Diocesan News
HRH The Duke of Kent visits Kilmood Parish
Kilmood Parish welcomed a royal visitor on a glorious Thursday afternoon, 28 March. His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent visited St Mary’s Church for a service to mark the unveiling and dedication of the church’s newly installed Walker pipe organ. The instrument is more than 100 years old and was restored after being rescued from a church in England.
The visit also celebrated the church’s Peace Bells, which were unveiled in November 2018 to mark the centenary of the Armistice.
Ahead of the service, the duke was introduced to Dr Terry Cross and representatives of the David Cross Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation. He was shown the Cross Memorial Bell, which was installed in memory of Dr Cross’s father, William Maxwell Cross, who served in 8th (Belfast) Heavy Anti–Aircraft Regiment during World War Two, and his son David, who died of skin cancer at the age of 33.
HRH was also introduced to military historian Nick Perry at the newly erected Roll of Honour on the west wall of the church, which tells of the local contribution to the Great War.
Bishop Harold conducted the short service of dedication which comprised a reading, a hymn and a prayer and all present enjoyed hearing the organ played.
The duke was also introduced to the bell ringers before being shown around the recently restored Sexton’s Cottage, and the newly furnished parish office and counselling suite.
The duke was also introduced to the staff and children of Kilmood play group and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark his visit.
The rector, the Revd Dr Stanley Gamble, said: “The visit went really well. All in all it was a terrific visit. It all went very smoothly and it was a very good day.”
Photos courtesy of PressEye
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Down & Dromore
07840 006899
Mrs Annette McGrath
dco@downdromorediocese.org