THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST ANNE - Belfast Cathedral
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The Dean reflects... Autumn is always a time of change. thew Owens as the new Director of Leaves turn. School children are Music, along with his family. Work- kitted out in new uniforms. Students ing closely with the Cathedral make a new start to their lives reg- Board Review Group, music at Bel- istering for Fresher’s Weeks. fast Cathedral will take a new shape. A key development is to At Belfast Cathedral, September establish a single Cathedral Choir also marks a time of change. In with a top line formed equally of 24 June, Catherine Harper completed boy and girl choristers. It will take her time as Vocal Coach, having time to recruit and train the new made a significant impact to the choristers, so since September we girls’, junior girls’ and boys’ choirs, have welcomed a top line of sopra- as well as playing a pivotal role in nos to carry the choir forward. the “Three Schools Choir Project”. There are ambitious, yet carefully As Tourism Manager, Helen Gra- budgeted plans for the future of ham transformed the visitor experi- music at Belfast Cathedral. We ence of our cathedral, before mov- trust that you will support our choir ing to the National Trust in Worces- members through this change. ter. David Stevens has also depart- ed for Wells Cathedral, after seven Also on 8th September, I shared in years developing the music at St the Ordination Service of Rev Dr Anne’s. Brian Moore retired as Sex- Maithrie (pronounced My3) White- ton, and Gemma Connery complet- Dundas, as she was ordained part- ed six months on the Welcome time, non-stipendiary curate to Bel- Desk Staff. Finally, with her ap- fast Cathedral. Maithrie, originally pointment to the Church of Gazette, from Sri Lanka, will be working at Karen Bushby tendered her resig- the cathedral on Wednesdays and nation as Digest editor. We thank Sundays. every one of them for their time with us. Change can be unsettling, but it can also be exciting. Please pray But it has not all been one way traf- for the cathedral as we enter this fic. Will Forrest has taken up post new time in service to the God of as Organ Scholar. And on 8th Sep- new things. tember, we also welcomed Mat- 2 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
The Dean joins members of the Footsteps NI cast to celebrate the 120th anniversary Stepping back in time T he cathedral stepped Visitors heard the amazing tale back in time on Satur- of the cathedral being literally day, September 7, with built around the existing parish a dramatic account of church, while it was still being its beginning 120 years ago attended by worshippers. which saw the foundation stone being laid. The church was used for ser- vices until the end of 1903, by Architect Sir Thomas Drew, which time the tower of little St Constance Ashley-Cooper Anne’s had been dismantled, (Countess of Shaftesbury) and meaning that it was no longer Henry O’Hara, the dean of Bel- visible from the street as its suc- fast Cathedral on that momen- cessor rose in its place. tous day on September 6, 1899, were brought vividly to life by There were also fun arts and Footsteps NI, revealing their crafts activities for children. See stories and reliving memories of Heritage pg 14. the great occasion. CATHEDRAL DIGEST 3
War Memorial feature and Children’s Corner helping with the installation of new information panels and an interactive touch-screen which showcases a digitized version of the Memorial Books. This new installation which now allows visitors to search for spe- cific names within the books, is well worth spending time to visit and provides insight into life across the world- and for the A Children's Corner has people of the Cathedral itself- been introduced to al- during World War 1. The Cathe- low families and dral is grateful to Eneclann and schools to learn, read, the Irish Family History Centre and show off their art skills in who generously provided the the beautiful and uplifting setting digitised Memorial books, and to of the Cathedral. This area has Cathedral Archivist Norman been installed in advance of the Weatherall and Cathedral staff upcoming Kid's Trails which will for collating the information for arrive later this year. Make sure the project. to stop by! Another exciting addition is the new permanent War Memorial Exhibition which was created with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund allowed the Cathedral to restore the Me- morial Books and Lectern to their former glory, as well as 4 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
