belfast was established QHC, who preached. to support the rapid expansion of the pilot and navigator establishment The service, on the 100th anniversary of necessary for in 1939. the RAF Benevolent Fund, included the unveiling of the Roll of Honour for the ircraft manufacturer Short & pre-World War II Royal Air Force Volun- Harland was invited by the AMinistry of Defence to operate a training school at Belfast Harbour Airport. The school, opened in January 1939, became known as No 24 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School.

The school was exclusively used for the training of RAFVR. The Reservists had been educated at grammar schools or technical colleges and came from all walks of life and social backgrounds. They all had a desire to fly, and there was no shortage of volunteers.

More than 300 young men joined the RAFVR between January 1 1939 and May 1 1940. On September 3 1939, 140 of them were called to full time service and posted to various RAF stations in England for further training.

Many could not drive a car or ride a motorcycle but within six months of Dean Stephen Forde receives the new No 502 (Ulster) advanced training were flying Lancaster Squadron Standard bombers or Spitfire fighters over enemy 10 Cathedral Digest The No 502 (Ulster) Squadron Standard is carried into the Cathedral at the RAF Reserve centenary service. held territory. Sadly 92 of them were Remembrance was recited by Lawrence killed in action, some during the Battle of Haynes, Chairman of the RAF Britain. Forty eight survived. Benevolent Fund.

The Roll of Honour unveiled on May 19 The Act of Remembrance featured The honours those who joined the RAFVR Last Post, Silence and the Reveille, after between January 1 and August 31 1939. which Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth laid a wreath. The service in the Cathedral was led by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Dean Forde said it had been a huge Stephen Forde. After the singing of the honour to host the Service of Commem- first hymn, the No 502 (Ulster) Squadron oration for those men who volunteered Standard was received. from the schools of Northern Ireland to join the RAF Volunteer Reserve. he first Lesson, from Samuel 17:40-49 was read by historian The commemorative plaque, giving the TMr John Hewitt, who has names of all those in the RAF Volunteer researched the names to be included Reserve who lost their lives as airmen, on the Memorial. is now permanently located in St Anne’s next to the plaque which was installed Ms Anna MacKenzie, daughter of Wing last year to mark the centenary of the Commander Kenneth William MacKenzie founding of the RAF. DFC AFC AE, read the second lesson from Romans Chapter Eight. The Dean said the service was ‘a day of great pride’ for those families who have During an Act of Remembrance, the a direct link with those named on the RAF Band played a Lament. The Ode of memorial plaque. Cathedral Digest 11 New Connor Mothers’ Union President Mrs Sally Cotter with Archdeacon Stephen McBride, Connor MU Chaplain, left, and the Very Rev Stephen Forde, Dean of Belfast. Connor MU Festival onnor Mothers’ Union held its annual Festival Service in St CAnne’s on Sunday April 7. The service including the commissioning of Mrs Sally Cotter as Diocesan President.

Mrs Cotter was commissioned by the Chaplain of Connor Mothers’ Union, the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor. The theme of the service was ‘Listen, Observe, Act – In Step with God.’

Preacher was the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde. Worship was led by the Cathedral Choir. The readings MU Banners process in at the start of the service. were by Mrs Lyn Cassidy, Mid Connor in Connor Diocese were carried in pro- Area Secretary, and the Rev Dr Bob cession and presented to the Diocesan Cotter, husband of the new President. Chaplain before the service, and carried The Prayers of Intercession were led out again in procession at the end. by Joyce Bond, Faith and Policy Unit Co-ordinator, and Irene Gates, Diocesan Sally Cotter, a former primary school Secretary. teacher, has been a member of Mothers’ Union since 1989, and has held posts at Banners for all Mothers’ Union Branches all levels. 12 Cathedral Digest Dangers of childbirthCantate! in Sierra Leone in focus osamond Bennett, Chief ties to rebuild and refurbish run-down Executive of Christian Aid Ireland, health centres, to install solar lighting, Rjoined Dean Stephen Forde to provide delivery beds and above all to launch Christian Aid Week 2019 at ensure trained nursing staff are available Belfast Cathedral on May 10. so the whole community can benefit from improved healthcare.” This year the charity focused on Sierra Leone where, after a civil war (1991- Dean Forde spoke of the significance 2002), and the worst Ebola outbreak in of the ‘Remember our Child’ Books of history (2014-2016), people are Remembrance containing the names of battling to rebuild healthcare. Each day, infants who have died in Northern Ireland 10 women die in childbirth. in and around the time of their birth.

