The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, Tuam was was full on the afternoon of Sunday 1st May. The occasion of this was the Installation of a Dignitary and a Canon to the Cathedral Chapter.
The Very Revd. Stan Evans was Installed Provost of Tuam and The Revd. Andrea Wills was Installed to the Prebndary of Taghsaxon and Laccagh. Family, friends, parishioners and clergy colleagues from far and wide came together for a Service of Evensong to support Andrea and Stan, to congratulate them and to raise their voices in the worship of The Lord God Almighty.
With Ms Rachel Pike providing the music on the organ, Evensong was sung by the Dean, Very Revd. Alistair Grimason, ably assisted by the small choir.
The Lessons were read by Carole Reynolds and Beverley Stafford, parishioners of Omey and Straide parishes where the new Chapter members serve.
Stan was presented to the Dean by The Venerable Gary Hastings, Archdeacon of Tuam and Andrea was presented by The Venerable Alan Synnott, Archdeacon of Killala and Achonry. The Mandates were read by the Diocesan Registrar, Mrs Audrey Shannon. The Dean Installed both Canons.
The sermon was preached by The Right Revd. Alan Harper and it was an honour to have the former Primate of All Ireland grace the pulpit of Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
The Benediction was pronounced by The Right Revd. Patrick Rooke, Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry.
A most welcome and splendid Tea was provided and served in the Synod Hall by the parishioners of Saint Mary’s Cathedral who had also done a wonderful job in preparing the Cathedral the day before.
We join in echoing the words of the Dean to both Andrea and Stan as he sat them in their stalls:
‘ May the Lord Bless you in your going out and your coming in from this time forward and for evermore.’