Rev Stephen McWhirter instituted in Rossorry Parish Church

Rev. McWhirter had previously served as Archdeacon of Tuam, Killala and Achonry in the west of Ireland.

The Service of Institution was due to be conducted by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis but as a result of the death of his mother, Alice earlier in the week, he was unable to attend and the Dean of Clogher, the Very Rev Kenneth Hall , appointed Bishop’s Commissary, led the service and Dean Hall began the service by expressing sympathy to the Bishop and his family. . Dean Hall was assisted by the Acting Rural Dean, the Revd John Woods and the Diocesan Registrar, the Rev. John McClenaghan.

The preacher was the former Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, the Right Rev Patrick Rooke who spoke about Rev. McWhirter during his sermon and said: "Over the past seven years he has endeared himself to the people across Tuam diocese.His friendly disposition, pastoral heart and practical guidance have been deeply appreciated and will be missed by many. As rector he knew his parishoners and was known by them."

The lessons were read by parishioner, Victoria Johnston and the two Parish Readers, Nick Hambly and Sarah Maguire and the hymns were; “Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,” “Dear Lord and Father of mankind,” “For all the saints, who from their labours rest,” “Eternal Father, strong to save,” “Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,” and “We have a gospel to proclaim.” The organist was Mrs. Catherine Irwin.

During the Act of Institution, a number of parishioners took part as the new rector was taken to various parts of the church; Garry Clarke representing 1st Rossorry Scout Group; Aimee Turner from the Confirmation Class, Avril Armstrong from Rossorry Guides, Lorraine Simpson from Rossorry Mothers’ Union and Hilary Pringle from Rossorry Prayer Group. The eollection was in aid of the Clogher Ministry Fund.

Following the service, tea was served in the parish hall where a number of speeches of welcome were made chaired by Acting Rural Dean, Rev. John Woods.

Norman Reid from the Ballina group of parishes spoke of their sadness losing Rev, McWhirter. Words of welcome to Rev. McWhirter and family came from Mrs Dorothy Wilson, Secretary of Rossorry Parish as well as local ministers; Rev Lorna Dreaning, Enniskillen Methodist Church, Rev David Cupples, Enniskillen Presbyterian Church and the Right Rev.Monsignor Peter O’Reilly, St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church.

Rev McWhirter then spoke thanking everyone for their support. During the service, Rev McWhiter revealed he would be in the church from 7am on Saturday morning until Sunday's service of Holy Communion.

Summing up the evening, Dean Kenneth Hall thanked everyone for arranging the service.