This is due to long distances to health “They also remember the families who centres; a lack of trained healthcare forever hold precious a child who was workers; poorly equipped health centres; loaned for only a brief period of time,” and hunger – pregnant women often the Dean said. “It is in such a place that don’t have the strength to give birth. we remember the mothers and infants of Sierra Leone, the west African country Rosamond said: “We are working where mothers are least likely to survive through our partners in rural communi- childbirth.”

Dean Stephen Forde and Christian Aid Chief Executive Rosamund Bennett launch Christian Aid Week with images from Sierra Leone.

Cathedral Digest 13 Heritage A Cathedral for Belfast

June 2, 1904, consecration day. hursday, June 2 1904 witnessed representation of the clergy of the dio- the consecration of the nave of cese and a remarkable gathering of the TBelfast Cathedral. Weather wise, leading laity of Belfast and district head- a ‘more perfect day could not have been ed by the Lord Mayor, Sir Otto Jaffe, and imagined,’ and Donegall Street was ‘gay the scarlet-cloaked City Fathers showing with flags and alive with excitement from a ‘desire to mark corporal approval of an early hour.’ any institution that tends to increase the dignity, importance, and the physical, Crowds gathered at the new building, moral and spiritual welfare of Belfast.’ though not everyone could be accom- modated. Stewards collected tickets and t the West Door, Lord Shaftesbury, showed those admitted to seats. There Dean’s Warden, read the was ‘an entire absence of any confusion APetition for Consecration. The or noise, a circumstance which was befit- clergy then proceeded to the East End ting to the solemnity of the occasion.’ from where the Bishop, Dr Welland, spoke: “Let us not doubt but that (God) “It was felt that the occasion was of will also favourably approve our present importance not only to Churchmen purpose of setting apart this place in sol- alone, but to all who have the dignity of emn manner for the performance of the the city at heart, and affected members several offices of religious worship; and of every denomination.” (Whig) let us faithfully and devoutly pray for His blessing on this our undertaking.” The 11.30am service, ‘solemn, imposing, effective,’ was honoured by the atten- Prayers were offered for those who dance of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, would minister, worship, be baptised, the Earl of Dudley (the King had been married, or ordained in the building, invited but declined). Present were before the Chancellor read the Act of nearly all the Irish bishops, a full Consecration which the Bishop signed.

14 Cathedral Digest The service was the first public trial of Next day the News Letter told its readers: the new choir and choirmaster, Mr CJ “There can be no doubt (the Cathedral) Brennan. Press comment on the music will serve a most useful purpose as a was mixed. ‘The old organ… inadequate centre for the activities of the Church, in the volume of its tone for so large a and a place for the assembling of building (was) augmented by an orches- crowded congregations on occasions of tra’ of 40 musicians. Telegraph: ‘This special interest and importance.” innovation… was more than justified by the grand results achieved. The inspiring hat kind of building was the strains of the Jubilate Deo and the Te new St Anne’s? News Letter: Deum Laudamus took a deeper signifi- W“Incomplete, but full of sug- cance and breathed a deeper feeling of gestiveness of its ultimate beauty and religious awe and reverence over the majesty…... great congregation by the impressive manner in which the orchestra aided “The front of the building itself, with its in bringing out the full effect.’ And ‘the superstructure of aristocratic ashlar Hallelujah Chorus… has perhaps never and its lower face of plebeian brick…… been heard in the city to finer advantage gave by no means a just idea of what rendered as it was by a greatly augment- the finished pile will be like. Inside it ed choir’ (160 voices). only needs a moderately artistic eye to appreciate the simple majesty of the col- he Whig noted ‘an unevenness’ umns—rough and uncarved though their when soprano and contralto voices capitals be—that support the nave, and Twere mixed with trebles, but con- admire the lofty roof, the simple, severe, ceded ‘it did not detract materially.’ The yet graceful arches, windows and mould- paper found the music presented ings and the fine expanse of its interior.” difficulties for the congregation which was ‘hopelessly outdistanced by the Looking ahead, the Whig said: “When choral lead,’ and when it came to the the lower portion of the front is faced with chanting of the Psalms, ‘the tempo of the stone, when the transepts and spire and choir was in most cases too much for any chancel are built, when the sculptor’s but the most skilled followers of modern chisel… the Cathedral will be a noble church music.’ However the paper admit- building worthy of its venerable architect, ted that ‘apart from this the choral parts Sir Thomas Drew, and worthy of the were excellently sung.’ population of Down Connor and Dromore.” The singing of the anthem ‘I have surely built thee a house’ (William Boyce) by a Church of Ireland Gazette: “St Anne’s trio from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Cathedral is seen to be in harmony with ‘whose interpretation left nothing to be the best spirit of the people among whom desired,’ was ‘nearly marred’ by the it stands. Serviceability to humanity has ciphering of the old organ. not been sacrificed to ornament. Beauty comes in as an adjunct to usefulness. The preacher, the Rt Rev Dr William Amplitude, strength, and quiet impres- Boyd-Carpenter, Bishop of Ripon, ‘deliv- siveness are the prevailing characteris- ered a powerful and strikingly eloquent tics. Everywhere there is the promise of discourse which occupied 42 minutes,’ great things yet to be. The Cathedral is using as his text Hebrew 11, 39-40. prophetic in its uncompleted grandeur.”

