A week on from celebrating its 850th Anniversary, the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, was filled to capacity once again to mark 125 Years of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade serving the Church of Ireland.
This was the CLCGB’s largest parade for some years, with nearly six hundred members and officers on parade, marching up the hill to the Cathedral led by Aghavilly Accordian Band and the Clarke Memorial Flute Band.
The Brigade was honoured to have Mrs Jill Armstrong, Deputy Lieutenant for County Armagh, and Councillor Julie Flaherty, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, present for this Service of Thanksgiving.
The Dean, the Very Rev Gregory Dunstan welcomed all those present to the Cathedral wishing them continued fulfilment in Christ’s service in the years to come. The Very Rev Robert Townley, the Brigade’s Regimental Chaplain, conducted the Service, assisted by CLCGB Development Officer, Victoria Jackson.
An integral part of the Service was the dedication of new Colours in memory of former CLCGB Commanding Officer, Harry Anderson. In the presence of many of the Anderson family, the Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh, carried out the dedication.
The Archbishop also gave the address. He said that there were three important things that a Christian should do. One, that they should put Jesus ‘first’ in their lives; two, that they should put others before themselves; and three, that it was important that they pray and not be ashamed to do so.
The collection lifted towards the end of the Service will go to the Leprosy Mission NI,
which has been the Brigade’s charity for many years.
At the conclusion of the Service, the Brigade reformed into its Battalions and paraded back down the hill. The Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Armstrong, took the salute just outside the Cathedral gates.
The day had gone well and the Brigade had marked its 125th Anniversary in a fitting manner.
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