Rev. Charles Howe

The Rev. Charles Howe, B.A., B.D. became Rector of St Augustine's in 1973 at the beginning of a very turbulent period in the life of the city. Coming from a very peaceful group of rural parishes in  Co. Donegal (Ramelton, Kilmacrennan and Rathmullan) he was suddenly thrust into the midst of a prolonged insurrection over 23 years in which rioting, shooting and bombing were everyday occurences. On several occasions the Church and halls were damaged by explosions and the Rectory, which was severely damaged by a bomb had to be abandoned in favour of a new Rectory at 4 Bridgewater, on the east bank of the river.

Fear and intimidation has taken its toll on St Augustine's with the drift of the Protestant population to the East bank reducing the congregation to around 200 families.