Diocesan News25 Mar 15

Institution Of New Rector Of Rossorry

Bishop John McDowell, Revd Dr Ian Ellis, Mrs Heather Ellis, Lord Eames

A large congregation filled Rossorry Parish Church in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh on the evening of Friday 20th March 2015, to mark an important milestone in the life of the parish, as they welcomed their new rector, the Revd Dr Ian Ellis, who was instituted by the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell.

Prior to taking up the position in Rossorry, Dr Ellis served as Secretary to the Church of Ireland Board of Education NI. The preacher at the service of institution was the former Archbishop of Armagh, the Rt Revd Lord Eames OM.

Ian comments: ‘I am really pleased and honoured to be appointed to Rossorry parish and look forward to getting to know the parishioners. It will be a great privilege to live and serve God in the beautiful surroundings of Enniskillen.’

Commenting on Ian’s appointment, the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell, said ‘I am delighted that Dr Ellis has become the rector of Rossorry. He brings many gifts to the parish and to the diocese. Along with his many friends throughout the Church of Ireland I wish him well as he and Heather settle into parish life.’

Assisting the bishop at the service were the Venerable Helene Steed, Archdeacon; the Diocesan Registrar, the Revd Chancellor John Stewart; and the Revd Canon David Skuce, Rural Dean of Enniskillen. The Bishop’s Chaplain was the Revd Sampson Ajuka, the Organist was Mrs Catherine Irwin and the parish choir along with the parish praise band led the singing. Guests from other Churches included Monsignor Peter O’Reilly, Fr Brian D’Arcy and Mr Gareth Hayden. Mr Tom Elliott MLA represented civic Society.

The processional hymn was Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, which was authored by Henry Francis Lyte who was educated at Portora Royal School, which is located within the parish of Rossorry. Mr Denzil McDaniel, a parishioner, read the Old Testament reading from Isaiah chapter 6. The praise band led the singing of Psalm 23, and Dr Ellis’ son Mark read the Epistle from Ephesians chapter 4. The gradual hymn was Be still, for the presence of the Lord, and Mr Alan Houston, a parishioner, read the Gospel reading from St John chapter 10.

The Archdeacon, the Venerable Helene Steed presented Dr Ellis to the bishop for institution, after which all joined in the well known Irish hymn Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.

During the commission all sang the hymn Lord, you give the great commission. Garry Clarke, representing 1st Rossorry Scout Group, read a sentence of scripture from Psalm 122 at the church door; Carol Livingstone, representing Rossorry Sunday School read from St Matthew 28 at the font; Lorraine Simpson, representing Rossorry Mothers’ Union read from Philippians 4 at the prayer desk; Avril Armstrong, representing 1st Rossorry Guide Group, read from 2nd Timothy 3 at the pulpit; and George Elliott, representing the Select Vestry, read from 1st Corinthians 11 at the Lord’s Table.

After the commission and prayer, the newly instituted rector introduced the Peace and then all joined in the hymn Ye servants of God, your master proclaim. The rector led the prayers, the offertory hymn was From heav’n you came, helpless babe, and the final hymn was We have a gospel to proclaim.

Everyone was invited for refreshments after the service to Rossorry Parish Hall, during which a number of speeches were made. Master of ceremonies was the Revd Canon David Skuce, Rural Dean, and speakers included Mr Malcolm Dawson, from Loughgall and Grange parishes where Dr Ellis previously served as rector; Mr Gareth Hayden representing the Methodist Church; Mrs Dorothy Wilson, Parish Honorary Secretary on behalf of Rossorry Parish; Monsignor Peter O’Reilly on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church; Fr Brian D’Arcy on behalf of the Graan Passionist Monastery; the Revd Dr Ian Ellis and finally the Bishop. The evening concluded with all joining in Third Collect of Evening Prayer.