Parishioners say farewell to rector with special service

Parishioners say farewell to rector with special service

13 April 2016

CONGREGATIONS across the Church of Ireland’s Down Group of Parishes said farewell to their rector at a special service in Downpatrick on Sunday.

Rev Stuart Burns, who was in charge of Down Parish, Hollymount, Seaforde and Tyrella churches, preached at his final service before joining members of the four congregations for lunch and a presentation ceremony.

Down Parish Church was packed for Sunday’s service with Mr Burns — who has been in Downpatrick for almost eight years — thanking people for their friendship which he said was much appreciated and something he and his family will never forget.

A native of South Africa, Mr Burns is moving to the Benefice of Cheddar, Draycott and Rodney Stoke in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

After Sunday’s service, the congregations moved to the adjoining Parochial Hall where Mr Burns was presented with a gift cheque by Rev John Scott on behalf of the four churches. Elaine Strain presented Mr Burns with a framed painting depicting the four churches, while Down Parish Church people’s churchwarden, Alison Carson, presented Mrs Lorna Burns with a bouquet of flowers.

Representatives from the four churches spoke on behalf of their congregations with a warm tribute also paid to the contribution Mr Burns has made since his arrival in Downpatrick by the Dean of Down, Very Rev Henry Hull.

Dean Hull said he found it “incredible” that it has been almost eight years since Mr Burns arrived in the area.

“I had a real sense that God called Stuart and Lorna here and it has been a privilege for all the local clergy to work with Stuart. He was someone who brought a lot of experience with him and we were able to work to create a relationship not just within the Down group of churches but across the Lecale area, helping form the Lecale Area Mission Partnership,” he continued.

“Two of Stuart’s strengths we are going to miss are his commitment to children and it is great to see so many of them with us here today. Stuart recognises the importance of children in the church and we all know how much time he has devoted to them during his time with us.

“Stuart is also very sympathetic and understanding and has an empathy for people who go through difficult times after losing loved ones, going through periods of illness or struggle with other issues. He has been very good and I know people have got much strength and support from him.”

Rev Scott wished Stuart “every blessing” in his new ministry before handing over the gift cheque before Mr Burns thanked the churches for their gifts.

“I am here surrounded by such a large group of close and valued friends. We did come here almost eight years ago with the first visit spent with Henry being driven around the area. When Lorna and I flew back to England the next day we knew that this was the place God was calling us to,” he said.

“A college friend from South Africa was the padre at Ballykinlar army camp and we had spent holidays with him and had been to the Mournes, Strangford Lough, the local beaches and the forest parks. It was my friend Hector who told me there was a vacancy here and we were delighted to come. Co Down is a beautiful area and when we came and lived here we discovered the people matched the scenery.”

Mr Burns explained he is moving to England to be with his family who will finally all be in the one place for the first time in 25 years after living in various parts of the world.

He added: “It is necessary to move, but I am very sad to be moving. I believe this is the right thing to do and I will be working in very good churches and I have already met lovely people there. But it is very sad to say goodbye.

“We are all on a journey and we do move on. Everyone of us is on pilgrimage; we are all family and we will keep in touch. Thank you to all the local clergy who have worked and supported me during my time here. St Patrick was so active here and I think this area should be a place of new life and growth in the Church of Ireland. Whatever you can do in the churches here will bless the rest of the island of Ireland. You are in the legacy of St Patrick so keep growing together, loving each other and working together as God’s family in Lecale.”