Covid Memorial dedicated at St Patrick’s, Ballymena

Wednesday September 10th 2025

Father Michael McGinnity, All Saints’, Ballymena; the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor; Mrs Jacqui Dixon MBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of County Antrim. Council Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid & East Antrim; and the Rev Canon Mark McConnell, former rector of Ballymena Parish. Photo: Loraine Watt.

A memorial to those lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic was dedicated at a Service of Evensong in St Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymena, on Sunday September 7.

The stone obelisk sits in the grounds of the church. The inscription on the front reads:

“In times of darkness, love sees. In times of silence, love heals. In times of doubt, love hopes. In times of sorry, love comforts. And at all times, love remembers. Anon.”

The base is inscribed: “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7.”

Following a very poignant service which began at 3pm, the congregation was invited to move outside as the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor, led an act of dedication and remembrance.

The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim was represented by Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Jacqui Dixon MBE DL. Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, was also in attendance along with the Mayoress, Mrs Alison Minford, and a number of councillors.

During the service which was conducted by the Rev Jim Francis, the Rev Canon Mark McConnell, former rector of Ballymena, spoke a few words of introduction. Prayers of intercession were led by Father Michael Maginnity from All Saints’, Ballymena. One of the lessons was read by the Mayor.

Bishop George Davison, Mrs Nadine Davison, Mrs Jacqui Dixon MBE DL, and the Rev Campbell Dixon MBE, enjoy refreshments following the unveiling if the Covid Memorial at St Patrick’s, Ballymena.

The Bishop of Connor gave the address in which he recalled the unprecedented period which caused significant upheaval to everyone’s lives as well as distress and sadness for many people.

He stated how appropriate it was to have such a memorial to the many people in the local community who lost their lives during the pandemic. The memorial served as a reminder that those who died would not be forgotten. He also encouraged those present to be ever mindful of the fact that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Before the Act of Dedication, Canon McConnell outlined the importance of having such a memorial to remember all those from across the Ballymena community who were affected by the pandemic. He then invited the Bishop to perform the act of dedication.

Those present at the service were given the opportunity to place a small token or note in memory of loved ones who died during the pandemic in a box at the back of the church. The box would be available in the Parish Office for a period of two weeks after the service at which time it will be buried beside the Memorial stone.

Everyone present was invited to the Parish Hall for refreshments after the service.