Diocesan News22 Apr 16

Beacon Lit for Queen’s Birthday

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good, was one of four Christian church leaders who took part in a ceremony in Londonderry on Thursday evening to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday.

The highlight of the evening was the lighting of a beacon – as dusk fell –by the Lord–Lieutenant of the County Borough of Londonderry, Dr Angela Garvey. The event, at Ebrington Square, was organized by members of Bonds Street Community Association.

Dr Garvey read out a letter which had been written by the Prince of Wales and which was shared at hundreds of similar ceremonies across the UK and farther afield.

“Beacons are to be lit on mountaintops, on beaches, in farmyards and on church towers,” the Prince wrote, “uniting us all in our heartfelt appreciation of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the United Kingdom and other Realms, and to the Commonwealth.” The Prince said the ceremonies were appreciated greatly by his mother: “It is a wonderful gesture which I know has deeply touched Her Majesty.”

Bishop Ken Good and other local church leaders led those present in prayers for the Queen.

Several hundred people turned out to celebrate the occasion. Senior churchmen led those present in a series of prayers for the Queen. Among those who joined Bishop Good at the ceremony were the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown; the Moderator of the Presbytery of Derry and Donegal, Rev Craig Wilson; and the Methodist Church’s District Superintendent, Rev Peter Murray.

The Hamilton Flute Band performed a number of pieces for the occasion, including ‘God Save the Queen’ and a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.