Ordination anniversaries celebrated in St Polycarp’s

Monday June 23rd 2025

The Rev Louise Stewart and the Rev Clifford Skillen are pictured in St Polycarp’s following Morning Prayer on Trinity Sunday to mark their 25th and 36th anniversaries respectively of ordination. (Photo: Edmund Green)

The rector of the grouped parishes of Finaghy and Upper Malone, the Rev Louise Stewart, and the former rector of Finaghy, the Rev Clifford Skillen, both celebrated anniversaries of their ordination at Morning Prayer in St Polycarp’s, Finaghy, on Trinity Sunday, June 15.

Louise celebrated the 25th anniversary of her ordination and Clifford his 36th.

Clifford preached at the service, congratulating Louise on reaching the milestone of her silver jubilee anniversary and giving thanks for her faithfulness and service on her ordained journey in St John’s, Malone (where she served from 2000-2009), and in Finaghy and Upper Malone.

He also gave thanks for the blessings, support and prayers both had received throughout their respective ministries, remarking that a combined total of 61 years of ordination ‘wasn’t bad going!’

Churchwardens Lynn Gordon and Edmund Green present the Rev Louise Stewart with a floral arrangement to mark the 25th anniversary of her ordination. (Photo: Peter Breene)