• 07 June 2016

St Columba’s, Knock, celebrates its 120th Anniversary

St Columba’s Parish Church, Knock has celebrated its 120th anniversary with a weekend of special events and worship.

On Saturday 4 June there was a most enjoyable concert in the church with the Parish Organist and Choral Director, Dr Joe McKee, the Choir and guests. They prepared a comprehensive programme of inspirational music which also included a selection of readings by Lynda Bryans, the well–known former television presenter. Following the concert, the parish’s Catering Committee served “celebratory refreshments” outside on the church lawn where there was great fellowship between parishioners and visitors.

On Sunday 5 June, at the 10.30 am Patronal Festival Eucharist, the preacher Lord Eames, dedicated the recently refurbished west end of the church, which now includes a welcome area and tea point along with new stained glass which depicts the joy of the Resurrection in the Rose Window, generously gifted by Caroline and Alan Cramp. This work is facilitating renewed growth and community outreach.

The updated version of the parish book, “An House Not Made With Hands”, was launched at the West End of the church immediately after the 10.30 am service. The Organist Emeritus, Gerald Hill has updated Betty Rainsford’s book, which was originally published in the Centenary year in 1996, to the present day. Following his extensive research Gerald has incorporated many of the developments which have been achieved through the hard work and generosity of so many people during the past twenty years. Gerald’s great attention to detail ensures that this excellent publication with lovely colour photographs will be a wonderful record for readers to enjoy.

The preacher at Choral Evensong was Bishop Gordon McMullan, who served as Curate of St Columba’s from 1969 – 1971 and as Rector from 1976 – 1980.  The prayers were led by another former Rector, Archdeacon Gregor McCamley, the longest serving Rector of St Columba’s 1980 – 2007. This was the first time that the current Rector, The Revd John Auchmuty, shared worship with two of his predecessors in St Columba’s, who contributed so much to the growth of the parish. It was a memorable occasion.

Reflecting on the weekend, Revd Auchmuty, commented “As a parish we have received fresh encouragement from our 120th anniversary celebrations. The weekend has been a great success as together we gave thanks to God for the life of St Columba’s in years past and sought His guidance for the years ahead.”

See a photo gallery here.

Copies of “An House Not Made With Hands” are available from St Columba’s Parish Church, The Parish Office (02890 656891 Mon – Fri 9.00 am – 1.00 pm) and The Bookwell (Richard Ryan: 07581 143596).

See www.thebookwell.co.uk/stcolumbas for more information.