Institution of Revd. Mark Smith as Rector of the Kildrumferton Group of Parishes
On Sunday evening, 13th April, Revd. Mark Smith was instituted as Rector of the Kildrumferton Group of Parishes. St Paul’s, Ballymachugh was filled with parishioners, friends, family and colleagues for a service led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield. Revd. Mark has been serving as the Minister-in-Charge of the group since May 2021 and his institution as Incumbent of the Group was a wonderful moment in the life of the parishes as well as the Diocese.
Ian Stokes, who is a Parish Reader in the Kildrumferton Group, read from Galatians 1:1-12 and Revd. Mark’s mother, Revd. Linnet Smith read the Gospel reading from Luke 7:1-10. Archdeacon Ian Horner gave the address at the institution. Preaching from Luke 7, he reminded the congregation that in a world of suspect, unstable authority, there is one supreme authority we can truly have faith in. As Christians we sit under an authority that nothing can corrupt – an authority that can heal, restore and bring life out of death. Christian faith is about abandoning trust in our own merit and relying instead on the person of Jesus and his authoritative word. Speaking of Revd. Mark and his wife Ruth, Archdeacon Ian said they were people who sit faithfully and happily under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. He encouraged us all to keep faith in Jesus and to love and serve one another as we walk together under Christ.
The Act of Institution was then read by Bishop Ferran Glenfield and Revd. Mark was presented to the congregation as the Rector of Kildrumferton Group. During the commissioning the congregation were asked to affirm their commitment to be a witness to the love of Christ and to serve others in the name of Christ. Gifts of a bible, water (representing baptism), the Book of Common Prayer, bread and wine, a key to the door of the church and a towel (reminding us of the calling to serve) were presented to Revd. Mark as symbols of his commitment to guiding, nurturing and strengthening our faith.
Following the Act of Institution, Revd. Mark was welcomed as Rector of the Kildrumferton Group by Colin Gordon, Church Warden of Ballymachugh. Dean Nigel Crossey, spoke of behalf of the clergy of the Diocese. Padraic Corley spoke on behalf of the Cavan Royal School where Revd. Mark is currently serving as Chaplain and Orla O’Connor spoke on behalf of Billis National School. Revd. Mark was spoken of as someone with a great deal of warmth and generosity, who was easily approachable. The delight that he would remain a part of the community was clearly evident.
The service was followed by a wonderful supper in the beautiful setting of the Crover House hotel. We pray for the Lord’s blessing on Revd. Mark and his family as they continue their ministry in the Kildrumferton Group of Parishes.
Colin Gordon, Revd. Mark smith, Veronica Roe, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Alan Bleakley
