AN unholy row has erupted at a city church, prompting a walk-out by the choir.
The choir, choirmaster and organist have all walked
out of historic St Patrick’s Parish Church following a
bitter spat with
church bosses.
The choirmaster and organist are said to have
found it “increasingly difficult” to work with the church administration
in the absence of the parish priest, who is away as a result of ill
health.
Choir members walked out on Palm Sunday – the start of Holy Week – in sympathy.
The
shock move has prompted amazement from parishioners at the Cowgate
church, with one telling the Evening News: “It’s just unbelievable and
shows how deep feelings have been running.”
The choirmaster, Hugh Anderson McKnight, has since officially resigned from the post he held for approximately ten years.
In
a statement published in the church newsletter, Mr McKnight said: “I
feel it is now time to take a step back from our involvement and regular
commitment on Sundays, High Days and Holy Days.”
In the newsletter, published on March 31, the church thanked him for his “great service over the
years”.
But worshippers claimed the niceties in fact hid a rift which has engulfed the place of worship in acrimony.
One man, who did not wish to give his name, said: “There is definitely something going on. The
priest has been off since December and there was a letter from the
bishop in one of the newsletters a while back saying that a situation
has to be resolved.”
And a church source described the row as like “something out of a film”.
He
said: “It’s really set tongues wagging. There’s been a huge falling out
in the priest’s absence. It really has been an Easter people won’t
forget in a hurry.”
A spokesman for the church confirmed the walk-out. He said: “We are aware that the parish is in a moment of transition. We
will work towards listening to and caring for all members of the parish
community who are experiencing difficulty during this moment of
transition.”
The city centre church’s regular leader,
Father Desmond Keegan – who is understood to be suffering from poor
health – has been absent from the church since December.
He could not be reached for comment.
When
contacted, the congregation’s provincial supervisor
confirmed that the church was currently without a choir, and reiterated
that they were working with all members of St Patrick’s to “continue
the harmony of the parish”.
St Patrick’s is run by The Redemptorists, a religious order within the Catholic Church.
It
also has ties to Hibs, with one fan commenting: “They might have to get
some people in from Easter Road if they need a song. Some of the lads
have fine voices.”
Father Joseph Doherty is listed on St Patrick’s website alongside Fr Keegan as part of the parish team.