Diocesan News28 Jun 04

"Fulfilment of a dream" as unique island church to re-open

"FULFILMENT OF A DREAM" AS UNIQUE ISLAND CHURCH TO RE-OPEN

Monday 28th June 2004

Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island has been in the news following recent announcements that it was to receive grants from lottery funds for a children's playground and the "Arts on Rathlin? initiative. The Church of Ireland Parish of St Thomas's, Rathlin, beautifully situated very close to the sea on the island, has also been the recipient of funds from various sources.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Reverend Alan Harper, O.B.E., said:

"The completion of the restoration of St Thomas's Parish Church, Rathlin Island, and the re-hallowing which will take place on the Feast Day of St Thomas, 3rd July, 2004 represents the ?fulfilment of a dream'.

"The present building stands on the site of the earliest church on the island, founded by St Comgall and the monks of Bangor in the 6 th century. The Church of Ireland community resident on the island is tiny in number and without the encouragement and support of the other islanders, most of whom belong to the Roman Catholic Church, the restoration project might never have been completed. For the first time in its history the St Thomas's Church has been provided with lighting and a heating system. The interior has been re-ordered to allow for flexibility of use, and it is hoped that in future the church may be used by groups for retreats, accommodation being available in the nearby Manor House. The work of restoration has been generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Department of the Environment and the work carried out to a very high standard by local builders and craftsmen.

"The Service of re-hallowing will be attended not only by the islanders but also by representatives of the Secretary of State and the Most Revd Patrick Walsh, Roman Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor. Many other people who have family links with the island will be visiting for the occasion as well as representatives of the modern Parish of Bangor Abbey. There will also be representatives from the Diocese of Edinburgh in Scotland and the Diocese of Linkoping in Sweden. This is especially appropriate since not only was Rathlin Island once disputed territory between Scotland and Ireland (it is said that Rathlin was finally assigned to Ireland because there are no snakes on the island whereas there are snakes in Scotland and, of course, St Patrick was responsible for banishing all snakes from Ireland, therefore it was judged that Rathlin must be a part of Ireland!); but also, the Irish annals record visits by the Vikings to Rathlin - Dark Age economic migrants in search of plunder. The presence of our Swedish colleagues will therefore renew a long association, now of the friendliest kind!

"Rathlin is the only permanently inhabited island off the coast of Northern Ireland. We, in the diocese of Connor, are delighted that we are able to sustain ministry and continue to play a full part in island life. The restored church building will remain a resource for the whole island community, just as the graveyard at St Thomas's is the island's only place of burial. The Church of St Thomas is a symbol of the commitment of Church of Ireland to the island, its people and those who visit or seek shelter there.

"All we need to complete the day is a calm passage!"

Pastoral responsibility for the island parish is provided by the incumbent of Ballintoy Parish, the Venerable Jack Patterson. During the year of restoration of the church, Archdeacon Patterson has held services in the homes of parishioners. He will conduct the re-hallowing service and the preacher, Bishop Harper, will also dedicate gifts for use in this newly refurbished and enhanced historic parish church of St Thomas's, Rathlin Island.

St Thomas's church is a B+ listed building and over summer months it is visited by some 1000 visitors to the island.

The Service on Saturday 3 July will begin at 12 noon. Sunday Services are held throughout the year ? sea condition permitting - and during July and August at 11 a.m.

The Bishop of Connor will preside at a service of Holy Communion on Sunday 4 July.

Further information from:

Archdeacon Patterson
Tel: (028) 20762411

or

Betty McLaughlin
Tel: (028) 90422840
(07880) 735795 (Mobile)