Chaplain Rev.
Richard Ussher Greer

Richard Ussher Greer was born in 1868, the son of Reverend William Henry Greer T.C.D.

M.A., Rector of Kilcoleman and Crossboyle, Co Mayo, He was educated at the Royal School Armagh and then the Royal School Dungannon. He entered Trinity College Dublin in 1887, taking his B.A. in 1891 and continuing to his M.A. in 1893.

Following his ordination, he spent some time as a curate in Belfast and after a bout of ill health he moved to Carrickfergus. He later Rev. Ussher Greer returned to Belfast and became Rector of St Michael's where the congregation nearly quadrupled under his leadership. The next move was to the parish of Christ Church, Lisburn and in 1911 he was appointed Rector of Seapatrick Parish. He was married to Elizabeth Lindsay Greer, daughter of Mr Frederick Greer, of Tullylagan Demense, County Tyrone.

Following the declaration of war in 1914 and the announcement on 3rd September by Sir Edward Carson of the formation of the 36th (Ulster) Division, the Rev Greer immediately secured a chaplaincy with the 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (East Belfast Volunteers). The 8th Battalion along with 9th, 10th and 15th Battalions Royal Irish Rifles formed the 107th Infantry Brigade. They were initially trained at Ballykinlar Camp on the County Down Coast, and it was whilst the Rev Greer was on a leave of absence from there that he suddenly took ill and died.

At his funeral he was given full military honours, his coffin was initially carried from the old Seapatrick Rectory by members of the Orange and Black Institutions. He had for a long time been associated with both Institutions, being Chaplain to one of the local Seapatrick Orange lodges, Banbridge Bible and Crown Defenders LOL 423 and also Chaplain to Mount Nebo RBP 53. In fact he was so well liked that following his death, a Women's Orange Lodge was formed in his honour called "The Greer Memorial WLOL 41".

This lodge is still in existence today and meets monthly in Banbridge Orange Hall under his photograph. His portrait in full military uniform graced the LOL 423 lodge banner and it was only relatively recently that a new banner was dedicated which depicts St Patrick's Village Church, Seapatrick.

Members of the Royal Irish Constabulary along with 100 soldiers from the 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles formed the guard of honour at his funeral, and his sons W MacGregor Greer and WSR Greer walked behind the coffin. On arrival at the parish church, four fellow officers carried his coffin in.

The Reverend C C Manning, a Chaplain to the Forces conducted the funeral service. The Reverend D R Mitchell BA, the Presbyterian Chaplain to 107th Infantry Brigade read a special lesson. Canon Peacock gave the address. At the conclusion of the service the regimental band of the 8th Battalion played the Death March and the Last Post as the casket left the church. The cortege then left for a private family burial in Newmills Church of Ireland churchyard, in County Tyrone.

Right Rev J Irvine Peacocke, Lord Bishop of Derry unveiled a Memorial Tablet in November 1916 to the memory of the late Rev R Ussher Greer. This memorial tablet can still be viewed today and is on the left of the chancel and bears the inscription;

To the Glory of God And in Loving Memory of Richard Ussher Greer, M.A.

For 3½ years Rector of this Parish

1911 - 1915

"Until the day break and the shadows flee away"

The last resting place of Rev Richard Ussher Greer is still easily found today at Newmills, which is just off the Dungannon to Cookstown road. The family plot has a large granite headstone and ornate fenced surround and it sits proudly overlooking the main road through the village in the churchyard adjacent to the church.