DINNER TO MARK CHANCELLOR STEWART'S TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF MINISTRY IN

THE GROUPED PARISHES OF DERRYVULLEN SOUTH AND GARVARY AND HIS

APPOINTMENT AS CHANCELLOR WITHIN THE CATHEDRAL CHAPTER OF CLOGHER
On Thursday 3rd September 2015 almost one hundred parishioners equally representative of both
parishes came together to enjoy a lovely four course meal in the Lisgoole Room of the Killyhevlin
Hotel, Enniskillen. The attendance included the Earl and Countess of Belmore, and Lord and Lady
Hamilton. A lovely fruit cake made by Joy Graham and beautifully inscribed for the occasion was
cut by the Chancellor and was much enjoyed by those present.
The MC for the evening Mr John Irvine spoke about the time during the vacancy in 1990 when he
and other members of the Board of Nomination went to the Rev Stewart's former parish to meet
him. He then summarised the rector's ministry over twenty five years and the contribution made by
Mrs Valerie Stewart.
Presentions of a cheque in a silver box and a large card, 12 ins x 9 ins designed by Kathleen
Kettyles and artfully put together with the assistance of Miss Jean Hunter, were made to the rector
by Derek Wilson and Robert Boles. A bouquet of flowers was presented to Mrs Stewart by Mrs
Kathleen Kettyles. Speeches were made by Basil Johnston, Nicholas Watts and George Wilson.
In reply the Chancellor thanked John Irvine, Clive Weir, Robert Boles and Kathleen Kettyles for all
their planning for this memorable occasion. He spoke of the special relationship which existed
between rector and people. He likened it to a family relationship. He was priviledged over the years
to be welcomed into the private space of their homes and private occasions in their lives, and how
he experienced their trust as they shared with him their private thoughts and concerns. He finally
referred to the reciprical support and inspiration between pastor and people. He had learned much
from many parishioners and he spoke about the admiration he had for the great faith and fortitude
shown by them in times of suffering and grief.
To conclude the evening the choir from each parish came together to sing to sing two pieces, one by
Percy French The Mountains of Mourne and the other a spiritual Oh when the saints. The
pianist was Rosemary Watts and the soloist was Miss Alison Irvine.
Mr Irvine drew the evening to a close by thanking all who took part and everyone joined together in
saying the Grace.
The evening was a great success bringing the two parishes together and was such a pleasant
occasion that the thought has been expressed that we should do this again!