THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST ANNE

DIGESTDECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

Happy retirement Agnes! Page 5

The Very Rev is preparing for his first Black Santa Sit-out since his installation as of . He is looking forward to meeting people on the Cathedral steps as he aims to raise as much money as possible for local charities. Please call by, and if you cannot make it you can donate online at www.belfastcathedral.org. Cathedral Digest 3 Dean Stephen reflects... or many peo- So, Jesus was born at a time of height- Fple, and most ened political tension and national Belfast shops, uncertainty. He was born of parents the Christmas forced to make a perilous journey at the festivities began diktat of occupying powers. He was born in the middle of in a cow byre loaned by the kindness of November and an overworked inn keeper. will end abruptly On December 25, Christmas is ‘Good on December 26 News’ precisely because God took the with the start of amazing risk of allowing His Saviour ‘The Sales.’ to be born into our world, with all the vulnerability of a tiny baby, laid to sleep In front of the City Hall, the lively Christ- in a manger. mas market was in full swing long before December 1. But overshadowing all And our response to the Christmas attempts to brighten the darkness, there miracle, the gift of God’s son? Surely it looms the dark shadow of Brexit, with is to welcome Jesus into our real world, a vote in Parliament on December 11 with all the enthusiasm of the Wise Men and all the confusion about what could of Epiphany, and with the determination happen next. This Christmas our world is of a Black Santa braving the cold, wind an uncertain place for individuals and for and rain of Belfast in December so that our nation. Christ’s light will shine brighter for many more people in uncertain times. But this is exactly how it was on the first Christmas morning, 2,000 years This year may you all know the waiting ago. And this is why the Church does of Advent, the joy of Christmas and the not celebrate Christmas in isolation, but welcome of Epiphany. in a context of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. New website The church’s Sundays of Advent run Belfast Cathedral’s brand new web- from Sunday December 2 to Sunday site at the familiar www.belfastcathe- December 23. On each of these dral.org is now live. Sundays one more red Advent Candle will be lit, preparing the way for Christ’s The cutting edge site, designed by breaking-in to history, for the birth of the Belfast-based Big Pixel, has an easy- Baby of Bethlehem. to-navigate menu, some stunning photography, and clear But Advent is a season of waiting, of access to information on all the preparing, and of hearing from the Cathedral’s services, music, events, and hire facilities. prophets that God would not enter a fairy tale world of tinsel and reindeers, The website is funded by the Heritage but that God promised to act in the real Lottery Fund. world for people facing real difficulties. 2 Cathedral Digest A warm Christmas welcome elfast Cathedral will be buzzing over Advent and Christmas, with our own Bseasonal services, the Black Santa Sit-out for charities, a Black Santa Bazaar and a range of carol services run by different charities and organisations. A full list of Carol services and other events over the next few weeks is below.

• December 8 - 2.30pm Come and Sing with John Rutter • December 11 - 4pm St Anne Trust Carolfest • December 12 - 6pm Chamber of Commerce Carol Service • December 13 - 7.30pm Mercy Ships Carol Service • December 14 - 6.30pm Home Start Carol Service • December 17 - 6.30pm PWC Carol Service • December 17 – 24 Black Santa Sit-out • December 18 - 7.30pm Grosvenor Grammar School Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols • December 20 - 5.30pm Black Santa Christmas Bazaar – Music, food, art, gifts • December 22 - 7.30pm Ravara Productions presents ‘Sing we now of Christmas’ • Sunday December 23 - 3.30pm Lessons and Carols for the City with the Cathedral Choirs • Christmas Eve - 8pm Festival Lessons and Carols with the Cathedral Choirs • Christmas Eve - 11pm Choral Eucharist for Christmas with the Cathedral Choirs • Christmas Day - 11am Christmas Festival Choral Eucharist with special preacher the Rt Rev Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore • January 6 - 11am Choral Eucharist and 3.30pm Choral Evensong to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Cathedral Digest 3 Congratulations Holly! olly Wilson, Belfast Cathedral’s Events and Marketing Manager, Hdid St Anne’s proud at the final of the Women in Business Awards NI Awards in the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday November 8.

