EXCHANGE MINISTER'S ROLE IN BOMB DRAMA
Exchange minister's role in bomb drama
WHEN Rev. Tom Anderson arrived in Omagh from the USA five weeks ago as part of an exchange within the Methodist Church, he little imagined he would be ministering to some of those affected by Northern Ireland's worst bomb atrocity.
He joined the Methodists of the Omagh and Fintona Circuit while its incumbent, Rev. Peter Good, took over his pulpit in Houghton, Michigan.
Returning from a day out on Saturday, he was immediately pitched into the task of helping those seeking news of missing loved ones at Omagh Leisure Centre.
And, more traumatically, he was soon to learn that two of his adopted 'flock' had been killed in the explosion, Mrs. Olive Hawkes and Miss Julia Hughes.
Speaking outside Tyrone County Hospital on Monday, where he had been visiting injured people, Mr. Anderson said it was not something he could have anticipated.
"Very few people in America, or in Ireland, have any experience of mass murder in a small town. There is no preparation for it, no matter how long, or how short, a time you have been there," he said.
The news of the blast was spread throughout the USA by CNN television, and Mr. Anderson' parents quickly became aware of it.
"They tried to get through to me by telephone, but of course could not get me for a while, and when they did they were very relieved we were OK," he said.
In America, Mr. Anderson went on, people were praying for those injured and those who grieved.
He said he found it encouraging that the community of Omagh had joined together so well to help each other.
It was a difficult time for all, including the clergy, Mr. Anderson said.
Like many ministers and priests, Mr. Anderson had to change the sermon he had been planning for Sunday.
"I am thankful that we have the good news of God's love for us all to preach at this time," he said.
WHEN Rev. Tom Anderson arrived in Omagh from the USA five weeks ago as part of an exchange within the Methodist Church, he little imagined he would be ministering to some of those affected by Northern Ireland's worst bomb atrocity.
He joined the Methodists of the Omagh and Fintona Circuit while its incumbent, Rev. Peter Good, took over his pulpit in Houghton, Michigan.
Returning from a day out on Saturday, he was immediately pitched into the task of helping those seeking news of missing loved ones at Omagh Leisure Centre.
And, more traumatically, he was soon to learn that two of his adopted 'flock' had been killed in the explosion, Mrs. Olive Hawkes and Miss Julia Hughes.
Speaking outside Tyrone County Hospital on Monday, where he had been visiting injured people, Mr. Anderson said it was not something he could have anticipated.
"Very few people in America, or in Ireland, have any experience of mass murder in a small town. There is no preparation for it, no matter how long, or how short, a time you have been there," he said.
The news of the blast was spread throughout the USA by CNN television, and Mr. Anderson' parents quickly became aware of it.
"They tried to get through to me by telephone, but of course could not get me for a while, and when they did they were very relieved we were OK," he said.
In America, Mr. Anderson went on, people were praying for those injured and those who grieved.
He said he found it encouraging that the community of Omagh had joined together so well to help each other.
It was a difficult time for all, including the clergy, Mr. Anderson said.
Like many ministers and priests, Mr. Anderson had to change the sermon he had been planning for Sunday.
"I am thankful that we have the good news of God's love for us all to preach at this time," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0091
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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