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Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Consecration of Bishop of Clogher

Next Monday, St Mark’s Day, Canon Ian Ellis will be consecrated in St Macartin’s cathedral, Enniskillen, following his election last November as Bishop of Clogher in succession to the Most Revd John McDowell who is now Archbishop of Armagh.

A graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast, Dr Ellis taught physics in Antrim Grammar School before his ordination in 1989 for St Mark’s parish, Armagh. He served as Rector of Loughgall & Grange for eleven years in the Diocese of Armagh and during this time he was Editor of the Armagh Diocesan Magazine, and actively involved in diocesan administration.

Canon Ellis is well–known for his subsequent role as Secretary to the Church’s Board of Education for Northern Ireland where he served for 13 years, bringing together his experience as a schoolteacher and his time in parochial ministry. He also served as the Church of Ireland’s representative on the Transferor Representatives’ Council and as Secretary of that body.

In 2015 he was appointed as Rector of Rossorry in Co. Fermanagh, and the Clogher diocesan  representative canon on the Chapter of St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin. He has been closely involved in the administration of the Diocese of Clogher as a member of Diocesan Council, of which he is one of its Clerical Honorary Secretaries; a member of the Diocesan Board of Education, a Diocesan Nominator and a member of General Synod. He is a member of the Board of Governors of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, where he is Vice–Chairman of the Board of Governors and Chairman of the Education Committee, in addition to being a governor of Jones Memorial Primary School.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the foundation of Armagh Robinson Library, the oldest public library in Northern Ireland. The Library was founded in 1771 by Richard Robinson, the Archbishop of Armagh, at a cost of £3,000. Robinson had it incorporated in 1773 by having an Act passed by the Irish Parliament for ‘settling and preserving a Public Library in the City of Armagh for ever.’ The Library was built to the design of the English–born architect, Thomas Cooley, whose original drawings are still held in the Library. Today the Library has some 45,000 printed volumes, the earliest dating from the 1480s. In addition, the Library has significant collections of manuscripts, coins, medals, antiquities and fine art. Next Thursday at 7.30pm the Library’s Director, Dr Robert Whan, will give an online lecture on ‘Armagh Robinson Library – 250 years’.

This will provide an overview of the history of the Library and an insight into some of its treasures. Speaking ahead of the lecture, he said, “Armagh Robinson Library occupies a unique place in Northern Ireland’s cultural and literary landscape, being the earliest purpose–built library for use by the public in the north of Ireland. While the books and fine art collections provided by the Library’s founder have been added to, the principle of making them freely available to all has remained at the heart of the Library’s continued service for two and a half centuries. This 250th anniversary lecture is an opportunity to find out about the building and collections provided by Archbishop Robinson, how they have been used, and expanded over the years.” The free talk will be delivered by Zoom. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a place, please e–mail: director@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk

Tomorrow, (Sunday) on the RTE News Channel, the Revd Baden Stanley will lead a Service from Christ Church, Bray, at 2.15pm. 

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