30.04.2012
Institution of New Rector at Donoughmore and Donard with Dunlavin
The Revd Olive Henderson was given a warm welcome back to the Diocese of Glendalough on Wednesday April 25 when she became the new rector of Donoughmore and Donard with Dunlavin. The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, presided at her service of institution in St Nicholas’ Church in Dunlavin which was filled to capacity despite the gale force winds and driving rain. Ms Henderson is a former rector of Rathdrum, Derralossary with Glenealy.
In his sermon, Canon Tom Sherlock, observed that in the space of the day a rector could witness the whole range of human emotions through ministry in homes, hospitals, meeting people and dealing with joyful situations and sorrowful situations. He added that Ms Henderson was coming to minister in the parish in a church that is in a time of transition in a rapidly changing society. “No longer can any church take their congregation for granted. Each new generation has to be evangelised,” he stated.
At a celebration afterwards in the Jonathan Swift National School, the Rural Dean, Revd Leonard Ruddock, praised the vestries, treasurers, glebe wardens and church wardens of Donoughmore, Donard and Dunlavin who kept their shoulders to the wheel to keep the parishes going during the vacancy. He also thanked Archdeacon Ricky Rountree, Revd Isaac Delamere, Revd Terry Alcock and the ministry team for their help.
Rector’s church warden for St Nicholas’ Church, Jeremy Kemp, welcomed Olive and Ernest to Dunlavin. He said it was wonderful to see the church so full on a great occasion for the parish.
Ms Henderson thanked everyone for the warm welcome she and Ernest had been given and said they were delighted to be back in the diocese. She thanked the nominators for their wonderful vision. She thanked the glebe wardens for having the rectory in such good condition and the local clergy and everyone involved in putting together such a meaningful service and everyone who had put such huge effort into the provision of the spread in the school. She also paid tribute to her husband for his support and encouragement.
Archbishop Michael Jackson praised everyone who helped with the preparations for the service of institution. He told Ms Henderson: “We’re delighted to have you back and I know that the people of these three parishes will be delighted to have you”.
Pictured are the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, the Revd Olive Henderson and her husband, Ernest Henderson.