Last month the residents of Greenisland, Antrim were shocked and dismayed to find their church set ablaze, just hours after the congregation had gathered to celebrate the parish’s milestone 70th anniversary.
No one was injured in the fire, and the police quickly deciphered that the blaze, that significantly damaged the building, was caused by arson. It was reported that three young boys were charged with the act, two aged 11 and one aged ten years old.
Rev Canon Nicola Halford, of St Mary’s Church in Enniscorthy, said it was important that the churches support one another, even from very far away."The Church of Ireland is an all-Ireland church and we have compassion for the church community there who must be devastated at the loss of their church and hall. At our diocesan council meeting in September the diocese of Cashel Ferns and Ossory agreed to hold special collections in all our churches to support the plight of this parish in rebuilding their church and hall,” she said.
"This is practical support which accompanies our prayerful support for all affected,” she added.
This special collection took place on Sunday October 6 and the following weekend on Sunday October 13.