Canon Aidan Olden, former Rector of Kells, Co. Meath (1960-1992), died in Navan on 22nd December, 2000 aged 83. He was born on 25th January, 1917. Aidan Olden had a distinguished ministry as Curate of St Mary's, Newry; Dean's Vicar at St Anne's Belfast; Warden of St Patrick's Grammar School, Dublin; and as Rector of both Kingscourt, Co. Cavan and Kells, Co. Meath. Aidan was installed as a Canon of Meath in 1958 and Canon of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, in 1964. He was a Rural Dean in the Diocese of Meath, editor of the Diocesan Magazine and amongst the committees on which he served, he was a member of the Church of Ireland Broadcasting Committee for many years and he was also Chairman of the Church of Ireland Gazette.

An obituary, or appreciation of Aidan Olden with any credibility, should acknowledge the depth of his love and care, his friendship and spirituality, for he was recognised by those who knew him best, as a very fine pastor and priest of the Church. I pointed out in the sermon at the funeral service which took place in St Columba's Church, Kells, that he would be remembered not so much for the extraordinary or the spectacular, but rather for his preparation and organised approach, the attention to detail, the perfection, and the inclusion of his personality and being in all that he did, so graciously, thoughtfully, thoroughly and sincerely.

The most outstanding impression that I have of Aidan was his beautiful reading voice; a voice that gave meaning, understanding and poetry so deservedly to scripture and the liturgy. He was a perfectionist in this regard. While being careful with words such as great and perfect, as Jesus Christ alone is such, one can say with confidence that Aidan was a wonderful pastor and faithful servant of the people of God and we can bring that to as close to meaning great and perfect as we see fit.

Aidan grew up in Knock, Belfast, where his father, the Revd G.R.C. Olden was rector, and where he was exposed to a fine musical tradition. It was there and from his father that he inherited and developed his love of music. Educated at Campbell College, Belfast, and having graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, he was appointed as curate of St Mary's Parish, Newry, where he met Ethne, his wife, whom he loved dearly and to whom he was greatly devoted. After a relatively short ministry at St Anne's Belfast and at St Patrick's Grammar School, Dublin, he became rector of Kingscourt (1947-1960) where he soon proved himself as a young, but very capable incumbent. Staying on in the Diocese of Meath he then became rector of Kells in 1960 where he blossomed in his work and ministry. Despite being struck with a serious illness and subsequent persistent ill-health, during which Ethne was most supportive and instrumental in bringing him through, he had a superb incumbency. As well as being deeply involved in the restoration of St Columba's church, Kells, and the implementation of the baptistery area and the visitors gallery, and his involvement with the choirs, the bands and musical talent of the area, his loyal and devoted ministry was greatly valued and appreciated throughout the Union of Parishes, at Headfort School, the whole community, throughout the Diocese of Meath and well beyond it. Due to the splendid musical traditions of our cathedrals he very much enjoyed this aspect of his ministry. After a long incumbency (over 30 years) in Kells he retired in 1992.

Having moved from St Columba's (Knock) to St Mary's (Newry) and to St Columba's (Kells), he moved to St Mary's (Navan). In the earlier part of his retirement he conducted services in Slane and Navan and then later just on occasions as his health permitted. The transition from Kells to Navan went smoothly; the Canon and Mrs Olden integrated easily, got involved in the life of the community and maintained their link until recent years with the Meath Child Care Society - a society which they faithfully served over many years.

When Canon Aidan's health deteriorated he moved to Woodlands Nursing Home (the former rectory in Navan) where he resided for the last two years of his life and where, although distressed by the burdens placed on his wife, he died peacefully on 22nd December. On the previous evening he joined parishioners in singing carols with the staff and other residents amongst whom he ministered, often using one of Newman's prayers: 'O Lord, support us all the day long ......'. However, he had grown old and his body was tired and so he passed from our sight at the winter solstice and as the sun went down on the 20th century. In commending his soul to God and reflecting on words at his funeral from 1st Corinthians, Revelation and hymns such as 'The King of love my Shepherd is' and 'Ye holy angels bright', the clergy, relatives and congregation of parishioners and many close friends were encouraged and uplifted to give thanks and praise to God for Canon Olden's long life and effective witness amongst us. Immediately following the service at St Columba's, on St Stephen's Day, he was buried in the adjoining graveyard.

We should indeed be grateful and 'filled with praise' for such a fine pastor and friend, of rare charm and grace, whom we loved so well.

© Church of Ireland Gazette 2001