Remembrance Weekend at St Mark’s Dundela
The Parish of St Mark’s, Dundela will be marking the 100th Anniversary of the First World War with a series of events over Remembrance Weekend in 2014.
The Revd Adrian Dorrian, Rector of St Mark’s, said, “Remembrance is always significant in St Mark’s. This year, we will mark that link and we will also draw on the rich tapestry of literature and history that surrounds the Great War for this series of events.
I am especially delighted that the Letters from the Trenches discovered in the Kilmore Collection will be central to our weekend programme. As well as the short film showcasing these letters, we are very pleased that we will have them on display in the Church (Sat–Mon) and the Church Hall (Tues) during the weekend’s events. I hope as many people as possible will join us for some or all of this programme.”
Programme (Download a flyer here)
On Saturday 8 November, St Mark’s Men’s Group will host brunch in the Rectory at 11.15 am, followed by a specially arranged tour of the Somme Heritage Centre in Newtownards at 1.00 pm. This event is open to all, not just men, and is the only event over the course over the weekend to incur a charge – £8 will cover the cost of brunch and the Heritage Centre Tour. Those who would like to join us for the tour (for £5) are also welcome.
On Sunday 9, Remembrance Sunday, there will be two services of Remembrance at which St Mark’s Choir directed by Peter Hunter will join the clergy in leading worship. Join St Mark’s Parishioners at 10.30 am for Morning Prayer with an Act of Remembrance that will include the reading of the Parish Roll of Honour. The Rector, Red Adrian Dorrian, will preach at this service. A specially prepared service at 12 noon will welcome members of the community.
On Monday 10, St Mark’s will play host to the first screening of a short film, ‘The Boys from East Belfast’ which charts the discovery of a series of letters to the Rector of Dundela during the First World War written by soldiers in the trenches. The letters will be on display at this event and throughout the weekend.
At 10.55 am on 11 November, a short prayer service lasting 15 minutes will take place in the Side Chapel of St Mark’s, including two minutes’ silence at 11.00 am. The same day, at 7.30 pm in the Heyn Hall, St Mark’s Players will host a Parish Evening entitled ‘1914 Voices’. Using archive material, dramatic presentations and music, those present will be transported to the world of 1914 and have the chance to witness something of its reaction to the outbreak of war.