Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4650/-1/140/
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Church Worker Honoured For 34 Years Of Services
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The Mothers’ Union of St. Augustine’s Church, at East End, the congregation, the rest of the Anglican community on the island as well as the business sector, all came together to honour Eric Ambrose Harrigan for his untiring 34 years of service.
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Section of the Harrigan’s family
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Mr. Harrigan, along with his wife, former trained Nurse, Susan Harrigan, spent some years in England and on his return to Anguilla he became an active worker at his village church, St. Augustine’s. He served first as care-taker and later, as a result of his dedication, was promoted to the post of Lay Reader, giving him an opportunity to minister to the spiritual needs of the parishioners. This he continues to do and preaches with so much fervour that Jerome Roberts, a fellow churchman and colleague, described him as a Pentecostal-styled preacher.
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Anita Ruan in song at Testimonial Dinner
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The driving force behind the honouring of Mr. Harrigan, was leading churchwoman, Audrey Rogers, whose main responsibilities included the production of a commemorative magazine for the Testimonial Dinner. She travelled throughout the island gathering advertisements to assist in defraying the printing cost of the booklet. She spoke about the quick response of the various businesses which was indicative of the high esteem in which Mr. Harrigan, a former field employer of Cable & Wireless, was held. She also spoke about his work in the church and his willingness to serve in any capacity.
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Mr & Mrs Ambrose Harrigan
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Responding to the tributes, Mr. Harrigan, known for his humility and low-key disposition, said he never thought he would ever be catapulted in such a limelight. He stated however that the Testimonial Dinner and other presentations to him were an honour he shared with all. “It is one for all of us and that shows that whatever you do, do it for the honour and glory of God,” he told his listeners.
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A section of the invited guests
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Mr. Harrigan, who punctuated his address with much humour, expressed appreciation and gratitude for the honour bestowed on him and for having received “his flowers” while he yet lived.
During the Testimonial Dinner, he was presented with a money bag by Juliette Hawley and a glass carving by Elaine Roberts. His wife, who was observing her birthday, was the recipient of a bouquet of flowers from Audrey Rogers.
The Master of Ceremonies was Chrispin Gumbs; the Innovation was by Assistant Priest Rev. Menes Hodge and the welcome was by Ingrid Lake.
Meanwhile, Rev. Hodge stated in the commemorative magazine that Harrigan’s absence from the church “would create a void that would not be easy to fill.” He added: “His diligence and thoroughness as a Lay Reader, Chalice Administrator and (in more recent times) as Sacristan cannot be easily surpassed.”
Bishop Errol Brooks commented: “‘Brosie is always willing to assist, never shirks responsibility and, very often, goes beyond the call of duty. I am sure that such an attitude often results in much sacrifice on his part and that of his wife, Susan. Would to God that more persons in our congregation possess this kind of outlook.”