There was a tremendous outpouring of affection – and not a few tears – in All Saints Newtowncunningham on Sunday 1st September 2024 as the parishioners of the Taughboyne Group gathered to bid farewell to Rev Canon David Crooks, who retired as their rector after 40 years’ faithful service.
The church was packed to overflowing as the chapter closed on a remarkable ministry in east Donegal. There were two bishops present for the occasion: Bishop Andrew Forster, who preached the sermon, and Canon Crooks’ brother-in-law, Rt Rev Hall Speers, who retired recently as Bishop of Mahajanga in Madagascar. Canon Crooks wife, Anne, his sister Cynthia Cherry and brother Vaughan were in All Saints for the special occasion.
Bishop Andrew described it as “a day of mixed emotions” for those present. “I hope that today will have that feeling of deep thankfulness, of sincere gratitude, as we gather in the name of God to celebrate David and to celebrate his saviour whom David has served with such distinction over such a long time.”
The decision to retire had been a difficult one, Bishop Andrew said. “There has been much prayer and much soul-searching, but we know that the time is right and we want to bless you as you embark on this new chapter of life.”
There was a ripple of laughter in the church as the preacher disclosed that Canon Crooks’ ministry began 47 years ago, when the Bishop was only 10 years old. On that occasion, the much younger Rev David Crooks was ordained by the then-Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Robin Eames, for the Parish of Glendermott. There followed a brief sojourn to the Diocese of Edinburgh before Canon Crooks returned to his beloved Diocese of Raphoe to serve in the Taughboyne Group of Parishes.
“Today actually ends the longest current incumbency in the Church of Ireland,” Bishop Andrew said. “In other words, there’s no other clergy person in the Church of Ireland who has served to this time 40 years in their parish. It also ends the longest time of Cathedral dignitary in the Church of Ireland, from David taking up his role as a Canon of St Eunan’s Cathedral in Raphoe. So, it certainly is a momentous day.”
Much had changed in the parishes since Canon Crooks’ incumbency had begun, the Bishop said. “Forty years ago, when David came to this parish, the Troubles were still raging. The border, which I crossed this morning, was still fortified and guarded. Traditional farming was still the lifeblood of this area that has changed so much in those 40 years. People lived in the countryside, involved in agriculture. There’s been so much that has changed in 40 years, so much cultural change, so much societal change, so much that is different from what it was back in 1984.”
During his 40-year incumbency, Canon Crooks had become part of his parishioners’ lives, Bishop Andrew said. “He’s been there for you. He’s been with you parishioners through good times and hard times. He’s been with you through the changes of society and the changes of life. He has been with you through high points and low points. He has ministered to generations of your families, so it’s hard to imagine the parishes without him. And that’s why we’re here today: because we’re thankful for 40 years of David being part of our lives; thankful for 40 years of David ministering and loving and caring, hearts filled with thankfulness and gratitude.”
Bishop Andrew thanked Canon Crooks for his service to the wider diocese as Diocesan Registrar and membership of various diocesan committees, and for his contribution as a representative canon of our national Cathedral, St Patrick’s in Dublin.
Canon Crooks was assisted during today’s service by Diocesan Reader Mrs Maureen Williams, who led the worship; Rev Canon Mervyn Peoples; and Rev Sean McClafferty. Mr Terence West gave the Old Testament reading (Deuteronomy 2:2-7); Bishop Speers read the Epistle (from James 1:17-27); Rev McClafferty read the Gospel (Mark 7: verses 1-8, 14-15 and 21-23). Prayers were led by Mr William Moore.
Music for the service was provided by Mr Tommy Bradley who surrendered the organist’s seat to Canon Crooks for the recessional hymn.
After the service, refreshments were served and speeches made in the nearby hall. Canon Crooks thanked the many parishioners who had assisted him in his ministry over his four decades of service in the Taughboyne Group. His warmest words of appreciation, though, were reserved for his wife, Anne, who he said had been a pillar of support. “I thank you one and all for your love and support,” he said, to loud and prolonged applause. “Thank you for putting up with me for so long. May God bless each and every one of you and your homes, and guide you in faith into the future. Thank you again, with all my heart.”
