Simon Peter Munro Mackenzie was licensed as the priest in charge of Mid Argyll and Arran at a wonderful eucharist held on the 25th November 2013. The Right Reverend Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Argyll and The Isles, preached and celebrated at the packed service in Christ Church Lochgilphead. Local Episcopalian and other clergy, along with many clergy supporters from south of the border, processed into Christ Church, led by local wardens and Christ Church’s processional cross. Symbolic gifts were presented by representatives of Simon’s new charges: St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, All Saints’, Inveraray; Christ Church, Lochgilphead and St Columba’s, Poltalloch. After the service guests from Simon’s former parish, Perry Beeches in Birmingham Diocese of the Church of England, mixed with local church members, invited dignitaries, diocesan staff and many, many more who had travelled to Argyll for the celebrations. The party was held in a specially erected marquee outside Christ Church (specially heated against the November Argyll temperatures!)
Father Simon is looking forward to getting to know the people of his charges, the local communities and the joys of serving at least one island community, as the Episcopal priest for the Isle of Arran.
Father Simon is pictured below (in the centre) after the service with his diocesan colleagues, the chapter of St John’s Cathedral, Oban: The Provost, the Bishop, the Synod Clerk and the Dean.