Holly was shortlisted as a finalist in the Young Business Woman of the Year Category of these prestigious awards.

She was accompanied to the gala evening by the , the Very Rev Stephen Forde, Visitor Services Manager Helen Graham and Cathedral Board Member Robert Moore.

Nearly 50 inspirational individuals and companies were included on the shortlist Marketing and Events Manager Holly Wilson with her which ranged from the sole-trader Women in Business nominee certificate. operation through to representatives you to everyone who sent supportive from corporate giants such as BT, emails and messages.” Danske Bank and PWC. Holly added: “I’m also delighted to an- Holly and the other finalists were invited nounce that Women in Business will be on an exclusive one-day retreat in Dublin bringing their next gala dinner to Belfast at the Virgin Media Television Studios Cathedral in February 2019!” where they took part in workshops and networking with special guest Tracey Jane Cassidy, founder and chief Flower arrangers executive of Junior Einsteins and sought winner of Voom 2018. Volunteers are being sought to under- More than 500 guests attended the take flower arranging. Outside of special awards dinner. Holly said afterwards: “It occasions, flowers will be kept for two was lovely to attend the Women in Sundays. The cost of providing flowers Business Awards. every other Sunday is estimated to be approximately £50 fortnightly. “The food, entertainment and speakers were fantastic and we were delighted to Anyone wishing to volunteer as a flower represent Belfast Cathedral. arranger, or who would like to make a donation towards the cost of flowers, for “Although there was no award to bring example as an ‘in memoriam,’ should back it was a privilege to be nominated call into the Cathedral office or email and I would like to say a massive thank [email protected]. 4 Cathedral Digest Dean Stephen Forde presents a gift to Agnes Laffey at her retirement party on November 27. Happy retirement Agnes! fter almost 50 years Agnes Laffey every Dean that I have met,” she said. has retired as a sexton of Bel- fast Cathedral. Agnes worked at Agnes, who now lives in the Fortwilliam A area, will return regularly to the Cathe- Norwich Union Insurance before taking up the role of sexton around 1970, just dral to attend services as a parishioner. as Dean Cuthbert Peacocke was leaving and Dean Sammy Crooks arrived. On November 27, staff said farewell to Agnes at a party in the library. “Agnes Agnes married her late husband James has been part of the life of Belfast in the Cathedral in October 1952. James Cathedral for decades, working with served in the Army and for eight years Dean Sammy Crooks, Dean Jack Agnes travelled with him. Shearer, Dean Houston McKelvey, Dean John Mann and myself,” Dean Stephen They settled in Newtownabbey, and had Forde said. two daughters, Gail, and the late Allison. Both girls were married in the Cathedral. “Today we want to thank you for Agnes is now proud grandmother to everything that you have done for all the seven, and great grandmother to five. people you have seen through this place, for your friendly smile, your happy Life in St Anne’s was a little more sedate welcome, and for making sure the rest in Agnes’s early days as sexton. “There of us were in the right place at the right were a lot less people working in the time, for all you have organised and for Cathedral then,” said Agnes. “We were all the cups of tea!” the Dean added. like a big family.” Dean Forde presented a gift and a card Agnes said she always enjoyed working signed by all the staff before helping for St Anne’s. “I love it. I love everything Agnes and Gail cut a retirement cake. about it. I love the crowds of people, Have a very happy retirement Agnes! Cathedral Digest 5 Fun on Stewards’ Day Out olunteer stewards joined Welcome Afterwards there was an opportunity to VDesk staff for a visit to two key visitor explore the beautiful gardens. sites on Tuesday September 25 – Hillsborough Castle and the Ulster The Castle, residence of the Secretary Aviation Society at Maze Long Kesh. of State for Northern , is undergo- ing considerable transformation under Before departing, representatives from a £16m programme by Historic Royal Tourism presented Palaces. The work is scheduled for Dean Stephen Forde with a Certificate completion in April, though many rooms showing that Belfast Cathedral is a World are already open to the visiting public. Host recognised business, evidence of commitment to training to ensure every After lunch in Hillsborough village, the visitor has the best experience possible. Cathedral group travelled to the large hanger at the Maze Long Kesh site, now The Dean then presented certificates to occupied by the Ulster Aviation Society. volunteers and staff who had success- The Society, which celebrated its 50th fully completed their World Host anniversary in 2018 has a collection of Training. “You are part of something more than 35 aircraft, ranging from vin- really important,” the Dean said. “We tage WWII fighters through Cold War-era need to make every visit a memorable fast jets, Shorts-designed & built aircraft, visit for those who come through the civilian aircraft, plus military artefacts. door. We are aiming for excellence in everything. You all have a love for this The group was guided around the han- Cathedral, and that shows.” gar, learning more about the individual aircraft and the men and women who At Hillsborough Castle, the group flew them. Everyone enjoyed the oppor- enjoyed a tour of the Royal residence, tunity to climb aboard or try out a cockpit! learning the history of the building, those who have occupied its rooms and Thanks to Visitor Services Manager stories behind the many treasures within. Helen Graham for organising the day.

