Archdeacon in praise of interdenominational ‘togetherness’
News Letter – Archaeologists tell us that the ancient church of Antrim was situated in the townland of the Steeple near the Round Tower. The date inscribed on the cornerstone of what was the front door tells us the present church was built in 1596, making All Saints’ the third oldest church building in the Diocese of Connor. It is also one of the finest examples of Elizabethan gothic architecture in Ireland.
In 1816 the bell tower and octagonal spire were added and in 1869 a new transept for the choir and a vestry were built by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The magnificent east window was put in place in 1870, depicting 10 scenes from the life of Christ in Holy Week with the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension vividly illustrated.
The Massereene family has donated many generous gifts to All Saints’ Parish Church over four centuries and these include several imposing funereal memorials. Week by week parishioners in Antrim use vessels for the Holy Communion which date back to 1701 and were the gift of Madam Abigail Parnell, a friend of the Massereene family.
Although the parishioners of All Saints’ are fortunate to worship in such an ecclesiastical gem, the upkeep of this important architectural building is costly. A section of the graveyard wall was replaced a few years ago at a cost of £21,000 and in 2012 more than £140,000 was spent on refurbishments including a new drainage system, re-plastering of internal walls, redecoration of the interior and replacement of the carpet.
The Vicar of Antrim, the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor, said: “These refurbishments have put quite a strain on parochial finances at a time of economic stringency, however the parishioners have responded generously and the overdraft is steadily reducing.”
Archdeacon McBride is assisted by the Rev Adrian Halligan who is the pastoral administrator.
All Saints’ is a well-loved landmark for the wider community in the town of Antrim and the parish has worked hard at establishing meaningful links with the local churches of different denominations.
Clergy regularly take part in interdenominational baptisms, weddings and funerals and as chaplains they conduct services together in Antrim’s three hospitals. But it was felt that there was a need for a more public display of togetherness. In 2002 Father Tony Devlin who was the Parish Priest in St Comgall’s, asked Archeacon McBride to preach at a parish Novena. “It was one of the most memorable days in my ministry. The reception of the parishioners was so warm and for many weeks after people would approach me to thank me for taking part. It is a day I will never forget,” reflected Archdeacon McBride. The Rev Jack Moore, recently retired minister of Antrim Methodist, preached at the next Novena and the reception he received was equally welcoming.
“It speaks volumes for the maturity of the ecumenical relationships that have been developed in the town that it was possible for the two clergy from the Reformed tradition to preach at a Catholic Novena mission without creating a fuss from either congregation, because the time was right for this to happen and our people were encouraging further such exchanges to be developed,” said Archdeacon McBride.
As a result of these positive initiatives the Good Friday Walk of Witness has for the past 11 years followed a route from Antrim Methodist Church to All Saints’ and on to St Comgall’s, finishing in High Street Presbyterian Church, stopping in each church for readings, hymns and prayers. “Over the years the numbers have steadily increased which is a sure sign that such a positive act of witness is considered to be so important,” said Archdeacon McBride. “People are taken aback at the sight of 300 people walking in line behind a cross.”
Fr Sean Emerson, who succeeded Fr Devlin as Parish Priest, is equally committed to these joint projects and led the Royal British Legion Antrim Town Remembrance Service in November 2012. Last year the first Christmas Walk of Witness attracted more than 200 participants.
The clergy in Antrim were instrumental in setting up the first Community Safety Partnership in Northern Ireland following discussions with the PSNI, Antrim Borough Council, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, community representatives and other agencies. “This particular forum has been an invaluable arena for helping to tackle areas of sectarian sensitivities,” said the vicar. Several district councils have since set up their own CSPs following Antrim’s lead.
Over the past two years clergy have also established a Civic Forum dealing with issues such as the potentially contentious displaying of flags and emblems. “The bonds of trust which have been established between the members of the Civic Forum over this time, along with very frank and mature discussions, have enabled a greater understanding of the variety of different cultural, political, religious and ethnic issues which can lead to tensions and misunderstanding if not handled with respect and tolerance,” said the archdeacon.
McBride has worked hard at developing links with all sections of the community. On July 1 he led the devotions for the Somme Commemoration in the Protestant Hall in Antrim where members of Antrim LOL District No 13 remembered the 22 members of their district killed during the First World War. The members of the Antrim District parade to All Saints for their annual service and have presented Archdeacon McBride with a Caithness Crystal commemorative bowl which proudly sits in his study. He was a guest of honour a recent St Comgall’s GAA dinner where he delivered the Grace and also attended a match at Casement Park to cheer on one of their teams in a county final. “Having lived and worked in Antrim over the past 26 years, I think it is important to encourage working and worshipping relationships with all our neighbours and it is great to be given the freedom to do this by the parishioners of All Saints,” said the vicar.