Window memorial to ship’s master dedicated at Cairncastle

Tuesday June 24th 2008

At the dedication of the memorial window to Captain John Park are: Back row left to right: Roger Thompson [Rector], Kim Swan [P & O Freight Manager], William Patton [Lay Reader]. Front row left to right: Robert Park, Maureen Tomlinson, Gillian Park, Captains Martin Ingham and Brian Gordon [P & O]) A stained glass window in memory of Captain John Park, ship’s master for many years on the P & O Larne/Fleetwood ferry has been dedicated in St Patrick’s Parish Church, Cairncastle.

The special ceremony took place on Sunday June 22 in the church where Captain Park was a regular worshipper until his death four years ago.

The window was commissioned by Mrs Gillian Park, and was designed and installed by Calderwoods Glass of Whiteabbey. It complements an earlier memorial depicting St Patrick tending sheep on Slemish Mountain, and features images of the P & O Ferry together with the Maidens islands – much-loved sights that are very familiar to the people of the East Antrim coast.

The west Maidens lighthouse is seen beaming out its signal, representing the guiding light of Christ, and this is complemented by the motto, ‘Christ be with me”, which is taken from the Hymn of St Patrick.

The ceremony was conducted by the Rev Roger Thompson (Rector of the parish) assisted by William Patton (Lay Reader), and was attended by Mrs Park, her son Robert and sister Maureen together with P & O representatives Captain Martin Ingham, Captain Brian Gordon and Kim Swan (Freight Manager).

The new Captain John Park Memorial Window in Cairncastle. The existing St Patrick Window