Volunteers and staff receive their World Host Certificate before departing for Hillsborough Castle.

6 Cathedral Digest WO2 Wilkins and WO1 Monaghan before the Service of Remembrance. Royal Irish remembers he Royal Irish Regiment ‘family’ gath- The Rev Dr I Thompson, Honorary Tered in the Cathedral for a Service of Chaplain to the Regiment, led an Act of Remembrance on November 4. Remembrance. Representatives of each of the antecedent and foundation Regi- The Regiment meets each year to ments which form the Royal Irish Regi- remember all of those who have died, ment family attended. A wreath was also whether in action or of natural causes. All laid by the Colonel of the Regiment. ranks of the Regiment and many veter- ans and bereaved families attended. In his sermon, Archbishop Clarke spoke of human dignity in the context of Special guests included Brigadier Colin remembrance and the reality of hope Weir DSO MBE, the Colonel of the Regi- and peace through following and ment, and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant experiencing the presence of Jesus for Belfast, Mrs Fionnuala Jay O’Boyle. Christ. Taking his theme from the regimental motto – ‘Clear the Way/Fág The service was led by Dean Stephen an Bealach’ – the Archbishop highlighted Forde, and featured the Cathedral Choir its resonance with swords being beaten conducted by Master of the Choristers into ploughshares and spears into prun- David Steven. There was also music ing hooks. from The Royal Irish Regiment Band. “This was the honest hope of many who Lessons were read by Brigadier Weir volunteered to fight in the First World and Lieutenant Colonel PJ Walkley, War, that this was a war that would Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion The destroy war for all time,” the Archbishop Royal Irish Regiment. said. Cathedral Digest 7 Cathedral a hub for elfast Cathedral hosted a poignant Bcommemoration on November 11 marking the Centenary of the signing of Culture Night the Armistice at the end of World War Culture Night Belfast returned on One. September 21, with the Cathedral a focal point for activities. Relatives of those who were killed or maimed in the 1914-1918 conflict A highlight of the celebrations had to be gathered with others from all over Ireland the PowerNI light show, which used the with links to that war for a service West Front of the Cathedral as a canvas broadcast live on BBC TV and radio. for a colourful, quite spectacular light and music show. His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG was in attendance and read Events in St Anne’s began with the a lesson. Other key figures included Cathedral choir singing Choral Evensong Secretary of State Karen Bradley, Her at 5.30pm, followed by Amy McAllister Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the City of playing the harp. It was standing room Belfast, Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, Irish only for the Ulster Orchestra’s Experi- Government Minister Damien English, ence the Magic concert from 7pm-8pm. City Councillors and politicians. Next up was singer/songwriter Matty Rea and at 9pm the Cathedral fell silent for Josh and Will De Wind, descendants of Sung Compline, with literally hundreds of war hero Second Lieutenant Edmund people attending. De Wind, travelled from New York for the service. De Wind was awarded a Victoria Belfast singer/songwriter Owen McKa- Cross and his name is carved on a pillar vanagh concluded the evening in the on the West Front of Belfast Cathedral. Cathedral but outside the Culture Night party continued into the wee small hours! The special guests were welcomed by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Ste- phen Forde, and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, Chairman of the Northern Ireland First World War Centenary Committee.

