Cobh and Glanmire Union welcomes their new Rector

On Sunday evening, 4th February 2024, the Rev. Elise Hanley was instituted as the new Incumbent of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes by the Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr Paul Colton, at Christ Church, Rushbrooke, Cobh. The service was live-streamed to allow Elise’s friends and family to join in the celebrations from America.

After the service, from left to right: the Very Rev. Susan Green, Dean of Cloyne, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, Mayor of County Cork, the Rev. William Olhausen, Assistant Diocesan Registrar, the Rev. Elise Hanley, Rector of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes, the Right Rev. Dr Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Rev. Anne Skuse, Bishop’s Domestic Chaplain, the Most Rev. William Crean, Bishop of Cloyne.

Christ Church was full for the occasion with parishioners, clergy and readers from the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, as well as ecumenical guests, including the Roman Catholic Bishop of Cloyne, the Most Rev. William Crean, as well as community representatives, including the principal from the local National School, Valerie Ford, and public representatives, including the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn. The Clerks Choral sang at the service under the direction of Colin Nicholls, with Ian Sexton playing the organ.

The Rev. Elise Hanley was presented to the Bishop by the Archdeacon, the Venerable Andrew Orr and the preacher at the service was the Rev. Meghan Farr, Priest-in-charge of St Anne’s Church, Shandon. After the service, speeches were given by the Bishop, as well as by Neil Walker on behalf of the parishioners of Cobh and Glanmire Union. Following the speeches, the new rector spoke to the congregation, reflected on her Irish roots, and thanked everyone for their warm welcome. Afterwards everyone enjoyed the hospitality of the parish.