Diocesan News
Bell–ringers pay tribute to long–serving colleague
The life of the most senior bell–ringer of St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, Mr Stewart Scott, was celebrated on Saturday, 30th September, with the peal of 10 bells ringing as his funeral cortege arrived at the Cathedral.
Stewart was a bell–ringer at the Cathedral for 66 years and as well as leading the team of bell–ringers, also introduced many newcomers to the art of campanology.
Bell–ringers from Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland joined with those from St Macartin’s as they rung in changes for 10 minutes before the funeral and again as the funeral cortege left following the service.
It was an emotional occasion for all those present including his family. Stewart’s brother, Nelson and son, Geoff and daughter, Barbara were also bell–ringers.
The bell–ringing tribute to Stewart was also the theme of the funeral address at the service delivered by the Dean of Clogher, the Very Revd Kenneth Hall, who explained how bells had been traditionally rung to announce historic events and how Christian churches in Europe adopted the practice since the year 550AD.
He said many people in Enniskillen and its community have been blessed by Stewart Scott’s ringing of the bells for 66 years. As a Life–time Member of the of the Irish Association of Change Ringers, Stewart had rung in all the towers in Northern Ireland, as well as some in the Republic of Ireland and some in England and Scotland. Enniskillen Cathedral is one of less than a dozen churches in Northern Ireland with a peal of eight bells or more.
Dean Hall told the congregation at Stewart’s funeral that he had the privilege of asking Stewart to lead the bell–ringing to welcome Her Majesty The Queen for the Jubilee Service in St. Macartin’s Cathedral in 2012.
During Stewart’s funeral service, the congregation sang the bell–ringers’ hymn, “Ring Forth Holy Bells” sung to the tune of Hymn 708, “O Praise ye the Lord”.
The burial took place in Rossorry Parish Churchyard.
Stewart is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Barbara and son Geoffrey and was
predeceased by a son, Trevor.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
clogherdco@btinternet.com