Downpatrick and Lecale in farewell to Dean Henry Hull

Downpatrick and Lecale in farewell to Dean Henry Hull

6 December 2023

A FAREWELL service for the Dean of Down, the Very Rev Henry Hull, was held in Down Cathedral on Friday evening.

Dean Hull, who is retiring, said his 22 years in the Downpatrick and Lecale area, were a “blessing” for him and his family.

Taking part in the service were clergy from various Christian denominations, including Canon John Murray, Downpatrick Parish Priest, Canon Sean Rogan, former Downpatrick PP, and Rev Owen Patterson, minister of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church.

Also present were representatives of the 14 churches making up the Lecale Area Mission Partnership and people from all sections of the community.

Among the special guests were Baroness Margaret Ritchie, Newry, Mourne and Down vice-chairman Gareth Sharvin, South Down MLA Colin McGrath and local councillors Oonagh Hanlon and Cadogan Enright.

Prayers of thanks were read by the Rev Adrian Dorrian, his wife, Anne, Rev Patterson and Brother Eric, from Holy Cross Abbey in Rostrevor, which has close connections with Down Cathedral.

Dean Hull said he was sad to be leaving, but would have many happy memories and hoped to continue the many friendships he had made during his time in the area.

He thanked his wife, Gerry, and his family for their support and encouragement and was “immensely grateful” to his colleagues in the Church of Ireland and other churches, in particular thanks to Canon Mervyn Dickson, former rector of Down and Hollymount churches, who he described as an “inspiration and a remarkable man”, who helped him in his ministry.

He said that when he first came to the area he knew only half a dozen or so people and that one of first significant events was being asked by the late South Down MP, Eddie McGrady, to help organise an interdenominational prayer vigil in aftermath of the World Trade Cente attack on September 11, 2001.

He said this made him aware of the “outstanding” community relations in Downpatrick and the surrounding area, which continue to this day.

Looking to the future, he said he would continue to pray for the people of the area. He added: “I will miss many things, one of them being part of this community and its people. It has been a pleasure living here and serving Christ with you.”

A number of presentations were made to Dean and Mrs Hull during the evening.

Cllr Sharvin presented them with an inscribed glass bowl on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down Council and Mrs Linda Quinn, pastoral worker, presented a bouquet on behalf of the Lecale Area Mission Partnership.

Cllr Sharvin said he enjoyed coming to the cathedral and on St Patrick’s Day and thanked the Dean for his leadership, guidance and support.

“We appreciate your humility and wish you well in your retirement,” he added.

Baroness Ritchie said it was “absolute pleasure” to know Dean and Mrs Hull.

“You have clearly appreciated what we are as a community in building a shared society that is typical of Downpatrick and Lecale,” she said.

“On behalf of that community I would like to wish you not a retirement, but a different phase of your life. Please come back and visit us. For me it is personal thanks and for the community it is deep and grateful appreciation.”

Speaking on behalf of the Church of Ireland clergy, Rev Dorrian said Dean Hull had shown a “real sense of leadership”.

He added: “You have encouraged us all and I give you thanks for that.”

Mr Malcolm Moffatt, a member of Loughinisland Parish Church and speaking on behalf of the churches of the Lecale Area Mission Partnership, said he was “delighted” to be invited to offer his thanks to Dean Hull.

He described the Dean as the leader who had built up “tremendous spirit, which is extremely important in any organisation”.

Mr Moffatt added: “We very much appreciate your efforts and give grateful thanks for your commitment. We wish you and Mrs Hull well in your retirement.”

Mr Robert Maxwell spoke on behalf of the six churches which were part of the Lecale Group of Parishes when Dean Hull was first appointed rector.

He said the Dean had introduced many new ideas and had strengthened people’s faith.

He thanked the Dean and Mrs Hull for the great hospitality they had shown in their home and for their help in times of need.

Mr Maxwell added: “We offer our thanks for your encouragement and fellowship. We hope you have a long and happy retirement spent with your family.”