Fond farewells in Kilbride as Canon David Humphries retires

Wednesday August 30th 2023

The Rev Canon David Humphries.

The Rev Canon David Humphries led his last Service of Morning Prayer as rector of Kilbride Parish on Sunday August 27 prior to his retirement on August 31.

David has been rector of Kilbride for almost seven years, and many visitors from other churches and organisations came along to wish him well, along with representatives from Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band, various Masonic lodges and many personal friends.

To mark the occasion, a collection had been made in the previous few weeks and a gift cheque was presented to David by Ivan Topping, Secretary of the Select Vestry. Ivan paid tribute to the wonderful service that David has given to Kilbride during his time as incumbent, also mentioning his work outside of the parish with the Down and Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Scheme and in particular his leadership of a number of pilgrimages to the Holy Land during his time at Kilbride, the last one being in May of this year accompanied by Bishop George Davison.

David has led more than 25 pilgrimages to the Holy Land during more than three decades of ministry.

On behalf of the members of the Select Vestry and the parishioners of Kilbride, Ivan thanked David for his ministry and wished him a long and productive retirement.

David Holmes then paid a personal tribute to the rector for the help he had given him in his role as Parish Reader for Kilbride and presented him with a photo-book containing photographs taken during his ministry.

The church choir sang an anthem entitled ‘A Clare Benediction,’ written by John Rutter.

Following the service, everyone enjoyed refreshments in the Parish Hall where they were able to chat with David and offer their own personal tributes and good wishes as they said goodbye. On behalf of the church wardens during David’s time in Kilbride, Iris McCormick read a poem she had written about David.

The Rev Canon David Humphries led his last Service of Morning Prayer as rector of Kilbride Parish on Sunday August 27 prior to his retirement on August 31.

Report and picture by David Holmes