Inspire Kids Trail launch S aturday 31st August saw By creating this fun experience the InSpire Kids’ Trail for families, the Cathedral wants officially launched at Bel- to encourage visitors to view this fast Cathedral. space as their own to explore and be proud of, creating new Belfast Cathedral recently part- memories that they’ll cherish. nered with Sean Greer Design in an effort to open the Cathedral Children (and adults!) will be in- space up more to families and spired by their surroundings, dis- schools. Funded by the Church cover something new, and will of Ireland Priorities Fund, it has use their imagination to connect enabled the Cathedral to develop with the rich heritage of the Ca- an offering for children which will thedral. let them interact with the Cathe- dral and learn its history. The InSpire Kids Trail is available at Belfast Cathedral at the Wel- The ‘InSpire’ concept draws on come Desk, explore the Cathe- our unusual architecture and the dral with your family and friends desire to have children and and complete the activities! Feel adults engage more with the free to leave your artwork with space. This was developed by us, or take it away and share on Sean and Clare Greer who were social media, using the hashtag determined to create an experi- #inspirekidstrail. ence for visitors to enjoy and re- member. CATHEDRAL DIGEST 5
Multilingual visitor experience launched I n August, Belfast Cathedral er and spend more. Further launched a new multilingual funding was made available from audio guide, with representa- the Friends of Belfast Cathedral, tives from its two main fun- who were founded in 1894 with ders from Tourism NI and the the aim of assisting the Dean Friends of the Cathedral. and Cathedral Board in promot- ing interest in the Cathedral and The new audio guide will allow knowledge of its history. this special building to become more open, accessible and en- The project will allow visitors to gaging to both local people and discover the stories of this space, international visitors. The guide and fully immerse themselves in takes visitors on a self-led jour- the history of its walls through ney through the Cathedral, re- voice and music, leaving with the vealing the stories behind the feeling they have a real sense of stones – and is available in Eng- what Belfast Cathedral is and lish, French, Spanish, German, has been over the last 300 Portuguese, Polish, Mandarin years, and the important role it and Italian, with a carefully se- has played for the wider city and lected Belfast accent to provide its residents. authenticity for the English tour. The company who won the ten- This project has been achievable der were VOX Group, who have through funding from Tourism previously worked on projects in NI’s Immersive Technology pro- St Peter’s Basilica Rome and gramme. The capital funding pro- Stonehenge, amongst other high gramme supports projects which profile visitor attractions across have at their core an immersive the world. technology solution that creates compelling reasons for visitors to Caroline Bell, Tourism NI Capital come to Northern Ireland as well Funding Team Manager, said: as encourage them to stay long- “The new multilingual audio 6 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
From left: Tourism and Events Assistant Lorna Towns, Tourism and Visitor Services Manager Helen Graham, Dean Stephen Forde, Tourism NI representative Judith Henderson and Treas- urer of the Friends of the Cathedral, Mike Johnston. guide at Belfast Cathedral is a Belfast Cathedral is open to visi- fantastic addition to the visitor tors through the year, Monday offering in Belfast, providing a to Saturday 9am – 5pm, and on unique way for residents of Sundays 1 – 3pm. There is a Northern Ireland and interna- small admission fee which in- tional visitors to fully immerse cludes your audio guide, and themselves in the history of its this will contribute towards the walls and uncover the stories upkeep of this important building behind them. and the ministry of Belfast Ca- thedral, all with the aim to con- “We congratulate the team at tinue to develop Belfast Cathe- Belfast Cathedral for their hard dral as a shared space at the work in delivering a compelling heart of the city. new addition to their tourism product,” she added. CATHEDRAL DIGEST 7