Cathedral Digest 15 Reflections on Easter time e invited people across North- seven meditations on ern Ireland to enter into Holy the Words of WWeek when our Palm Sunday Jesus from the Cross service on April 14 was broadcast live on of Calvary. The final BBC Radio Ulster. service of the day was a Liturgy for That afternoon, members of the parishes Good Friday. of the Mid Belfast Rural Deanery to Evensong joined us for a Holy Week of On Holy Saturday, shared services. the dramatic Easter Vigil Service began with the lighting of the Easter fire on the Special Choral Evensongs were held on Cathedral steps at 8.30pm. From the fire Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. At the Pascal Candle was lit, and indoors, the heart of these, the choir sang an an- at each place of significance within the them from the powerful ‘St John Passion’ Cathedral, the congregation retold the written by contemporary composer Bob salvation story of God’s actions through Chilcott. There was a short meditation by the history of the Bible. clergy on ‘People of the Passion.’ On Easter Morning, April 21, our festival The recently retired Bishop of Aberdeen services of resurrection joy began with and Orkney, the Rt Rev Dr R Gillies Holy Communion for Easter Day at (pictured), was special preacher at our 10am in the Chapel of Unity, and con- Maundy Thursday Eucharist and the tinued at 11am with the Easter Festival Good Friday Three-Hour Service. Choral Eucharist. Our celebrations ended with Choral Evensong for Easter At the Maundy Thursday Eucharist, we Afternoon. recreated the scene when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, and the service Our popular family event - Belfast’s concluded with the Stripping of the Altar. Biggest Indoor Easter Egg Hunt, From 12 noon until 3pm on Good Friday, returned on Easter Tuesday with more Bishop Gillies guided our thoughts with than 200 people taking part.

Jo-Anne Dobson, fourth from right at front, Northern Ireland charity ambassador for the patient support charity Kidney Care UK, was a guest of Belfast Cathedral’s Mothers’ Union on April 14. The former Assembly Member, who donated a kidney to her son Mark in March 2018, was invited to the branch meeting to talk about kidney donation and raise awareness of all types of organ donation.

16 Cathedral Digest The Belfast Community Gospel Choir. The King’s singers Two concerts not to miss! xcitement is building as the songwriters from the past 500 years, Cathedral prepares to welcome the bringing together classic audience favou- Erenowned King’s Singers on June rites and some new surprises. 22 for their only concert in Ireland this year. Hailed as ‘the soul of Belfast’ the Belfast Community Gospel Choir is a Before that, we also have the fantastic relentless ambassador for the city of Belfast Community Gospel Choir, Belfast, spreading the message of love, Northern Ireland’s first and only joy and peace through music. multicultural gospel choir, on June 16. Performances are charged with passion, The King’s Singers’ concert will expose and the energy and joy the choir exudes just how deeply and variously love can from the stage is infectious! Tickets for affect us – through the eyes of an both events are in demand and are unusually diverse mix of composers and available on the Cathedral website. Children’s trails design opportunity The Cathedral is seeking a designer KS2 and family audiences. A site visit is based in Belfast to assist in the creation essential. For further information please of a selection of children’s trails and contact Lorna Towns on 028 9032 8332. characters. Deadline for submissions: Wednesday The trails will be targeted towards KS1, June 19 at 12 noon. Register ‘GOD IS LOVE, AND THOSE WHO LIVE IN LOVE LIVE IN GOD, AND GOD LIVES IN THEM’ May 3 Aaron Edwards and Kirsty McMillen May 31 Garth Hunter and Catherine Dickson June 1 Michael Allen and Victoria Cheevers