The preacher was the Most Rev Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland. The Blessing was given by the Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Primate and Archbishop of Armagh. The two have been on a shared journey since the commemoration of the outbreak of the war in 1914, a journey referred to by Archbishop Martin in his sermon.

The commemorations began early Cathedral Organ Scholar Jack Wilson and Ulster com- when, at 6am on the 11th day of the 11th poser Philip Hammond discuss one of Philip’s organ month, Pipe Major Margaret Hill from works that Jack played as a Voluntary during October.

8 Cathedral Digest Poignant Armistice Centenary

Perspex figures in the congregation representing the fallen of WW1: There But Not There. Photo: Darren Kidd, Press Eye. Cookstown played The Battle’s O’er. In a significant change to traditional com- The Cathedral held its own Service of memoration services, this service fea- Remembrance at 11am. The afternoon tured a moment of reflection rather than service coincided with services in Dublin, an act of remembrance. Instead of laying Glasgow and Cardiff, ahead of the na- wreaths, several volumes of Ireland’s tional service at Westminster Abbey. Memorial Records, held in St Anne’s, were laid at a field altar. The books were The service of Choral Evensong was led borne by people who have at least one by the Cathedral choir and members of family member who was killed in the war the Ulster Orchestra, under the direction and is named in the memorial records. of the Choirmaster David Stevens. Acting Organist was Mark McGrath and As the sun set, a lantern was carried out- Cantor was the Rev Julie Bell, a Minor side the Cathedral as those inside and Canon of Belfast Cathedral. those watching on television or listening on radio, remembered all the fallen. The emphasis of the service was on remembrance and reconciliation, with In his address, Archbishop Martin poet Michael Longley reading his focused on peace and reconciliation, acclaimed work ‘Ceasefire.’ and spoke about the pilgrimages he and Archbishop Clarke had made together to To coincide with the service, a new col- Ypres. Just miles from the Menin Gate, lection of poetry, ‘Wake up Jamesie Lad,’ on his first visit, he located the grave of written for the Armistice by local man his great uncle Edward at Canada Farm Paul Gilmore, has been published. cemetery.

A choral anthem specially commissioned The Archbishop told the congregation: for the service was sung by the Cathe- “The brave people we are remember- dral Choir. The music was by Irish com- ing are calling us to recognise their poser Eoghan Desmond and the words shared suffering by building a better were drawn from a poem written in 1915 future where difference is accepted and by Lisburn poet Katharine Tynan. respected.” Cathedral Digest 9 David Stevens, Master of the Choristers and Clergy who assisted at the Pets’ Service. From left: Canon Mark Taylor; David Stevens; Dean Stephen Forde, The Rev Janice Elsdon,the Rev Paul Twomey and the Rev Ron Elsdon. Pets help raise the woof! orshippers really raised the woof at The sermon was preached by Dean WChoral Evensong in Belfast Cathe- Forde, with reference to that well-known dral on Sunday September 30! animal linguist Dr Doolittle!

Dozens of doggies and a sprinkling of At the end of the service, pets were in- cats padded into St Anne’s for the vited to be individually blessed by mem- Cathedral’s second annual Pet’s Service. bers of the clergy, with the Dean, the Rev Janice Elsdon, the Rev Ron Elsdon, The animals were all very well behaved, the Rev Canon Mark Taylor and the Rev some joined in heartily with the hymns Paul Twomey doing the blessings. and anthems, others listened intently to the prayers and readings as they cuddled in their owners’ arms, and some just wanted to strut their stuff down the aisle!

Dean Stephen Forde and Master of the Choristers David Stevens had selected appropriate readings, music and an- thems for the service. David’s dog Xin help him conduct the choir, while Organ Scholar Jack Wilson’s dog Ted sat be- The Rev John Anderson, rector of Billy and Derrykeighan, Diocese of Connor, brought the family to side him at the organ during the service! the Pets’ Service along with their doggy Rusty.