Farewells from Cathedral During the summer the Cathedral bid farewell to a number of staff, who have moved elsewhere to work and study. David Stevens David held the post of Cathedral Or- ganist and Master of Choristers for 7 years. He has moved to take up the position of Sub-Assistant Organist at Wells Cathedral. The move brings him closer to family in the South West of England and, although he will be missed, the Cathedral wishes him well for the future. Jack Wilson Jack was Organ Scholar at the Ca- thedral for 3 years, and acting Assis- tant Organist for the past year. He moves to Cambridge, where he will be Organ Scholar at Sidney Sussex College. Good luck Jack, and don’t forget to come back and visit us! Helen Graham Helen Graham, Tourism and Visitor Services Manager, departed the Ca- thedral to start a new chapter in Worcester, working with the National Trust. Helen was employed at the Cathedral through the Heritage Lot- tery Fund alongside our Events Manager, Holly Wilson. During her time at the Cathedral Helen worked hard to vastly improve the visitor experience. She departed just as the Cathedral received its 4-star Visitor Attraction grading by Tourism NI. 8 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
Cathedral’s New Organ Scholar: Will Forrest Will, welcome to Belfast Cathedral. environment. During the year I’m go- Tell us a little of how you’ve found ing to be working towards the Associ- yourself here on these shores! ateship of the Royal College of Or- ganists. As part of the scholarship I’ll I’ve come to Belfast Cathedral as this be working in the music office, as year’s Organ Scholar, succeeding choir librarian, so making sure the Jack Wilson. I’ve never been to the choir have all the right music at the island of Ireland before, so I’m really right time as well as playing for parts looking forward to getting to know of services as the year goes on. I’ll Belfast and as much of the island as I also be doing some work as a sexton can while I’m here! and with the events team. Where have you studied to date? Have you any particular interests and hobbies that you’d like to pursue I went to school in Portsmouth, where whilst here? I was also a chorister and subse- quently a bass/verger/admin assistant Outside music, I have quite a large at the Cathedral. It was also here that interest in politics, particularly follow- I started learning the organ with Oliver ing British politics at this rather event- Hancock (now at St. Mary’s Warwick, ful time (I promise not to mention the but then Sub-Organist) in 2012. In B word!). I also enjoy photography, 2016 I started a music degree at Car- and I’m looking forward to getting in- diff University and I graduated this side the cathedral with my camera July. and also into the Northern Irish coun- tryside. Can you tell us about what your du- ties will be and what you hope to get What are your ambitions? out of your time in Belfast Cathedral? I hope to end up in cathedral music, I’m really looking forward to having a and I’m hoping a year at St. Anne’s year focused on my organ playing, will be a useful stepping stone to- both solo repertoire and in a liturgical wards it. CATHEDRAL DIGEST 9
Celebrated Parisian organist’s workshop international organ competitions and is now regarded as one of the world’s leading concert or- ganists. A few years ago, at the age of just 25, Thomas was appointed Titular Organist of Saint- Eustache in Paris which has the largest organ in France. Recently he became the first Organist in Residence at the concert hall of Radio France. He is particularly noted for his improvisation skill, a feature of his Organ Workshop in the Ca- thedral, during which he guided several young organists from throughout Ireland as they impro- O n Saturday 14 Septem- vised on the Cathedral organ ber the Cathedral host- and played some of the great ed an Organ Workshop works of the French organ reper- given by celebrated toire. Parisian organist Thomas Ospi- The evening also included per- tal. Thomas studied first at the formances by the Cathedral’s Conservatoire Maurice Ravel in new Organ Scholar, William For- Bayonne near his home in south rest, the previous Organ Scholar west France. Later at the Paris and acting Assistant Organist, Conservatoire he won First Priz- Jack Wilson, and Bartosz es in organ, harmony, counter- Thiede, who is the newly ap- point, fugue and improvisation. pointed Director of Music at St He was won many national and Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny. 10 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
