“MY DEAR FRIENDS,
Once again God, in His Providence,
has brought us through the changes of Time to the beginning of another Year. We look back, and in spite of Days of anxiety, and Sorrow, we may surely see the good hand of our God upon us, as individuals, as a Parish, and as a People. I have now completed a year's Ministry amongst you… I look back over the past Year's work…
Looking beyond the Borders of our own Parish, we have entered upon a most momentous Year.
The responsibility of Self-Government has been laid upon the Irish People. It has come through the force of circumstances.
We did not ask for it.
The Unionists throughout Ireland, North and South, were perfectly content to live under the Act of Union.
Indeed most of us feel that the best way to Govern a Country like Ireland, containing two clearly defined sections of People, differing from one another in Religion and Politics, is by the strong and impartial rule of the Imperial Parliament.
It is because this Rule has been neither strong nor impartial, since the Home Rule vote could sway the balance of power, that we have the present appalling condition of Lawlessness and Crime.
Now that Ulster is to have a Parliament of Her own it is the solemn duty of all who live in the Province to make the future administration a model of Good Government.
As our Primate has lately pointed out, the leading principles of such an Administration must be Order, Justice, and Liberty.
If with a single eye to God's Glory and the good of our native land we go forward along these lines, it may be that we shall set such an example to our fellow-Countrymen that the spirit of Anarchy and Rebellion may be trodden underfoot, and religious and political enmity give place to abiding peace…
Your affectionate Friend and Pastor, T. G. G. COLLINS.”
Owned by Belfast Cathedral, The Cathedral Church of St Anne. Image reproduced with the permission of Belfast Cathedral The Cathedral Church of St Anne.