by Paddy Walsh
SIX and a half years after there had been a warm welcome in the hills for them, two clerics, Rev David and Heather Houlton, are preparing to take their leave off their parishes and their home in Letterkenny.
The Church of Ireland community along with representatives from other denominations and local schools and organisations gathered in Trinity Hall for a special farewell supper to honour the popular duo who are set to return to their native England before taking up a six month ministry in Austria.
Tributes of biblical proportions were paid at the event with both recipients acknowledging the welcome they had enjoyed during their time in a county where they have left their mark in the ministry and their footprints in the sand.
Making a presentation on behalf of the Gartan parish, Elizabeth Forrest, told the retiring couple: “You have seen us at our saddest times but also at our happiest and we hope you bring away fond memories from here.” She went on to thank both for their spiritual guidance during their time in Donegal.
Representing Conwal parish, M.C. for the occasion, Cynthia Fuery said it had been six and a half years since the Houltons had arrived into the hills of Donegal along with their dog Sandy.
They had initially stayed in Termon as the accommodation there was the only animal friendly location available!
As part of her training, Rev. Heather had spent some time in Donegal previously.
Referring to the Houltons time in the county, Cynthia recalled one memory of a night in McCalfferty’s Bar for a session of Irish music. “And that’s all I’m saying…!”
The Covid pandemic had changed their way of doing things and both Heather and David had been innovative in conducting church services and so forth on line.
Heather had worked as chaplain at Letterkenny University Hospital which had not been an easy task. During her time in Donegal she had lost both her parents in England. And now that they would be returning, David’s mother would be glad to see them back in Yorkshire.
“You are welcome back to Letterkenny at any time,” the M.C. extended an invitation.
She reflected on all the organisations that had turned up at the farewell supper including the Care of the Aged group, the Rotary Club, and Relay for Life.
A painting of Ballymacstocker beach – one of many such locations that the couple and Sandy trodded along – was presented to the Houltons with Cynthia noting the sad passing of the artist, Hugh Boyce, a couple of weeks previously.
Further presentations were made on the night including one by local church warden, Ally Moore, and two Sunday School pupils, Layla and Olivia Moore.
Also addressing the gathering, Archdeacon David Huss sent apologies from Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt.Rev Andrew Forster who was unable to attend.
The Archdeacon recalled the previous Bishop, Ken Good, leading a group of clergy personnel on a trip to England where they met a woman, a young Heather Houlton, who was training for church ministry.
“Some little seed was planted and germinated with a placement with us in Donegal Town,” the Rev. Huss reflected back over a dozen years.
“The Lord led you here to Donegal to Conwal and Gartan and we are sorry to see you both go. But all good things come to an end apart from the Kingdom of God.”
The Archdeacon also referred to the spirit of cooperation that existed between the various denominations in Donegal in as much as they were able to work together.
There were further tributes from Ena Barrett. representing Relay for Life Donegal, who acknowledged all the support Rev.Heather and Rev David had given to the organisation. “They were always there and we truly, genuinely appreciate it.”
Principal of Ballyraine National School, Linda Moore said she had only been in the job for two years but had been privileged to have been associated with the departing ministers.
On behalf of the Board of Management she paid tribute to the work they had done in relation to the school during their time in Letterkenny.
On behalf of the Catholic community, Mons Kevin Gillespie revealed his own arrival in Letterkenny had coincided with that of the Houltons.
Stating it had always been delightful to encounter them, he said they had brought a sense of friendliness and openness to the community which had been very much appreciated.
“Many of our Cathedral community would be very familiar with seeing you around the town and the streets and involved in the various celebrations.”
Mons Gillespie wished them every blessing noting that they were initially heading to the European heartland with which they would be familiar.
Gartan N.S. Principal, Ann Henderson thanked both for their help and support and wished them well in the new chapter in their lives.
Representing the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Mark Loughridge extended his thanks to the couple for “bringing the glorious Gospel” to Donegal and for the work they had put into the community.
Acknowledging all the tributes, Rev David thanked all his clerical colleagues from the other denominations.. “It was great to work together and to pray together,” he indicated, stating that he believed Donegal to have the most spiritual people of anywhere they had been.
He highlighted the schools and their staff and children and the two “excellent vestries” who made sure the parish kept going. He mentioned in particular the building and church associated with Conwal Parish Church – places to come and worship God and to “ remember people who went before us” and all of them kept very well.
Rev David also praised the Chamber of Commerce and recalled with fondness joining in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Describing it as a wonderful evening, Rev Heather thanked all who had been involved in organising it and provided the supper.
She paid special tribute to Cynthia Fuery and thanked Archdeacon Huss for having originally invited her to Donegal to research the county. “We have both been so happy here and love the people of Donegal.”
Rev Heather also paid tribute to Paschal Blake, who was in attendance, and all the local funeral directors. “Most people might not invite funeral directors to a party!”, she quipped. But they appreciated the care and calming influence as they supported families through difficult times.
She further extended thanks to those at Letterkenny University Hospital and her fellow chaplains including former chaplain, Fr Michael Chambers. She also acknowledged general manager of the hospital, Sean Murphy, who was very supportive of the work of the chaplains.
There was also acknowledgement to the Donegal Hospice for its “exceptional care” of the patients there.
She and Rev David had found the people of Donegal so warm and welcoming. “We’re really going to miss you – we have learned a lot from you.”
And she added: “I would like to express our thankfulness to God who brought us here and who has sustained us in our ministry. He will be with us in the future and with you and guide you.”
The evening started off with some musical offerings from the members of the Colmcille Choir under conductor, Karen Patton, and ended with entertainment from the local Ukulele Orchestra under Donal Kavanagh while the nimble feet of Irish dancer, Sophia Whoriskey, provided another spectacle on the stage of Trinity Hall.
And soon the Houltons will dance their way from a Donegal sunset into a Yorkshire dawn….
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