Bishop John Jebb and the nineteenth–century Anglican renaissance; Connor clergy moves; Reappearance of Clogher rector’s wife; Community talks over sectarian attacks; Bethany Home survivors vow to take case to UN
Bishop John Jebb and the nineteenth–century Anglican renaissance
The bishops of the Church of Ireland have not, for the most part, burdened posterity with a superfluity of archives.
As a result there are few significant Irish episcopal archives and a corresponding paucity of Irish episcopal biographies. An exception to his rule is John Jebb, bishop of Limerick, 1823–33, whose correspondence survives in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, and who extensive correspondence with Alexander Knox was published in 1836. These two sources have provided the basis for a study of Jebb by Dr Alan Acheson which has been published by Clements Academic Press in Toronto. Dr Acheson, now resident in Canada, will be familiar to students of the Church of Ireland for his A history of the Church of Ireland, 1691–2001, published by Columba Press, which also produced a memoir by Dr Acheson entitled Why the whistle went.
The merits of Dr Acheson’s study will, in due course be determined by the academic community, but, in the first instance at least he deserves congratulations for bringing this work to fruition – Dr Acheson is not the first to have consulted the Jebb correspondence with a view to publishing a study of the bishop but he is the first to have completed the task. – Irish Times
Bishop John Jebb and the nineteenth–century Anglican renaissance is available from the Good Bookshop, Donegal Street, Belfast ().
Connor clergy moves
The Rev Dr Bob Cotter has been introduced as Non–stipendiary Priest–in–Charge of the Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene, Belfast.
Dr Cotter was formerly Curate at the United Parish of Skerry Rathcavan and Newtowncrommlin, Broughshane.
The Rev Denise Acheson, rector of the Parish of Dunmurry, has been appointed Dean’s Vicar of St Anne’s Cathedral.
On taking up this appointment in the first week in September, it is anticipated that, on the nomination of the Dean, Denise will be raised by the Bishop of Connor to membership of the Chapter of the Cathedral and be installed with other canons at Evensong on Wednesday September 11 at 5.30pm.
Denise said she felt very honoured to be appointed Dean’s Vicar. “It is a wonderful opportunity and will be very different from parish ministry, but it is something new and I am looking forward to being part of the team at St Anne’s.”
Reappearance of Clogher rector’s wife
The Flower Festival in St Tighernach’s Church, Clones was a wonderful success. The Church doors were opened on Friday afternoon after ‘Mrs Cassandra Hand’ had cut the purple ribbons at the church-gates.
After her short speech, Mr Willie Stinson played the bagpipes and the crowd who were gathered on the Diamond climbed the fourteen steps to the Church.
The Church was busy from Friday afternoon until it closed on Sunday evening. There were seventeen stunning floral exhibits in the Church, all looking different in colour, shape and size. Fifteen of these were designed by Mr Timothy Elliott, Manor Gardens, Lisnaskea, another display was created by parishioner, Mrs Sandra Irwin, and a floral interpretation, in the Sunday School room, was made by the children and their teachers. These arrangements represented various aspects of love as it is found in the Bible and in Christian history. The vintage bridal dress exhibition in the Protestant Hall was greatly admired and everyone enjoyed the delicious refreshments that were served. Those who went on Mr George Knight’s historical tours were amazed to learn how much history there is in Clones.
At the opening service on Friday evening, Bishop John McDowell encouraged everyone not only to enjoy the beauty of flowers and creation, but also to look beyond and see the Creator. At this service, ‘Mrs Cassandra Hand’ preformed a monologue, describing Clones where she lived during the famine years and how the lace-making skills she introduced made a difference to so many individuals and families.
It was Mrs Cassandra Hand, the wife of the Revd Thomas Hand, who donated the fine Walker organ to the parish. The organ was played throughout the weekend by organists from the parishes as well as from neighbouring churches. In addition the Sheridan family played traditional folk music which added to the ambience and atmosphere in the Church.
The Church was almost filled to capacity for the closing service on Sunday evening with people from Clones and beyond. Mr Glenn Moore, the organist, performed a recital of organ music and accompanied the congregation in the hymn singing. Soloist Mr Roy Crowe sang two hymns which expressed the wonder and amazement of God’s creation. The Sacred Heart Choir sang some beautiful pieces accompanied by Roisin Sheridan.
In her sermon, Canon Steed said: ‘There is both a complexity and simplicity about flowers. Did you know that a flower contains the wind, the rain, the sun, the breath of countless people and the air of all continents? And yet is so simple: a stem and petals. We look at it, and just love its beauty. Like flowers, we are complex and simple at the same time. Just as a flower contains a universe within itself, so we contain within us, the sum total of all our experiences and relationships that have made us what we are. So much and yet we are so simple. Looking at you today, you are a wonderful looking bunch of flowers. You would look great on your own in a vase, but all put together create a stunning arrangement. An arrangement called community.’
After this very successful weekend, speaking on behalf of the Church of Ireland parishioners in Clones, Canon Steed said: ‘The weekend was truly remarkable. We were overwhelmed by the tremendous support from the people of Clones, Co Monaghan, Co Fermanagh and further afield. It is humbling that people travelled all the way from all ‘arts and parts’ to admire the flowers and support our Church. Our sincere thanks for all their kindness and generosity.’ The Flower Festival has to date raised €14,000 towards the restoration of the windows in the Church and donations are still being received.
Community talks over sectarian attacks
Residents from a Protestant estate in west Belfast have met with PSNI and community leaders over sectarian attacks in their neighbourhood.
http://www.u.tv/news/Community-talks-over-sectarian-attacks/cba32c37-2bfa-4950-aeff-f39b17c63dff
Bethany Home survivors vow to take case to UN
Irish Examiner – Survivors of the Bethany Home have vowed to take their case to the UN following the Government’s decision not compensate its former residents.
Late last week, ageing survivors of the former residential institution in Rathgar, Dublin, were left devastated after the Government decided there was no basis for redress or issuance of an apology.
However, Derek Leinster, who heads The Bethany Survivors Group, said former residents would be holding talks with their legal representatives next month when they will consider taking their case to the UN.
Mr Leinster, 71, said he and fellow survivors felt “dehumanised” following Justice Minister Alan Shatter’s decision not to introduce a specific redress scheme for them. He criticised the Government’s argument for denying redress — that the institution was a “mother and baby home” — as “complete nonsense”.
“It just doesn’t make any sense,” said Mr Leinster. “The Government is saying they don’t have enough evidence, but we’ve provided them with all the evidence they need that proves the State was responsible for death and neglect at the home. It’s incorrect to call Bethany a mother and baby home, as mothers did not bring their babies home and many children arrived with no mother at all.
“We began campaigning 15 years ago and we’ve been treated like dirt from day one. It’s not acceptable. We feel gobsmacked and dehumanised. We won’t stop fighting. Next month we’ll meet our lawyers and discuss taking the Government to court and, if necessary, the UN. We know we’re right and so do most people in Ireland.”
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/bethany-home-survivors-vow-to-take-case-to-un-238174.html