10 Cathedral Digest Agnes Moore, a member of the cathedral Welcome It was a friendly, fun-filled service, and Desk team, brought Roxy along. many of those who attended expressed thanks to the Cathedral for organis- ing it. Comments included: “It’s so nice to see our beloved companions being recognised,” and “Thank you for the op- portunity to have our four legged friends acknowledged and blessed.”

Dean Forde said: “The blessing of pets gives us a wonderful opportunity to thank God for the gift of animals, and for us to ask God’s blessing on all that he has made. How cute is Scooby?! “For some, our pets are as special to us as any member of our family. To some the animal by their side gives the gift of independent living. Many work- ing animals save lives through search and rescue, while all working animals demand our respect and care.”

Dean Forde added: “And, in a global sense, we are all called to a greater care of the ecology and environment of the created world.” Dean Stephen Forde blesses Krystal the Chihuahua. Cathedral Digest 11 Brave lads remembered

James Laughlin Wesley Laughlin Herbert Laughlin Arthur Cree

uring November, as we remembered (wounded), W Lemon, C McCauley, W Dthe victims of a conflict which ended McWilliam, D Motherwell, J Pittaway, 100 years ago, many stories emerged James Reid, John Reid, J Rogers, R about the boys who stepped up to serve Smyth (wounded) and W Willis.(It is during the Great War. probable that other lads joined later in the war.) These stories included those belonging to the Belfast Cathedral Company of the Lt James Laughlin, 20th Bn King’s Church Lads’ Brigade (CLB). Liverpool Regiment, an Officer in the Cathedral Company, was killed on July The Belfast Cathedral Company of the 1 1916. A brother, Herbert (Bertie), was CLB was formed in 1898. Lads were severely wounded while serving with the trained in ambulance work, gymnastics, 14th RIR. Another brother, Wesley, was drill, mock battles, signalling, and shoot- seriously wounded at Gallipoli. ing. The Cathedral CLB Company had a particularly good shooting team prior to Sapper Arthur Cree came from a military the war, winning the Cooper Challenge family. He was the first boy soloist at Cup, an all Ireland open competition. the opening of St Anne’s Cathedral and remained in the choir for some time. When the Great War began in 1914, When he was 18, he enlisted in the hundreds of past and present mem- Royal Engineers, serving for three years, bers of the CLB enlisted in the Armed before transferring to the Reserves. At Forces. The following are lads from the the outbreak of war, he went forward for Cathedral CLB Company who joined up service and was sent out to France and in 1914 to fight on the battlefields of the Flanders with the British Expeditionary First World War. Force. He took part in the operation to blow up the bridge at Mons and narrowly A Almery, J Blogg, H Clarke, R Connar, escaped with his life. Arthur Cree was A Cree (killed), A Curdy, A Hamilton, S killed on May 12 1915. Harcourt, D Harrison, E Hill, G Hill, W Howell, J Kenwn, H Laughlin (wound- by Johnny Conn, CLCGB ed), J Laughlin (killed), W Laughlin Development Officer 12 Cathedral Digest Cantate!

Voices Together perform during the Cantate! Concert.

n November 21 Jubilate! Chamber protest songs, and African folk melodies. OChoir, Voices Together Community Choir and the Cathedral Girls’ Choir The Cathedral Girls’ Choir sings Choral presented Cantate! - a concert of hope Evensong on Mondays and Wednesdays and celebration on the Eve of St Cecilia’s and both the Eucharist and Evensong Day every other Sunday.

