Pastor continues recovery

If any indication was needed that Pastor Robert Dunlop is striding along the path to better health, the fact that he has just finished recording a new series of A Living Word for RTE Radio One is a good one.

Still troubled by residual sight problems following complications after a heart procedure, Pastor Dunlop said that while he has reading difficulties, he found that he is still able to write.

"So the creative thing wasn't affected," he told the Diary during a service of celebration which took place at the weekend.



The event was organised by Brannockstown Community Committee, and brought together a multitude of friends, former parishioners, and family of the popular and recently retired Baptist pastor.

Leading off the proceedings, Vice Chairman of the committee Lance O'Brien noted that they were all gathered together to give thanks for the life of Pastor Dunlop and to pray for his continued recovery from a serious illness.

As well as a range of hymns, the service included many contributions from members of the community, both of the locality and further afield. Solos were performed by Peter Brabazon and Elizabeth McDonald. Music accompaniment was provided by Olive Dunlop and Jennifer Stacey.





Clergy colleagues who took part included Dr John Marsden, Rector of Carnalway; Fr Michael Murphy PP, Kilcullen; and Pastor Roy McMullan.

Julie Dunlop spoke on behalf of the Dunlop family and thanked everybody who had expressed their concern during her father's illness both in prayers and with practical help such as delivering meals to their home.

"We cannot say thank you enough for even the smallest of gestures that meant so much," she said. "As you can all see, Dad continues on his recovery, and that is largely thanks to the good wishes from all of you who have 'made footprints in the sand' for us."

Pastor Dunlop's grandson Kyron read a special poem to his grandad. Pastor McMullan gave thanks for his colleague's fellowship during his ministry, and for all the doctors and nurses who had 'attended him so carefully' in the recent months.

"We thank you, Lord, also for the degree of health which has been returned to him," he said, "and for Olive and her love and care for Robert, and for the years they have had together."



Trudie Jeffers spoke of 'God's help in a time of need' and said that Robert had never doubted God's care for him, 'for he knew that his future was in his Father's hands'.

"The greatest challenge the nurses in the hospital had was to try and stop him talking," she said. "He didn't go inside himself, but kept his mind exercised and alert, and struggled with determination to make sure that no depression set in."

She thanked John Brady and his helpers for smoothening rough parts of the path around Gilltown Estate, where Robert has been walking during his convalescence.

"He was determined from the beginning that he would get back walking, and while that began with us linking him around the garden, now he says that the walk around Gilltown is a doddle, and that he can complete it at a better pace than some who haven't even been ill."



For his own part, Robert Dunlop concluded the service with a personal reflection on his arrival in Brannockstown 42 years ago, how he had met his wife-to-be Olive Stacey, and recalled various events over the more than four decades of his ministry in Brannockstown.

He expressed his profound gratitude to God for his life in Brannockstown, and to those in the community who had shown their concern for him, even to 'planting flowers outside my home'.

At a reception afterwards, presentations were made on behalf of the community by Lance O'Brien to both Robert and Olive. Esther Reddy, Principal of Brannockstown NS, also made a presentation on behalf of the pupils of the school.

Noel Clare, who grew up on Gilltown Estate, recalled the Baptist community beside them who were in ways 'different'. "For instance, the children had this thing called Sunday School, of which we were somewhat jealous," he said.

An initially bare 'Tree of Life' in the hall was quickly covered in 'leaves' in the form of cards with good wishes.

Brian Byrne.

Your Editor was struck by the thought that Robert Dunlop is one of the very lucky people to be in a position to appreciate the esteem with which he is held. Such nice things that were said are usually reserved for the telling after somebody's death. Could it be that if we did it for everyone before the final passing that it might serve to prolong life?