By Dionne Meehan
HUNDREDS gathered in Newtowncunningham last Thursday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Church of All Saints.
Officially opened on April 11, 1999, the new building replaced an older church on the site which was built in 1810.
Present at Thursday’s celebration was main celebrant Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, St Eunan’s Cathedral.
Also present were Fr Philip Kemmy PP Newtowncunningham, Fr Ciaran Harkin, Fr Willie Mc Menamin, Monsignor Dan Carr, Fr Gerry White, Fr Eamon Kelly, Fr Oliver Crossan, Deacon Anthony Hartnett and Liam Coyle.
In the opening procession of the Mass various objects were brought forward in remembrance of the Dedication Ceremony which took place 25 years ago.
The spade which turned the sod on the site was brought forward by Conor Martin (grandson of John Martin who assisted Cardinal Winning with the foundation stone.)
A small replica of the church was brought forward by George Rodgers who assisted with placing the altar at the time of construction.
A book commemorating and explaining the church was brought forward by Liam McMenamin representing the many volunteers.
A photograph of Fr Kevin O Doherty under whose guidance the church was built was brought forward by Tommy McCutcheon, a friend and neighbour of Fr O Doherty.
The lessons were read by John Gillespie and Evelyn Creagh.
The offertory gifts were brought forward by Noel Canning representing past Parish Committee members.
Patrick O Donnell represented the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Killea and Annie Canning, represented the hospitality committee; Anna McClintock represented past and present members of the music ministry and Josephine McDaid represented the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
The Senior Choir and the Folk Group provided the music and hymns.
The Senior Choir sang St Peter’s Barque, the original hymn written especially for the opening of the church by Phil Coulter and performed by him on the opening day.
Afterwards there was entertainment and tea in the Columban Hall and lots of photographs for everyone to take a trip down memory lane.
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