There were also poems and reflections Belfast Cathedral and Corrymeela have from Dean Stephen Forde and Pádraig a well-established working relation- Ó Tuama, renowned poet and leader of ship and both Dean Stephen Forde and the Corrymeela Community. The concert Pádraig Ó Tuama are keen to further was jointly organised by the Cathedral reconciliation and outreach in Belfast. and Corrymeela, Northern Ireland’s old- est centre for peace and reconciliation, In his words of welcome in the concert as a fundraiser for both organistions. programme, Pádraig said: “Music lifts us towards God, and moves us towards St Cecilia is a famous Roman martyr and each other. When people sing, their Patron Saint of Music. hearts begin to beat together, we begin to breathe at the same time. Both Jubilate! and Voices Together were founded by Dave Stewart, a former stu- “This community of melody and breath- dent at the School of Music at Queen’s ing is a demonstration of what our University, Belfast. Jubilate! was estab- community can be, when we are joined lished in 1987, originally as a youth choir. together in the diversity of our voices.” It became an independent choir in 1994. Welcoming the visiting choirs and the Voices Together celebrates ‘the music audience in the programme, Dean Forde in diversity and the diversity in music’, said: “This is a chance to demonstrate and the programme on November 21 how music can join different voices in a included spirituals, contemporary gospel, shared harmony.” Cathedral Digest 13 Heritage By Norman Angels of St Anne’s Weatherall ebrews 13: 2 ‘Do not neglect to and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hshow hospitality to strangers, for hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’ Of the seven archangels four are rep- resented. Michael: ‘Who is like God’. Angel, from angelos (Greek), a mes- (nave, north-east corner) The soldier senger or envoy. Angels are common archangel, the greatest, he led the to both Judaism and Christianity. In the heavenly armies against Lucifer/ Satan Old Testament angels often appear as in the war in heaven (Revelation 12: 7). human beings, as in the story of Lot In art he is represented as a young man, (Genesis 19); in early Christian art they sometimes winged, and dressed either in were depicted as young men in long white or in armour with lance and shield; robes; wings did not appear until mid-4th in the Cathedral he holds a sword and century. scales with which to weigh the souls of the dead. A splendid representation of Colossians 1:16: Paul wrote ‘for by him Michael adorns the west front of were all things created that are in heav- Coventry Cathedral. en, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, abriel: ‘Strong man of God’. (nave, or principalities, or powers: all things Gnorth-west corner, Chapel of the were created through him and for him.’ Holy Spirit, Daniel window.) Sometimes regarded as the angel of death and the Following Paul, Dionysius the Pseudo prince of fire and thunder, but more often Areopagite in ‘The Celestial Hierarchy’, as God’s messenger. His symbol a white 5th century, classified angels in three lily. In the Old Testament he appeared triads or circles of three, nine orders in to Daniel to make known ‘what shall be all. First Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones; at the latter end of the indignation; for it second Dominions, Principalities and pertains to the appointed time of the end’ Powers; third, Virtues, Archangels and (Daniel 8:19); and again in chapter nine: Angels. Mediaeval writers either added ‘O Daniel, I have now come out to give to Dionysius’ classification or produced you wisdom and understanding.’ In the their own hierarchies of both angels and New Testament Gabriel foretells the birth demons, for example, ‘Then I saw the of John the Baptist (Luke 1: 5-7) and seven angels who stand before God…. announces to the Virgin Mary that she ’ (Revelation 8: 2) led to the belief that will give birth to the Christ. (Luke 1: 26f). there were seven archangels. Archibald Nicholson, the designer, has given his Gabriel all the glorious ‘equip- hat angelic presence can we find ment’ we might expect of an archangel. Win the Cathedral? In the Chapel of Daniel’s Gabriel is also winged. the Holy Spirit we meet the Seraphim as described in Isaiah 6: 2-3: ‘each had six Raphael: (nave, south-east) ‘Messen- wings: with two he covered his face, and ger of God’. The pilgrim archangel, he with two he covered his feet, and with carries a lantern and a staff. He appears two he flew. And one called to the other as guide to the young man Tobit in the

14 Cathedral Digest Seraphim in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.

apocryphal book of that name. Tobias’ you to guard you in all your ways.’ Acts father had chosen Raphael for the role, 12:11: ‘Peter came to himself, and said, unaware that he was an archangel since Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his he had appeared in the guise of a angel and rescued me from the hand of family member. Tobit catches a huge fish Herod…’ whose innards he removes as instructed by Raphael; the organs enable Tobit to ‘Plain’ angels are to be found in the survive as husband of the beautiful Sar- central west window and as corbels to ah (her previous seven husbands killed the chancel arch. ‘Hark the herald angels in the wedding chamber by a demon) sing’ in the mosaic above the west door and to restore his father’s eyesight. and on the pillar of music.

