A Joyful Celebration: Dean Ruth West Installed in Sligo

St John’s Cathedral, Sligo, was filled to capacity on Friday evening, 24th October, as the Church of Ireland community gathered for a wonderful service of institution and installation. Canon Ruth West was instituted as Rector of the Sligo Cathedral Group of parishes and installed as Dean of Elphin and Ardagh, marking an exciting new chapter for Dean Ruth and the diocese as a whole.

The evening was made even more special by the installation of two new canons: Revd Simon Scott as Canon for Killukin and Revd Edmund Smyth as Canon for Kilcooley.

The packed cathedral reflected the warmth and affection in which Dean Ruth is held. Among the congregation were Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, Frank Feighan TD, several local dignitaries, as well as other clergy from the Church of Ireland and other denominations. Particularly moving was the presence of visitors from Ruth’s former parishes in Waterford, Donegal and Florencecourt – including a busload of parishioners who travelled from her latest parish in Fermanagh to wish her well, a testament to how deeply she will be missed there.

The service was beautifully planned by Archdeacon Patrick Bamber, assisted by Revd Adam Norris, with wardens from the three churches (St John’s Cathedral, St Anne’s Knocknarea, and Rosses Point) playing a significant role in the proceedings. The preacher was the Venerable Roderic West, Dean Ruth’s father and retired Archdeacon of Dromore, adding a particularly personal touch to the occasion.

After the service, a delightful reception took place in the Church Hall, where Dean Ruth received a warm welcome from representatives of her three new churches. Both Revd John Addy and Bishop Ferran Glenfield spoke, and Dean Ruth shared a few words of her own with those gathered. Lay reader Billy Griffin, speaking on behalf of the Florencecourt parish, offered warm tribute to Ruth’s eight years of ministry in that group, and his words spoke volumes about the impact she had made.

All who spoke told of the great qualities that Ruth brings to her ministry. Her warmth, enthusiasm and how she is greatly encouraging to all those wanting to contribute to Church life.

It was a very happy evening for all concerned, and we greatly look forward to Dean Ruth’s ministry in Sligo and across the diocese.

Photos courtesy of Sally Siggins and Ethel Thornton