Ardess Parish say their farewells to Eric and Sheila, wishing them God’s blessing for the future.
St Mary’s, Magheraculmoney was filled to capacity on Saturday 23rd January as parishioners and friends gathered to say farewell to Chancellor Eric McGirr and his wife Sheila, as the Chancellor retires from parish ministry after 40 years, almost sixteen of them as Rector of Ardess.
The format for the evening—hosted by Rosemary Frazer and Hilda Thompson—was a synopsis of the life of Chancellor McGirr from his childhood in Brookeborough until the present day. Many moving tributes were paid to both the Chancellor and Mrs McGirr in prose, song and verse covering both their secular and spiritual lives.
Many of the night’s tributes were pre-recorded videos, including from their son William in Australia and daughter Rachel and family in the Middle East.
Churchwardens Bob McCurry and Alan Spence then made a presentation of gifts to the Chancellor, while Mrs Maureen Loane gave Mrs McGirr a bouquet of flowers.
Chancellor McGirr in replying spoke of how he had been blessed throughout his ministry. Turning to God in prayer before making any decisions had been his focus and he encouraged everyone to do likewise. He thanked the people of Ardess for the wonderful hospitality and friendship both he and Sheila had been shown over the years.
The evening culminated with supper and reminiscing in the Parish Centre.
Missed the evening?
Here’s a chance to savour ‘Have You Heard Of A Young Eric?’ performed by Ardess Choir.
‘Have You Heard Of A Young Eric?’
by Fran Knox & Glenn Moore
Have you heard of a young Eric from the parish of Ardess?
Well he’s going to say goodbye to us just when he looks his best
So he’s just informed the Bishop and his neighbours one and all
And that is why we’ll all end up this evening in the hall.
And when writing out Frances was careful to suggest to us
To try and find an envelope on which to put his name
The more we put in whenever Bob requested us
The further would young Eric go when flying on the plane
With Eric the cleric
And Sheila the director, Oh
He soon became the Chancellor
And got a little curate, Oh
Up and down the aisle
Soon will be no more
As we all say our fond farewell to Eric at the door.
There was Mrs Myrtle Wilkin who kept him on his toes
John the dedicated treasurer to keep away the woes
There were Scouts from every corner and Guides from every art
And the beautiful dear choir so sad to see him part
And along with them came Gerald with a set of plans
For a new cathedral just beyond Mullaghfarne
There was Hilda, Maureen and oh so many more
The flower of Ednamohill and the pride of Narabeen
Chorus
First the dear Mothers’ Union got up to show them how
To make a decent cup of tea as Eric takes his bow
“I thank you very much”, says he
“The food was mighty good”
But you better make the curate pay in case he’s here for good!
From the Little Lambs to Friends in the Afternoon
So many people have had their part to play
Sunday School and all the youth and cells alike
Begorra, Canon Eric maybe you should really stay!
Chorus
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