50 years of Whithorn Church

On 29th. September, a Mass of celebration and thanksgiving was held to mark the 50yrs. Anniversary of the opening of St. Martin and St. Ninian’s church in Whithorn. The celebrations had been delayed due to the visit of the Pope to Scotland on the feast of St. Ninian: 16th. September.

The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop John Cunningham, Bishop Maurice Taylor, Monsignor Joe Boyd, Fr. Stephen Latham, Fr. Philip Kitchen, Fr. Mark Kelly and the parish priest, Fr. Ben Lodge C.P.

Unfortunately, a number of priests who had served in the parish had been unable to attend: Monsignor Peter Magee, Canon Denis Quinlan, Fr. David Conroy, and Fr. Martin Poland.

The church was full and there was a great atmosphere as people had come from the other two churches of Wigtown and Newton Stewart, as well as supporters from further afield. It was also good to see the Rev. Mr. Currie and his wife from the Church of Scotland, along with a number of other dignitaries.

After the Mass most of the congregation retired to the New Town Hall where a sumptuous hot buffet was provided.