A huge crowd turned out for the Service of Thanksgiving and Re-dedication in Donegal Parish Church took place on Friday night.
There’s a stirring going on here,” the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Ken Good, told worshippers in Donegal Town, on Friday evening, “and practical steps are being taken to respond to spiritual things.”
He was speaking at the Service of Thanksgiving and Re-dedication which followed the restoration of Donegal Parish Church, which was built in 1828 and which had sustained significant damage in a Christmas Day lightning strike just over two years ago.
The Republic’s Minister for Education, Fine Gael Deputy Joe McHugh, and Sinn Féin TD, Pearse Doherty, were in the congregation to hear the bishop compare the Jerusalem of the 6th century B.C. to modern day Ireland.
Also present were the Mayor of Donegal Town and Surrounding Areas, Pauric Kennedy, county councillors, clergy from other churches and the bishop’s wife, Mrs Mary Good.
The Rector of Donegal Group of Parishes and Archdeacon of Raphoe, Ven. David Huss, began the service with an update on the fundraising effort to pay for the restoration work – mostly to the spire and tower of the building.
He said: “We’re delighted that over the past 12 months, thanks to the generosity of so many people, over €128,000 has been raised – which takes us within striking distance of our over-all target of €186,000 to complete the payment of the work.”
The Rector said Donegal Parish Church was a much-loved landmark in the town and they were delighted to see it restored to its original glory.
“I would venture to say it’s looking as good as it has since 1828,” he added. “A church spire is a pointer to heaven, an arrow looking upwards and encouraging us in the midst of our busy lives to turn our thoughts towards the Lord, and that is what we’ll be doing tonight.”
In his sermon, Bishop Good said it was a big night for the community, as well as for the parish, the town, the county and for the Church of Ireland.
“So, to all those who’ve worked hard – and much hard work has been done – I want to say my own personal thanks and congratulations. To the architects, builders, craftspeople, generous donors, people involved in any way, I say to you all well done.”
Bishop Good paid tribute to Archdeacon Huss for his leadership in the Donegal Group of Parishes and for the manner in which he was helping his congregations to grow in discipleship. He also commended parishioners for “seizing the moment” and allowing the Lord to stir them into action.
Following the Service, the congregation were invited to the nearby Abbey Hotel for refreshments and fellowship.
