Kilwaughter and Cairncastle say farewell to Lay Reader

Friday January 15th 2016

The Rev Harold Sharp, Bishops Curate, Margaret Irwin, Tom Irwin and Meta McIlhinney, Secretary, Select Vestry.

Parishioners of Kilwaughter and Cairncastle with All Saints bade farewell to highly respected Lay Reader Tom Irwin at a special social evening.

After four years of service assisting the rector of Kilwaughter and Cairncastle, Tom returned to assist in his home parish at the Church of The Holy Spirit, Mossley.

Jim Hamilton, Parish Treasurer, said: “It is God’s will that Tom leaves the parish to return to his roots and while all are saddened at this parting the parishioners know he has yet much to do in his ministry and he will remain forever in their hearts and prayers.”

Jim said Tom had been placed in the parish four years ago when the rector was ill. “His Christian faith and enthusiasm was a tower of strength and parishioners will remember with deep gratitude his work in sustaining the parish during a very difficult time,” Jim added.

At the social evening to mark Tom’s departure, the Secretary of the Select Vestry, Meta McIlhinney, presented Tom with a gift and thanked him for his generous contribution to life in the parish.