Canon Will Murphy donates large collection of books to CITI

Wednesday October 23rd 2024

The Rev Canon Dr Will Murphy (centre) with senior student Victoria Hawkins and CITI Director, the Rev Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, and some of the books donated.

A joyful gathering in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (CITI) on the evening of October 9 honoured the donation of a large collection of books which will benefit ordinands for generations to come.

The Rev Canon Dr Will Murphy, formerly Diocesan Director of Ordinands in Connor Diocese and facilitator of the foundation course at CITI, has donated his entire library of books to CITI.

In order to express a public thanks, Will and his family were invited to CITI for a reception which followed the Community Eucharist, celebrated by the Rev Stephen McWhirter and at which final year ordinand Siobhan Wheeler preached.

The Rev Canon Dr Will Murphy in conversation with the Rev Canon Dr Maurice Elliott.

Interviewed by CITI’s Director, the Rev Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, Will regaled those present with tales from decades of ministry which included over 19 years serving in prison ministry. He said ordained ministry was a wonderful life and his advice to those coming behind him was to ‘go for it.’

Dr Elliott said that CITI was genuinely grateful for the donation and senior CITI student, Victoria Hawkins thanked Will on behalf of the college students. “Students to come will find great wisdom in your books,” she predicted.

(Report and pictures courtesy of Lynn Glanville, DCO, Dublin and Glendalough)