27.06.2016
Christ Church Cathedral Says Goodbye to Garth
The Christ Church Cathedral community bade a fond farewell to the cathedral’s Residential Priest Vicar yesterday morning (Sunday June 26). The Revd Garth Bunting has been appointed Rector of Drumcondra and North Strand and a large group of people gathered in the Crypt to wish him well in his new ministry across the river.
Garth’s contribution to cathedral life was honoured at a reception with presentations by the Friends of Christ Church Cathedral, the Music Department and the cathedral community.
On behalf of the Friends of Christ Church, Brian Bradshaw paid tribute to Garth for his work as vice–chair of the organisation, a position he has held since joining the cathedral six years ago. “He has carried out his duties with kindness, courtesy and dignity. The Friends have benefited in many ways and we are sorry to see him leave the cathedral but we’re pleased that he is remaining in the dioceses and congratulate him on his appointment,” he stated. In recognition of his service, Mr Bradshaw informed Garth that he had been elected an honorary lifetime member of the Friends of Christ Church Cathedral.
The cathedral’s Director of Music, Ian Keatley, highlighted Garth’s contribution to the Music Department. He quoted choir member, Sue Hemmens, who had nicknamed him ‘Garth the Good’. “You have been such a solid and positive pastoral presence to our community. The choir will miss you,” he said before pledging a return trip to Drumcondra and North Strand, having visited last year as part of the Music Department’s outreach programme.
Canon John Bartlett led tributes on behalf of the cathedral community. He recalled, having been asked six years ago, having no hesitation in recommending Garth for the position and said since then he had proved himself an admirable addition, introducing spirituality to the cathedral. “He has also shown his dedication in training to run a marathon which saw a large sum being raised for Bishops’ Appeal and a substantial reduction in Garth’s girth,” Canon Bartlett commented.
Thanking everyone for their kind words, Garth said the last six years of his ministry had been tremendous. He thanked the Dean for selecting him and for giving him the opportunity to explore creating community through spirituality. “That is, of course, what parishes do but I have a particular interest in monastic communities and the Dean gave me the opportunity to try some of this out. Thank you all for your support. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my time here and I know I will take that encouragement with me as I move on to Drumcondra and North Strand,” he said.
Photo caption: Ian Keatley makes a presentation to the Revd Garth Bunting on behalf of the Music Department.
More photos at https://www.facebook.com/DublinandGlendalough/posts/1040441979325179