Members of three parishes in Donegal came face-to-face ‘officially’ with their new Rector for the first time, on Friday evening (20th June 2025), as Rev’d Johnny Lowden was instituted as the incumbent of the Stranorlar, Meenglass & Kilteevogue CofI Group in the beautiful Finn Valley.
It was a glorious evening for a service marking the end of a two-year vacancy which arose when the previous incumbent, Rev’d Adam Pullen, left in June 2023 to become Rector of Fanlobbus Union in the Diocese of Cork. Since then, Rev’d Canon Mervyn Peoples had been providing vacancy cover.
For the new Rector, who was born in Bangor but grew up in Downpatrick, his appointment represents a new and exciting challenge after almost three years as a curate in Glendermott and Newbuildings: he will be serving in a rural community, in a different jurisdiction, as he gets to know his new flock.
Friday evening’s service was led by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev’d Andrew Forster, who spoke of its significance not just for the parishioners of the Stranorlar Group and their Rector, but for Rev’d Lowden, his wife, Emily, and for the whole diocese. Bishop Andrew was assisted by the Archdeacon of Raphoe, Ven. David Huss, the Dean of Raphoe, Very Rev’d Liz Fitzgerald, and the Diocesan Registrar, Rev’d Jonathan Brown.
The sermon was preached by the man who had mentored Rev’d Lowden ever since his ordination to the priesthood in September 2022, the Rector of Glendermott, Rev’d Canon Robert Boyd MBE, who was at pains to remind the Group’s parishioners of their own responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ. “Ministry is not just the Rector’s responsibility,” he told the congregation, “it is a joint ministry of Rector and parishioners, and the Rector is here to encourage and build up the ministry of this parochial group.”
This was an “exciting time” for this Parochial group, the preacher said: “a new term of ministry after a time of vacancy; a new start for Johnny and Emily, and for you the parishioners. Johnny is unknown to you, the people of this group, but I pray that in the not-too-distant future you will find him a faithful preacher and a supportive pastor to you, as he seeks to build you up in the faith of the Risen Lord.”
There was a moment of characteristic levity, from Canon Boyd, as he commended the new incumbent to his new parishioners. “Rev’d Johnny has paid me well,” he joked, “not to spill the beans on what he is like, (sorry, hold for a moment just to check if the money that he promised has transferred). So, you will have to find out for yourselves all his good points that I have instilled in him as his training Rector and – if there are any bad points – they have nothing to do with me; blame the Diocese of Connor for those during his Deacon year.”
Rev’d Lowden would be missed, Canon Boyd said, in the Parish of Glendermott with its two churches, Glendermott & Newbuildings. His quiet pastoral attention in times of need had been gratefully appreciated by those at the receiving end. “I have no doubt that those who will receive his pastoral care in the future will understand what I mean.”
One of the Scripture readings in Friday’s service reminded clergy and lay people present of some of St Paul’s last words, shared in his letter to Timothy. “Anticipating the executioners, Canon Boyd said, “[Paul] passes the baton to his young friend, Timothy, and entrusts to him the next lap of his race. ‘Preach the Word. Be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.’
“What a charge. ‘Preach the Word.’ He sounds that first – because it is first. There is no higher calling. Johnny, the Bishop will be reminding you of those words later in this service. The words are a charge – a charge to Timothy. The authority of Paul to make this sacred charge is Jesus Christ. Listen to him in verse one: ‘In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His Kingdom, I give this charge.’
“Among all the things you do, Johnny – or any licenced preacher – nothing should have more of your attention, time, and energy than preaching the Word. Don’t allow yourself to become dull to this great opportunity that is yours.”
Canon Boyd said he believed that Paul’s conviction was that they could not fulfil their ministry without doing the work of an evangelist – one who shares in word, deed, and sign, the good news of Jesus Christ – the good news that redeems us from sin, makes us whole, and transforms us into participants in God’s Kingdom enterprise. “There’s nothing casual about our calling,” the preacher said. “You can’t approach this calling, this ministry, as a profession that you carefully prepare and plan for, calculating every move with your vestry or bishop. We’re talking about vocation here – passion – a fire burning in your belly that shapes every move you make.
“Rev’d Johnny, and the parishioners of this Group – fulfil your ministry: be evangelists and share the good news.”
The parishioners of Stranorlar will hopefully enjoy getting to know their new Rector. He comes from a family who are well-known in the guitar-making business and he, himself, is steeped in music. Describing himself as passionate about preaching, sacramental ministry, and social justice, Rev’d Lowden says he is eager to help others to deepen their faith and apply it in daily life.