Cathedral Digest 17 Who’s Who in St Anne’s

The Dean Receptionist / Administrator The Very Rev Stephen Forde Chris Weir 9032 8332 9032 8332 ext 222 [email protected] [email protected]

Dean’s Vicar Digest Editor The Revd Canon Mark Niblock Karen Bushby 9032 8332 07766 1003880 [email protected] [email protected]

Assistant Clergy Organist Emeritus The Revd Tim Close Mr Ian Barber Revd Janice Elsdon 9032 8332 Welcome Desk Agnes Moore Other Clergy Margaret McCourt The Rt Revd Alan Harper Gemma Connery The Revd Clyde Irvine The Revd Paul Twomey Parish Reader Denise Murray Master of the Choristers David Stevens Vergers 9032 8332 Ronnie Lawrenson 07545 157613 Philip Prosser [email protected] Cameron McGaughey

Marketing Manager Verger Emeritus Holly Wilson David Alexander 9032 8332 [email protected] Cathedral Sextons Sam Porter Visitor Services Manager Mark Geddis Helen Graham Gerald Kennedy 9032 8332 [email protected] Stewards’ Coordinators Helen Graham Events & Tourism Assistant Mike Johnston Lorna Towns 9032 8332 Mothers’ Union [email protected] Alberta Miskimmin (Hon Sec) 9079 8033

18 Cathedral Digest Who’s Who in St Anne’s

Flower List & Coffee Rota Chapter Canons: [email protected] The Rev Michael Parker (2015) The Rev Kevin Graham (2019) Friends of the Cathedral Joan Thompson OBE, Minor Canons: Hon Treasurer / Members Sec The Rev NDJ Kirkpatrick (2014) 9332 9102 The Rev J Bell (2015)

Past Choristers’ Association Ecumenical Canons: Co-ordinator: Ian Monro The Rev Dr R Patterson (2012) 07799 608959 The Rev Ruth E Patterson (2014) [email protected] The Very Rev Edward O’Donnell (2016)

Archivists Lay Canons Norman Weatherall Mr Robert Kay MBE (2016) Dr Stanley Hawkins Mrs Myrtle Kerr (2016)

Principal Cathedral Guide The Cathedral Board Norman Weatherall The Dean (Chairman) The The Cathedral Chapter The Bishop of Down & Dromore The Dean The Dean’s Vicar Treasurer & Chapter Clerk: The The Archdeacons of Belfast and Down Rev Mark Niblock (2016) The Rev J Elsdon Chancellor: The Venerable The Rev Canon M Taylor DA McClay (2013) Mrs G McGaughey (Hon Sec) Precentor: The Venerable GTW Dr V KcKinley Davison (2013) Mr J Watson Mr R Kay MBE Canons of Connor: Dr M Callender The Rev Nigel Baylor (2012) Mr R Totten MBE The Rev Mark Taylor (2016) Mr R Moore The Rev David Humphries (2016) Mr A Reilly The Rev Stephen Fielding (2018) Dr R Cromey Mr N Pierpoint Canons of Down and Dromore Mr Patrick Good The Rev R Nesbitt (2003) The Rev SH Lowry (2013) The Rev G Harron (2016) The Rev G Withers (2017)

Cathedral Digest 19

Sunday Services Weekday services

10.00am Holy Communion Tuesday and Thursday 11.00am Sung Eucharist 1.00pm Cathedral Prayers 3.30pm Choral Evensong

Monday to Friday 5.30pm Choral Evensong (until June 23) 5.30pm Said Service of Evening Prayer (July and August) Upcoming services and events June

Saturday June 15 - The Last Supper and Songfest - tickets cost £42 for meal and concert or £30 for concert. Concert only tickets can be purchased on day of performance. Book online at www.nashvilleinbelfast.com

Sunday June 16 @ 7.30pm - Belfast Community Gospel Choir

Saturday June 22 @ 7.30pm - The King’s Singers in concert

Sunday June 23 @ 3.30pm – End of Year Choral Evensong in celebration of the achievements of our Cathedral Choristers and Farewell Evensong for David Stevens after seven years as Director of Music.

July

July 10 - lunchtime concert with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus

For further information on all events visit www.belfastcathedral.org

2 Cathedral Digest