Diocesan News
Service celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in St Michael & All Angels’ Church, Castlecaulfield (Armagh)
St Michael & All Angels’ Church, Castlecaulfield, was the venue for a local Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration for the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen on Tuesday 5th June. The event was organised and hosted by the parishes of Castlecaulfield and Donaghmore (Donaghmore & Donaghmore Upper, Diocese of Armagh) for the local community, and people flocked from far and wide to join the celebrations on what was a momentous and joyous occasion. The Lord Lieutenant was represented by Geraldine Eastwood, Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Tyrone.
Glenn Ferry (Churchwarden), Alan Williamson (Parish Reader), The Very Revd Gregory Dunstan (Dean of Armagh), The Revd Dr Peter Thompson (Rector), Geraldine Eastwood (Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Tyrone), Alwyn Nixon (Churchwarden)
The service was conducted by the rector, the Revd Dr Peter Thompson, assisted by Alan Willamson (parish reader). The preacher was the Very Revd Gregory Dunstan, the Dean of Armagh. The parish choir, accompanied by organist Anne Greenaway performed a selection of music with royal connections.
Each person present was presented with a Diamond Jubilee commemorative New Testament, bearing the royal arms, and on which is inscribed the words: “A bible was given to The Queen at Her Majesty’’s Coronation. It was described as the world’s most valuable gift. The churches in this land are giving you this gift to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee”.
Each of the hymns respresented significant events in the life of the Queen: “Praise my soul the king of heaven” was sung at her wedding, “All people that on earth do dwell” at her coronation, “O Christ the same”, and “He who would valient be” both at her Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.
Revd Dr Peter Thompson
Rector, St Michael’s, Castlecaulfield & St Patrick’s, Donaghmore
Succentor & Assistant Organist, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh