Londonderry vicar makes history

The Drumahoe man - a one-time Sentinel deputy editor - arrived fresh from a nine-day stint receiving the generosity of the Dublin public in arctic conditions as the city's Black Santa - for the service which was broadcast live on RT.

It was a historic occasion; the first time an Anglican Eucharist was shown by the Irish state broadcaster on Christmas Eve.

And it was a perfect opportunity to show off the beautiful new interior of St Stephen's Church at Mount Street Crescent in the heart of Dublin, which recently underwent a five-year 750,000 euro refurbishment, which was completed in April.

Rev Gillespie, who worked at the Londonderry Sentinel until 1999, when he moved to Dublin to study for the ministry said he was delighted to have been asked.

"It was the first time the Church of Ireland has ever had the Midnight Eucharist broadcast on RT and comes after the completion of a five year restoration project at St Stephen's which cost 750,000 euro," he told the paper.

"St Stephen's is an iconic church for Dubliners. And while many people may not even realise it's an Anglican church it's very well known in the city as the 'Pepper Canister.'

"A lot of people have never been inside it so, I think, RT approached us to allow people to see what it was like inside," he added.

The Faughan Valley High School old boy was the principal celebrant at the service whilst the Rev Sonia Gyles preached. The music was provided by Charles Marshall and the St Ann's, Dawson Street, Choir.

Rev Gillespie said he was very pleased with how well the evening went and even received a complimentary phone call on St Stephen's day from old friend and mentor Bishop Mehaffey, who couldn't make it to Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve this year, but greatly enjoyed seeing the service from Dublin.

"We were very pleased. The music was stunning, provided by the St Anne's choir. And we received compliments from everyone," said Rev Gillespie.

"Bishop Mehaffey phoned me on St Stephen's Day. It was the first time he couldn't make it to the Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve himself and he was delighted to see the service. A lot of work went into it and I have to say RT were tremendous to work with."

It's been a busy Christmas - as ever- for Rev. Gillespie, who with several of his clerical colleagues, and local choirs, mounted a nine day Black Santa sit-out outside St Ann's in Dawson Street until Christmas Eve.

The 2010 sit out - taking place in the worst weather in living memory - was the ninth such sit out and is modelled on a similar longstanding appeal by successive Deans of Belfast.

This year's appeal raised over 18,000 euro, a remarkable increase on the 17,000 euro lifted this time last year, despite the weather and grim economic climate in the Republic of Ireland.

Rev Gillespie said he was not surprised at the huge sum received and has become accustomed to the generosity of the ordinary punter in Dublin during his stints as Black Santa there.

"The Black Santa appeal ran from December 16 until Christmas Eve - and we managed to raise 18,000 euro which was 1,000 euro more than last year, which was remarkable given the terrible weather and despite quite a bit of hardship," he explained.

"Dubliners are renowned for their generosity and people came out of their way to give money to you."

The monies raised will be distributed amongst local charities the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, the Simon Community and the Church of Ireland Bishop's Appeal.

Rev Gillespie, was appointed as Vicar of St Ann's and St Stephen's Churches in December 2008. He had previously been Rector of Moy (Dungannon, Co Tyrone) in the Diocese of Armagh.

Born in 1968 in Londonderry, he worked as a journalist with the Sentinel before his ordination as a Deacon in 2001 and a Priest the following year.

In 2001, he was appointed Curate in Agherton (Portstewart, Co Derry) in the Diocese of Connor and in 2004 was appointed Rector of Moy.

In his spare time David enjoys walking, reading, swimming and travel, particularly to Spain. St Ann's and St Stephen's are two of Dublin's best known churches.

Built in 1707, St Ann's on Dawson Street is situated close to the Mansion House and many Lord Mayors have worshipped in the Church.

Others who have worshipped in the Church were historical figures such as Thomas Barnardo, Hugh Lane, Bram Stoker, Wolfe Tone and Douglas Hyde.

St Stephen's is known to many Dubliners as "the pepper canister" from the distinctive tower. As well as being active centres of worship, both are also regular venues for concerts, recitals and other musical events.