Bishop of Derry and Raphoe institutes new Stranorlar Reverand

The Reverand Johnny Lowden was instituted as the Rector of the Stranorlar, Meenglass, and Kilteevogue Church of Ireland parishes in a ceremony on June 20.

Rev’d Lowden officially took the position which had been vacant for two years since Rev’d Adam Pullen left in June 2023 for Cork. During the time the role was vacant, Rev’d Canon Mervyn Peoples had been providing cover. 

The evening service at St Mary’s Church in Stranorlar was led by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev’d Andrew Forster. He 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. 

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Rev’d Lowden’s appointment as Rector “represents a new and exciting challenge after almost three years as a curate in Glendermott and Newbuildings,” read an online statement by the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe. 

The new rector was born in Bangor but grew up in Downpatrick. Rev’d Lowden will be serving in a new jurisdiction for him, as well as a rural community, as he strives to get to know his new flock.