A beautiful service of worship in the presence of many people who selflessly serve those in need in their local communities filled St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral with the sounds of Christmas on Wednesday evening (December 3).
St Patrick’s, on the Hill of Armagh, was hosting the Together at Christmas Community Carol Service, one of 15 across the United Kingdom supported by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, and in association with the Lieutenancy of County Armagh. The Vice Lord Lieutenant, Mr Richard Hamilton-Stubber, represented the Lieutenancy as the Lord Lieutenant, the Earl of Caledon, was overseas on royal duties.
Officers and members of the Girls’ Brigade, the Boys’ Brigade, the Scouts, the Girls’ Friendly Society, and representatives of many other charities and community groups and the emergency services were present in the congregation, alongside aldermen and councillors from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and members of the public.
Music was led by the Cathedral Choir, conducted by Dr Stephen Timpany and accompanied by Archdeacon Peter Thompson (Assistant Organist), with special items contributed by the Royal School Armagh’s string quartet, Lisanally Special School’s chamber choir and clarinet soloist, and an Irish traditional music group.
The hymns – ‘Once in royal David’s city’, ‘O little town of Bethlehem’, ‘Ding dong! merrily on high’, ‘In the bleak midwinter’, and ‘Hark! The herald-angels sing’ – shared the Christmas story in song. Scripture was read by the Very Revd Barry Matthews (Administrator of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Armagh), the Revd Thomas Moore (Minister of First Armagh and Tassagh Presbyterian Churches), and the Revd Colin Gracie (Minister of Armagh Methodist Circuit).
A reflection on love was shared by the Very Revd Shane Forster (Dean of Armagh) and Mrs Rachel Buller read the poem ‘Christmas forgiveness, kindness and love’ by Jenny Maryl. Members of the congregation received a letter addressed to them as guests from HRH The Princess of Wales. The blessing was given by Archbishop John McDowell.
The local service is inspired by the Princess of Wales’ Westminster Abbey Service which will be televised on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX.
Photos by Vincent Loughran:
