Many in the Dublin congregation will remember Jane Barraclough, who did a student pastorate under Bill Darlison’s supervision during the summer of 2004 on Saturday 25th February 2006, saw the celebration of Jane’s induction (we’ve really got to invent a new word, I heard more than one person joke that they didn’t even know she was pregnant) as minister of Mansford Street Unitarian Church in Bethnal Green, East London. The service was led by Rev Jane Barton, minister at Brighton, where Jane was a member before she began her ministry training. The charge to the congregation was given by Rev Peter Hewis, chaplain/tutor at Harris Manchester College, Oxford. Peter served his first ministry with the Mansford Street congregation, forty years ago, and recalled various tales about his time in Bethnal Green.
The charge to the minister was given by our own Rev Cathal Courtney. I can’t actually remember a word he said, but he had me nearly in tears (as only our boy Cathal can). I seem to remember, he expounded on what lies ahead for Jane in the ministry – the trials and the heartache, but more importantly the joys of nurturing the growth of a beloved community, and the enormous privilege of being able to share with people in their times of gladness and of loss. After which we all pulled ourselves together again and sang a few rousing hymns, then Jane and her small but loyal congregation exchanged vows of commitment for the work ahead of them as a community. Various members of the wider communities of Unitarianism and of Bethnal Green wished Jane well in her ministry, including greetings from one of the leaders of the local Sikh gurdwara; Jane seems to have already made quite an impact in her local inter-faith community. Maud Robinson then presented her with a gown and clerical stole on behalf of fellow students at Harris Manchester College and the congregation of the Oxford Unitarian congregation. The afternoon ended, in true Unitarian fashion, with a slap-up feed, from a groaning buffet table of vegetarian cuisine, prepared single-handedly by a member of the Newington Green congregation. Later, the usual suspects retired to the pub for a few pints, followed by an excellent curry, Bethnal Green being well serviced by excellent Indian restaurants. I have no doubt that Jane will bring new life, energy and spiritual sustenance to Bethnal Green, and I’m sure that all in the Dublin congregation join with me in wishing her well as she starts along her path of ministry.
Maud Robinson