Bishop Edward Darling and Canon James Moore

celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Ordination

 

St. John’s Malone was the setting for an inspiring  Eucharistic service to commemorate  the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination to the Diaconate of both Bishop Edward Darling, who had been Rector of St. John’s  from 1972 to 1984, and Canon James Moore who had carried out parochial visiting in St John's after his retirement. Both were ordained in Belfast Cathedral on St Kilian's Day 1956 for curacies in St Luke's parish.

The Celebrant at he Eucharist, attended by a large number of clergy, relatives and friends, was Bishop Edward, the readings were by Mrs Mona Moore and Mrs Patricia Darling, and the Prayers were led by Fred McDowell who had been People’s Churchwarden in St John's at Bishop Edward’s institution. The Gospel was read by Canon Moore, and the address was by Bishop Poyntz. 

The offering went to “Bóthar”, an organisation of which Bishop Edward has been a Patron since it was founded in 1991. It exists to  relieve poverty in the Developing World through the use of  farm animals, Bishop Edward will join 30 other people to trek through the Stubai Mountains in Austria in August to raise funds.

After the service a large number of the congregation remained for light refreshments of soup, rolls and sandwiches, plus home made delicacies, provided and served by St John's choir and their families. 

At a reception before the meal Katie Wright, the recently appointed People’s Warden, welcomed all to St. John’s.  In the absence of the rector Canon Mann, who was on holiday, Bishop Poyntz seconded the remarks and thanked all for their presence on such a memorable occasion. Canon Moore and Bishop Darling  also spoke of  the wonderful reception accorded to them. Bishop Alan Harper, former Rector of  the Parish said grace, and then followed a meal in keeping with St. John’s high reputation for good food, good fellowship and good craic.