Baby Basics B elfast Cathedral has Across the UK there is a growing recently collaborated with community of Baby Basics centres, Connor’s Centre of Mission staffed by a dedicated and vital team to house a sorting base for of volunteers. Baby Basics. Baby Basics Belfast works alongside Baby Basics is a volunteer-led pro- local health professionals who refer ject which aims to support new moth- families in need. Baby Basics then ers and families who are struggling supports these families by providing to meet the financial and practical essential equipment, clothing and difficulties of looking after a baby. toiletries. Baby Basics Belfast began in Janu- Under the guidance of Karen Webb ary 2017 and is run by Church Army and Jill Hamilton, the cathedral and the Diocese of Connor. It is situ- hopes to grow our contribution to the ated in the Connect Base on the Baby Basics initiative. If you would like to be involved, please let us Shankill Road. know. Baskets ready for collection by Health professionals. CATHEDRAL DIGEST 11
40 years and counting! Dean Crooks welcoming Ronnie in the October 1979 Magazine October marks an auspicious an- niversary for Belfast Cathedral. In the October 1979 issue of the Magazine of Belfast Cathedral (priced at a very reasonable 7p for a single issue and £1.60 per annum by post!) Dean Sammy Crooks issued a welcome to a new member of staff. The Rever- end Ronnie Lawrenson arrived as Vicar Choral, succeeding John Nolan who had held the post for 25 years. Ronnie has maintained his association with the Cathedral for 40 years, acting as Verger, Steward and Tour Guide, and can be found week by week in the Verger’s Office counting the col- lection money from Sunday ser- vices. Congratulations Ronnie , Ronnie with four-legged friend Poppy thank you, and here’s to a good many more years to come! 12 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
Cathedral welcomes Maithrie White to staff The Rev Maithrie White is joining our clergy staff this month. Below, she tells us a bit about her life and her ministry. A s a teenager I dreamed of IFES-affiliated student movement, being a Vet. Instead God and the Graduate Christian Fellow- led me to a degree in Eng- ship. lish, then lecturing at Uni- D versity, and a doctorate in Notting- uring my doctoral studies ham. While in Nottingham I met Paul in Nottingham I set up and made the Anglican Communion Transforming the Mind, the my home. annual National Christian Postgraduate Conference, to en- I returned to Sri Lanka to lecture and courage and inspire postgrad stu- then head the English Department in dents to engage their faith with their my University there, but Paul persist- academic life – I’m still chairing the ed – so I married him and moved to conference to date. I’m also on the Northern Ireland. Board of Contemporary Christianity, If someone back then had said that I here in Northern Ireland, where we would marry a Northern Irish man, aim to open up conversations within live in Belfast, and be ordained in the Church, and help Christians en- the Church of Ireland, I would have gage with the issues facing society laughed. I have definitely been and the church today. “surprised by God”. I am passionate about Christ and his In Sri Lanka, as a teenager and Kingdom, love exploring the imagi- young adult I was involved with nation and the arts, and enjoy theol- Youth for Christ and the Methodist ogy and philosophy. I also love the Church. I was also on the associate magic of words and dream of being staff and Council of the national a writer. CATHEDRAL DIGEST 13