riel: ‘Light of God’. (nave, south-west Matthew 18:19 ‘See that you do not Ucorner) Sun-in-splendour on his despise one of these little ones; for I tell shield. He is to be found in the apocry- you that in heaven their angels always pha, Esdras 4: 1 and Enoch. Stories told behold the face of my father….’ Appro- about him include his saving of John the priately four cherubs, the work of Miss Baptist from the Massacre of the Inno- Praeger, adorn the Baptistery. (Cherubs cents ordered by Herod and carrying him are not to be confused with the more off to join the Holy Family in Egypt. He is impressive Cherubim.) also the keeper of beauty and light. September 29 is the Feast of St Michael ‘Plain’ angels, the lowest order, are those and All Angels. (Michaelmas). In Ireland most involved with humanity as mes- there is a tradition that sickness and sengers or as guardians: Psalm 91:11 disease follow the 29th and that the day ‘For he will give his angels charge of itself is unlucky for fishing. Cathedral Digest 15 Story of ‘Carol of the Bells’ ne of the most rec- For an excellent example of this, you Oognisable melodies can find a video of the Bel Canto Choir of the Christmas season Vilnius performing ‘Shchedryk’ on You- is ‘Carol of the Bells’ – it Tube – it has a simplicity and gentleness can be heard in various not found in Christmas performances, versions piped through and it is interesting to hear the work as shopping centre sound intended by the composer. systems, and even in the film ‘Home Alone’ which by David Stevens, Master of the graces our screens Mykola Leontovych Choristers each year (since (1877 – 1921) 1990!). However, the origins of the piece are not Christmas-related at all. Flowers The composer, Ukrainian Mykola Leon- Flowers have been donated by the tovyvh, was commissioned to create a following: work based on Ukrainian folk melodies July 29: Jill Steer in memory of Ruth for the Republic Choir Oleksander Ko- and George Bustard. shyts, and the resulting piece, ‘Shche- August 5: In memory of Dean Samuel dryk’, relates a New Year folk story, and Crooks. describes a swallow flying into a house- August 12: In Memory of Berta hold to proclaim that the family will have McMillen. a prosperous year. August 26: David and Helen Alexander in memory of parents. The Christmas text was given to the September 2: Sam Allen in memory of piece in the early 1930s, for a broadcast Mary Margaret Allen, a loving person. by the NBC Symphony Orchestra and September 16: Esther Miller in memory Choir. This, and subsequent broadcasts, of Graham Miller. introduced the work to a large number September 23: Rosemary Kinkead in of people, and it has remained popular memory of Bill Kinkead. since. September 30: Alan Martin in memory of parents. This piece now has two ‘performance October 7: Rosemary Kinkead in traditions’. The Christmas version (that memory of Bill Kinkead. you’ll hear at the Cathedral’s carol ser- November 25: Marion Gibson in vices this year) is generally performed memory of Tom Gibson. fairly fast, but the original Ukrainian version is a much more sedate affair. Freewill offering Many thanks for Freewill offerings New look Gazette received this year. If any member of the congregation would like to know The Church of Ireland Gazette changes their contribution to the Freewill Offer- to a monthly magazine format in ing for 2018 to date, please contact January. To order your copy please Brian Moore on 028 9086 5229. speak to Ronnie Lawrenson.

16 Cathedral Digest Food Bank thank you sther Miller would like to thank the visitors, schools and social workers many faithful and generous sup- identify people in crisis and issue them Eporters who donate to the Cathe- with a foodbank voucher. Your tin of dral’s Foodbank Appeal. Whether you rice pudding or fruit provides a lot more put a couple of items in one of our yellow than food. Foodbank volunteers offer a bags or share the Harvest bounty in the listening ear over a cup of tea or coffee form of tinned fruit and puddings, every and signpost people to other charities donation is vital and much appreciated. and agencies who can help resolve the underlying cause of the crisis. All your donations are delivered weekly to the Foodbank’s collection centre on Items in particular demand are listed on Dargan Road by Esther and Cameron. the label on the yellow bags. The Cathe- They are weighed, logged and sorted for dral’s signature bags have so impressed distribution. Your donations help to pro- the Foodbank Co-ordinators that they vide three days of emergency food and are suggesting to other donors that they support to local people in crisis. adopt a similar approach. Thank you to all those who help make this form of Care professionals such as health outreach possible.

Our Junior Girls’ Choir looking wonderful as they prepared to sing their first Choral Evensong of the new school year in September. Register

‘AND HE TOOK THEM IN HIS ARMS AND BLESSED THEM’ September 30 Chester Graham

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 Welcome Desk The Revd Canon Mark Niblock Agnes Moore 9032 8332 Margaret McCourt [email protected] Gemma Connery

Assistant Clergy Parish Reader The Revd Tim Close Denise Murray Revd Janice Elsdon 9032 8332 Head Verger David Alexander Other Clergy The Rt Revd Alan Harper Vergers The Revd Clyde Irvine Ronnie Lawrenson The Revd Paul Twomey Cameron McGaughey Danielle Barr Master of the Choristers David Stevens Cathedral Sextons 9032 8332 Sam Porter 07545 157613 Mark Geddis [email protected] Gerald Kennedy

Marketing Manager Stewards’ Coordinators Holly Wilson Helen Graham 9032 8332 Mike Johnston [email protected] Mothers’ Union Visitor Services Manager Alberta Miskimmin (Hon Sec) Helen Graham 9079 8033 9032 8332 [email protected] Flower List & Coffee Rota [email protected] Press Officer and Digest Editor Karen Bushby Friends of the Cathedral 9032 8332 Joan Thompson OBE, [email protected] Hon Treasurer / Members Sec 9332 9102 Organist Emeritus Mr Ian Barber

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

Past Choristers’ Association Minor Canons: Co-ordinator: Ian Monro The Rev NDJ Kirkpatrick (2014) 07799 608959 The Rev J Bell (2015) [email protected] The Rev S Richardson (2015)

Archivists Ecumenical Canons: Norman Weatherall The Rev Dr R Patterson (2012) Jean Barber The Rev Ruth E Patterson (2014) The Very Rev Edward O’Donnell (2016) Principal Cathedral Guide Norman Weatherall Lay Canons Mr Robert Kay MBE (2016) The Cathedral Chapter Mrs Myrtle Kerr (2016) The Dean Treasurer & Chapter Clerk: The The Cathedral Board Rev Mark Niblock (2016) The Dean (Chairman) Chancellor: The Venerable The DA McClay (2013) The Bishop of Down & Dromore Precentor: The Venerable GTW The Dean’s Vicar Davison (2013) The Archdeacons of Belfast and Down The Rev J Elsdon Canons of Connor: The Rev Canon M Taylor The Rev Nigel Baylor (2012) Mrs G McGaughey (Hon Sec) The Rev Mark Taylor (2016) Dr V KcKinley The Rev David Humphries (2016) Mr J Watson The Rev Stephen Fielding (2018) Mr R Kay MBE Dr M Callender Canons of Down and Dromore Mr R Totten MBE The Rev R Nesbitt (2003) Mr R Moore The Rev SH Lowry (2013) Mr A Reilly The Rev G Harron (2016) Dr R Cromey The Rev G Withers (2017) Mr N Pierpoint Mr Patrick Good Chapter Canons: The Rev Michael Parker (2015)

Cathedral Digest 19

Sunday Services Weekday services

10.00am Holy Communion Tuesday and Thursday 11.00am Sung Eucharist 8.15-8.45am Morning Prayer 3.30pm Choral Evensong and Eucharist 1.00pm Cathedral Prayers

Monday to Friday 5.30pm Choral Evensong Upcoming services and events

December

December 17- 24 Black Santa Sit-out for charities

Sunday December 23 @ 3.30pm Lessons and Carols for the City with the Cathedral Choirs

Christmas Eve @ 8pm Festival Lessons and Carols with the Cathedral Choirs

Christmas Eve @ 11pm Choral Eucharist for Christmas with the Cathedral Choirs

Christmas Day @ 11am Christmas Festival Choral Eucharist with special preacher the Rt Rev Harold Miller Bishop of Down and Dromore

January January 6 @11am Choral Eucharist and 3.30pm Choral Evensong to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.

2 Cathedral Digest