Diocesan News
Historic Day as Canon McKinley Marks 40 Years in Whitechurch
Parishioners of Whitechurch and their Rector celebrated a milestone anniversary on Sunday September 18. Canon Horace McKinley has been ministering in the parish for 40 years and Archbishop Michael Jackson was present to celebrate at a special service before a full congregation.
Canon McKinley was ordained a Deacon in 1970 and was a Curate in Taney before moving, with his wife Pam and their oldest son Andrew, to become Vicar of Whitechurch in 1976. He became Rector in 1980.
Opening the service the Archbishop paid tribute to the many years Canon McKinley had served in the parish and thanked him for allowing him to lead the service on what was a historic day for the Rector and his parish.
During the service Canon McKinley’s son, Philip, talked to his father about the changes he had experienced in Whitechurch over the last 40 years. At the time Whitechurch was a rural area but the Rector recalled that houses began to be built shortly after his arrival and the building has not stopped since.
“The people here are lovely. God fuels the vocation but the people, and service to them, inspire it. The people give far more to you than you do to them,” he stated. He also paid tribute to his wife and family for their support. He encouraged people to pray at the beginning and end of each day, giving thanks for what they have and to enjoy each day.
Speaking about the Come&C programme, Philip McKinley, who is Church of Ireland Chaplain in DCU, said the initiative was transformative and brought many people out of their comfort zones.
After the service Canon McKinley and his wife were presented with a cake and parishioners thanked him for their service to them.
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Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
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Mrs Lynn Glanville
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