Heritage Lady Shaftesbury lays St Anne’s foundation stone ‘Successful Ceremony’: 6th Great Northern Railway issued September 1899 (report from returns to Belfast on the 5th and Whig newspaper) 6th September at a single fare ‘Under the rays of a bright, burn- and a quarter as did the North- ing sun the ceremony of laying ern Counties Railway on the 6th, the foundation stone of Belfast ‘to those persons presenting at Cathedral took place yesterday the booking office cards of ad- under the most auspicious cir- mission to the ceremony.’ cumstances.’ It was an oecumenical occasion. Sir James Henderson, a Presby- The Whig set the scene: A plat- terian, had contributed £1,000 to form had been erected in front the building fund. of (the old church), hanging from a crane was the stone about to After the hymn ‘O God our help’, be laid. Around the grounds in words redolent of the Com- balconies and terraces had munion service held earlier, been constructed for the con- Bishop Welland addressed the venience of those present, who assembly: ‘… we are here as soon occupied every available brethren in Christ to lay the inch of space, and away over Foundation Stone of a House to towards the church were the be consecrated to the service of great array of clergymen, the Almighty God…And unworthy choir, etc.’ though we be, through our mani- fold sins, to offer unto Him any Four thousand tickets were is- sacrifice, let us beseech Him to sued but there were fully five accept this our bounden duty thousand people present. The and service, for Christ’s sake.’ 14 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
Prayers followed: ‘Vouchsafe O Canon O’Hara presented a sil- Lord, to grant that these walls, ver trowel. now to be begun, may be kept Touching the mortar with the from all common and profane trowel, the Countess said, ‘It is use …Direct, O Lord, those who my will that this stone be well design and those who superin- and truly laid.’ The builder, Hen- tend this building…Enlarge the ry Laverty, lowered the stone hearts of Thy faithful people that and he and the architect, Thom- they may with perfect hearts of- as Drew, checked it with a plum- fer willingly, each according to met. his ability.’ Lady Shaftesbury then tapped the Stone three times with a After a lesson from I Peter 2, the gold and silver mallet and said Apostles’ Creed and the hymn ‘In the name of the Father, and ‘The Church’s One Foundation’, of the Son and of the Holy the Stone was laid by the Coun- Ghost I declare this stone of the tess of Shaftesbury to whom cathedral church of Belfast well and truly laid.’ CATHEDRAL DIGEST 15
The Registers Holy Baptism: 16 June Cara Catherine McCourt 21 July Isla Jane McMaster-Stewart Darragh Ian John McLaughlin 18 August James Raymond Alexander Zac William Jamison Sol Robert Swindell Holy Matrimony: 11 July Desmond McGuicken & Pamela Todd Sunday Flowers We would like to acknowledge the kind donations of flowers as follows: 08/09/19 Mrs R Kinkead in memory of husband 15/09/19 Esther Millar in memory of husband 22/09/19 Esther Millar 29/09/19 Alan & Dorothy Martin in memory of parents 06/10/19 Mrs R Kinkead in memory of husband 13/10/19 Mrs R Kinkead 20/10/19 Dr Marion Gibson in memory of Canon Tom Gibson 27/10/19 Dr Marion Gibson Visiting Choirs During the summer recess the Cathedral hosted several visiting choirs who led a number of Sunday services: 7th July The Choir of St Stephen’s, Knoxville, Tennessee-11am & 3.30pm 21st July The Priory Singers- Choral Evensong 8th August Quorum- Choral Evensong 11th August Hymnus Angelicus from America- 11am &3.30pm 18th August Lux Aeterna from America- 11am & 3.30pm 25th August The San Diego Presbyterian Chorale- 11am & 3.30pm 1st September Melisma- Choral Eucharist 16 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
Culture by Candlelight! I f you're looking for a romantic concert you do not want to miss! candlelit experience - or simply want to enjoy some classical mu- If you don’t consider yourself ‘in the sic greats in a gorgeous setting - know’ about Mozart, Beethoven, or then this is the concert for you. Bach, fear not, this is the orchestra for you. The ensemble boasts an au- On Saturday 5th October, at 7.30pm, dience record in which an impressive join us at Belfast Cathedral for this 50% of spectators are first-time clas- candlelit concert, and the ensemble sical concert goers! The London Con- will transport you between seasons, certante has its audience laughing at countries, and eras. jokes, gasping at virtuosity, moved by gorgeous playing, and leaving with a The ensemble will present Mozart’s smile on their faces. phenomenal four-movement ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’, the