Concert raises £800 for Poppy Appeal

The 100th anniversary commemorations of World War I will see many events held locally over the next four years to honour those who fought for King and country.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Nov 2014, 05:21 BST
Pictured at the Greater Love concert in St Patricks Church are, back row (l-r): Bob Loughran, Rev Canon Nigel Baylor, Mayor Thomas Hogg, Joe Corr and Barry Moore (Poppy Appeal organiser). Front row (l-r): Betty Magill, Pat Moore and Rosaleen Corr.Pictured at the Greater Love concert in St Patricks Church are, back row (l-r): Bob Loughran, Rev Canon Nigel Baylor, Mayor Thomas Hogg, Joe Corr and Barry Moore (Poppy Appeal organiser). Front row (l-r): Betty Magill, Pat Moore and Rosaleen Corr.
Pictured at the Greater Love concert in St Patricks Church are, back row (l-r): Bob Loughran, Rev Canon Nigel Baylor, Mayor Thomas Hogg, Joe Corr and Barry Moore (Poppy Appeal organiser). Front row (l-r): Betty Magill, Pat Moore and Rosaleen Corr.

One recent commemoration event saw St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Jordanstown host a concert with the New Irish Choir and Orchestra called ‘Greater Love’, providing music and true stories reflecting on the lives of Irish men and women who gave so much for others from 1914 - 1918.

A packed audience toe-tapped to well known songs like It’s a long way to Tipperary, Colonel Bogey and Pack up your Troubles. The real stories of lives lost were gently weaved in and out of the music, climaxing with a reflection on Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

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Also present was the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Thomas Hogg and representatives from the Whiteabbey Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Profits from the event were donated to the RBL Poppy Appeal.

St Patrick’s Church Curate and event organiser, Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth said: “It was wonderful to see the church completely full, and to hear such positive feedback about the evening.

“The event has brought together people from across the community at this important time, helping us all appreciate the sacrifice made by those at war and those left at home. Due to the positive response we are delighted to be able to give over £800 towards the Poppy Appeal.”

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The ‘Greater Love’ production was created by New Irish Arts, the organisation founded by modern hymn writer Keith Getty which works in partnership with the church to present Christianity through the arts.

The concerts, which feature spoken word, music, multimedia and live visual art, are designed to appeal to a broader spectrum of people than just those who would normally attend church-based concerts.