Diocese of Down & Dromore

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Revd Elliot Swattridge is instituted in Groomsport Parish

Bishop David instituted the Revd Elliot Swattridge as rector of Groomsport Parish on Tuesday 7 July 2026, almost three years after he was introduced as Priest-in-charge. It was a truly joyful service. Children and team from the parish's Sunday Fun Club presented the seven special items to Elliot and joined in with gusto (and shakers) for the final two songs led by the praise group. The Jubilate Singers sang A Clare Benediction during silent prayer for Elliot and Peter Johnston, Pastor of King's Church Bangor gave the address. The theme of the service was Mountain Moving Prayer.

  • Bishop David and Elliot before the service
    Bishop David and Elliot before the service
  • Revd Elliot Swattridge with the Rector's Warden, Zandra Sloan and People's Warden, Gary Keenan
    Revd Elliot Swattridge with the Rector's Warden, Zandra Sloan and People's Warden, Gary Keenan
  • Elliot with his preacher, Pastor Peter Johnston
    Elliot with his preacher, Pastor Peter Johnston
  • A young parishioner gives the reading
    A young parishioner gives the reading
  • Peter gives the address
    Peter gives the address
  • The Institution
    The Institution
  • Bishop David reads the Act of Institution
    Bishop David reads the Act of Institution
  • A Bible is presented
    A Bible is presented
  • Water is presented
    Water is presented
  • Presentation of the Prayer Book
    Presentation of the Prayer Book
  • 'What's in the box?'
    'What's in the box?'
  • Bread and wine presented
    Bread and wine presented
  • Presentation of oil
    Presentation of oil
  • A towel is presented
    A towel is presented
  • Keys are presented
    Keys are presented
  • Prayers for Elliot
    Prayers for Elliot
  • Jubilate Singers
    Jubilate Singers
  • Elliot leads the praise band
    Elliot leads the praise band
  • Bishop David addresses the Groomsport congregation
    Bishop David addresses the Groomsport congregation
  • Bagpipes at the door as parishioners leave
    Bagpipes at the door as parishioners leave
  • Bishop David and Elliot
    Bishop David and Elliot
  • Archdeacon Mark, Bishop David, Revd Elliott Swattridge and Canon Simon Doogan
    Archdeacon Mark, Bishop David, Revd Elliott Swattridge and Canon Simon Doogan
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