virtuosic UK based chamber ensemble Lon- ‘Concerto for 2 Violins’ by Bach, and don Concertante regularly performs Vivaldi’s captivating ‘Concerto for around one hundred concerts per Two Violins’ and iconic ‘Four Sea- year, making it the busiest ensemble sons’, marked by his playful and ef- of its kind in the country. With its nu- fervescent style, and his energetic merous recordings reaching great and exciting writing. critical acclaim, the ensemble has continually been regarded as one of A night full of glistening melodies, the finest groups in Europe since its enthralling instrumental interplay and founding in 1991. staggering musicianship, this is one Program: Vivaldi – Concerto for Two Violins in A minor Mozart – Eine Kleine Nacht- musik Bach – Concerto for 2 Violins Vivaldi – The Four Seasons CATHEDRAL DIGEST 17
Who’s Who in St Anne’s The Dean Organ Scholar The Very Rev Stephen Forde Will Forrest 9032 8332 dean@belfastcathedral.org Organist Emeritus Mr Ian Barber Assistant Clergy The Rev Tim Close Welcome Desk The Rev Janice Elsdon Agnes Moore The Rev Maithre White Margaret McCourt 9032 8332 Diocesan Reader Other Clergy Gillian McGaughey The Rt Rev Alan Harper The Rev Clyde Irvine Parish Reader The Rev Paul Twomey Denise Murray Acting General Manager Vergers Trevor Douglas Ronnie Lawrenson 9032 8332 Philip Prosser trevor@belfastcathedral.org Cameron McGaughey Commercial Business Manager Verger Emeritus Holly Wilson David Alexander 9032 8332 Holly@belfastcathedral.org Cathedral Sextons Sam Porter Commercial Development Officer Mark Geddis Lorna Towns Gerald Kennedy 9032 8332 Lorna@belfastcathedral.org Stewards’ Coordinator Mike Johnston Receptionist/administrator Chris Weir Mothers’ Union 9032 8332 ext 222 Alberta Miskimmin (Hon Sec) admin@belfastcathedral.org 9079 8033 Director of Music Flower List & Coffee Rota Matthew Owens admin@belfastcathedral.org 9032 8332 Mathew.owens@belfastcathedral.org Friends of the Cathedral Joan Thompson OBE, Assistant Director of Music Hon Treasurer/Members Sec position vacant 9332 9102 18 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
Who’s Who in St Anne’s Past Choristers’ Association Ecumenical Canons Co-ordinator: Ian Monro The Rev Dr Ruth Patterson (2012) 07799 608959 The Rev Ruth Patterson (2014) ianmonro@btinternet.com The Very Rev Edward O’Donnell (2016) Archivists Norman Weatherall Lay Canons Dr Stanley Hawkins Mr Robert Kay MBE (2016) Mrs Myrtle Kerr (2016) Principal Cathedral Guide Norman Weatherall The Cathedral Board The Dean (Chair) The Cathedral Chapter The Bishop of Connor The Dean The Bishop of Down and Dromore Treasurer & Chapter Clerk: The Rev The Dean’s Vicar Mark Niblock (2016) The Archdeacon of Belfast Chancellor: The Venerable David The Archdeacon of Down McClay (2013) The Rev J Elsdon Precentor: The Venerable George The Rev Canon M Taylor Davison (2013) Mrs G McGaughey (Hon Sec) Dr V McKinley Canons of Connor Mr J Watson The Rev Nigel Baylor (2012) Mr R Kay MBE The Rev Mark Taylor (2016) Dr M Callender The Rev David Humphries (2016) Mr R Totten MBE The Rev Stephen Fielding (2018) Mr R Moore Dr R Cromey Canons of Down and Dromore Mr N Pierpoint The Rev Ronnie Nesbitt (2003) Mr P Good The Rev Stephen Lowry (2013) Mr T Pateman The Rev Gareth Harron (2016) The Rev Gill Withers (2017) Chapter Canons The Rev Michael Parker (2015) The Rev Kevin Graham (2019) Minor Canons The Rev Nigel Kirkpatrick (2014) The Rev Julie Bell (2015) CATHEDRAL DIGEST 19
Sunday Services Weekday Services 10am Holy Communion Tuesday (said) Chapel of Unity 9.00am Morning Prayer 11am Choral Eucharist 3.30pm Choral Evensong Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1.00pm Cathedral Prayers 5.30pm Evening Prayer Wednesday 1.00pm Holy Communion Wednesday and Friday 5.30pm Choral Evensong Upcoming services and events September Culture Night and Day Friday & Saturday September 20 & 21 Down and Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Service Sunday, September 29 @ 3.30pm. Preacher: Canon John Auchmuty October Pet Service Sunday, October 6 @ 3.30pm. Come to celebrate all creatures great and small. Held close to St Francis of Assisi Day (4 October), there will be a blessing for all pets in attendance. All are welcome! Cathedral Harvest Celebration Sunday, October 13 @ 11am. 20 CATHEDRAL DIGEST
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