Revd Mark Harvey installed as Canon
Revd Canon Mark Harvey (Rector of Shankill Parish Lurgan) has joined the Chapter of Dromore Cathedral as Prebendary of Dromara.
The new canon was installed by the Dean of Dromore, The Very Revd Geoff Wilson, on Friday evening 18 June. Revd Simon Genoe, Rector of Magheralin and a young parishioner of Mark’s when he was rector in Monaghan, gave the address.
Simon began his message by referring to Psalm 84, pointing out how disciples walk through a valley of tears and blessings. He said his prayer was that tonight would be a real encouragement and that ‘Canon Mark’ would, as it says in the psalm, go and grow from ‘strength to strength’.
From 1 Corinthians 2, Simon shared a desire that Mark, and all of us, would grow in the wisdom of God, the ability to embrace our own weaknesses, and that our lives and ministries would be marked by the wonders of God.
Dean Geoff Wilson welcomed Mark to the Cathedral Chapter saying:
“Mark brings many qualities to his new role as a Canon of Dromore Cathedral, not least his ability as a leader and his depth of character. I very much look forward to sharing in ministry with Mark and seeing the witness and mission of the Cathedral broaden and deepen in the years to come with Mark as part of the Chapter here.”
At the close of the service Mark said again what an honour it was to have joined Dromore Cathedral Chapter. He continued:
“The challenge for our parishes and diocese at this time is the greatest we have faced for many generations. The pandemic has changed so many things, not least people’s engagement with church, and has caused a re–evaluation of the place of faith in our personal and corporate lives. We need to support and encourage one another as never before, and it’s my prayer that the chapter in Dromore can be an example in building up the body of Christ.”
The service was live–streamed on the diocesan Facebook page and may be viewed here.
About Mark
Since ordination in 1993, Mark has served in St. Columba’s, Portadown as Curate Assistant, as incumbent of the Monaghan Group of Parishes (1996–2001) and St Mary’s Ballybeen (2005–17) and on the staff of CMS Ireland (2001–05). He became rector of Shankill in June 2017.
Before moving to Dromore Diocese Mark was a canon of Down Cathedral (2015) and served as Clerical Honorary Secretary of Down. He is married to Joanne, and they have a daughter, Lydia. Prior to ordination, he worked as a primary school teacher in Bangor.
