26.06.2026
Class of 1986 Reunite for 40th Anniversary of Ordination
By Canon Jim Campbell (Armagh)
On Wednesday, 17th June 2026, eight clergy of the Church of Ireland stepped out of the morning sunshine and into the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, formerly the Theological College. It was a place very familiar to them as they had come to cast their minds back forty years to the time when they had left that same place for ordination and future parish ministry. Among the eight was an Archbishop, a Dean, and an Archdeacon. Three were still in active ministry, while the rest had a few years of retirement behind them, but all had one purpose; to be reunited again in fellowship and to give thanks to Almighty God for allowing them the privilege of ministry over many years.
The Director of CITI, Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, gave a very warm welcome to the group over coffee, and explained some of the changes that had taken place over the years, both to the building and to the type and structures of training. It was then to a photo call in the chapel after which Archbishop Michael celebrated a most meaningful Eucharist. Taking the readings and collect of the day, in his address he drew attention to the fact that ordination never leaves one. It is a commitment that can never be broken, a promise that will be fulfilled and a vision that will be granted. He said that while we may have become and may be hailed as leaders, we remain disciples. Following Jesus is still our calling. It is not in our capacity to do but our willingness to love. Archbishop Michael concluded saying that this is not something that any one of us picks up but it is something that we were taught, and it was here (the Theological College) that we were taught it. “So let us remember and let us rejoice together on this day.”
Following the Communion Service, we adjourned to the dining room for lunch which was generously given to us free of charge. There was an opportunity, with the aid of a number of photographs going back to our college days, to share many memories and talk about former colleagues, thinking especially of those who, for one reason or another, could not be with us. We remembered how, in June 1986, nineteen of us featured in our final class photograph before leaving to be ordained, but now only twelve remain in Ireland, nine of whom are retired. Sadly, three are deceased, while others live in England, Wales, and one in New Zealand. We were kindly given a tour of the updated facilities at CITI by Jane, the Director’s P.A., before leaving again for home, travelling as far north as Holywood, Co Down, and as far south as Bandon, Co Cork. Together, we agreed that it had been a very worthwhile, moving and inspiring day and express sincere thanks to the staff at CITI for their generous welcome and kindness in hosting our 40th Ordination Anniversary Reunion.