27.06.2016
Archdeacon Celebrates 40 Years of Ordained Ministry
The Archdeacon of Glendalough, the Ven Ricky Rountree, was celebrating a milestone anniversary yesterday (Sunday June 26). His parishioners in Powerscourt with Kilbride helped him mark the 40th anniversary of his ordination with a special joint service followed by a buffet lunch in the rectory grounds. Ricky’s wife, Elizabeth, mother, Meta and sister, Meta Kinnear, joined the festivities.
The preacher at the service, was former Archdeacon of Glendalough, the Ven Edgar Swann, who detailed Ricky’s ‘probationary period’ over the last 40 years. Ricky was ordained to the priesthood in 1977 and served his first Curacy in Orangefield (Down and Dromore) before moving to Zion (Dublin) for his second Curacy. He served as Rector of St Patrick’s Parish, Dalkey, from 1983 to 1997 when he moved to become Rector of Powerscourt with Kilbride where he has served ever since.
Archdeacon Swann detailed Ricky’s great energy and many gifts including his deep interest in liturgy which he used within the Church of Ireland to develop new forms of worship, in the revision of the Book of Common Prayer and in advising clergy on the material available to enhance worship.
“He has never been afraid to be a pioneer and to experiment. Ricky is a real all rounder – happy rebuilding a car engine and in his element when it comes to helping to plan buildings. The rectory and the lovely new school building are a testament to him and a heritage for the future. Both buildings are a great example of how the Church should lead the way in eco buildings and pioneer technologies which can benefit our planet,” he said.
The preacher highlighted Ricky’s work with children and his care for the parish school and his confirmation groups. He also mentioned the introduction of the Charabanc in Enniskerry. Ricky’s love of ecumenical outreach and the cooperation and friendship between parishes in the area as was his dedication to the extra work of Archdeacon of the Diocese of Glendalough.
Through all this, he pointed out, Ricky had managed to raise a family and play the occasional round of golf, made possible with the support and encouragement of his wife.
Photo caption: The Ven Edgar Swann, church wardens Gillian Davis and Rose Whelan, Archdeacon Ricky Rountree, Elizabeth Rountree, Breda Lilburn and the Revd Terry Lilburn.
More photos at https://www.facebook.com/DublinandGlendalough/posts/1040445342658176