Rev Dr Colin McClure appointed as new Presbyterian Ecumenical Canon of St Anne’s Cathedral
The Dean of Belfast, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Dr Colin McClure, Minister of First Larne Presbyterian Church, as the next Presbyterian Ecumenical Canon in the Cathedral Chapter of St Anne, Belfast.
Elected by the Canons of the cathedral, Dr McClure’s appointment follows the retirement of Dr Ruth Patterson from the Chapter. Dr Patterson, of Restoration Ministries, has been Presbyterian Ecumenical Canon since 2012.
Colin McClure was brought up a member of Belvoir Park Presbyterian Church. However, growing up, Colin had close ties and friendships with members of the Church of Ireland Parish at Belvoir. After primary school, Colin attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution ("Inst"). This was followed by studies at Belfast Tech and then at Queen's University of Belfast.
Colin first studied medicine, but he then took a change of direction into policing. Ultimately, Colin’s call was to the ordained ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and he commenced his studies at Union College in Belfast. As part of his theological training and preparation for ministry, Colin served as an Assistant Minister at Webster Memorial United Church in Kingston, Jamaica whilst studying at the United Theological College of the West Indies.
In 1990, Colin was ordained as Assistant Minister in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast. He then served in the joint charge of Loughbrickland and Scarva, near Banbridge in County Down. He has been minister of First Larne since 2003.
Throughout his ministry, Colin has worked ecumenically with members of other Christian traditions. In this regard, Colin and the Dean worked closely during the Dean’s 18 years as Rector of St Cedma’s Parish in Larne.
Colin has been Clerk of the Presbytery of Carrickfergus since 2014. At a denominational level he has represented the Presbyterian Church on the Transferor Representatives Council and various educational bodies, including CCEA and the former Southern Education & Library Board. He has been a Director for Christian Aid and National Chair of Girls Brigade NI. In addition, Colin is an enthusiastic member of the RUC-GC Male Voice Choir. He has sung in the cathedral on a number of occasions with the choir. And in 2013, Colin shared with Dean John Mann, in leading a visit to the Holy Land with a number of members of the cathedral congregation.
On receiving news of his appointment as Ecumenical Canon, Dr McClure said “I am humbled to be offered this opportunity. Given the crucial role played in my life's journey by several Church of Ireland clergy, I regard this as part payment of a debt I owe. I look forward to sharing in, and perhaps even making a small contribution, to the unique life and witness of the Cathedral community.”
Speaking about Dr McClure’s appointment, the Dean Stephen said “I am extremely pleased that Colin has been elected to be the next Presbyterian Ecumenical Canon, to follow Dr Ruth Patterson.
Over the years, Colin and I worked as neighbours and colleagues in Larne. I came to know Colin as an effective preacher and caring pastor, not just to his own congregation, but to the wider church community. His ministry has always been one of reaching beyond existing boundaries, and of ecumencial partnership. Through his involvement with Christian Aid, he demonstrates a deep care for the world wide church, especially where it serves those whose needs are greatest. In addition, Colin has a love for choral music, so I hope he is going to enjoy his involvement with us at Belfast Cathedral.
Most important of all, Colin enjoys the outdoors. So he will hardly notice the wind or rain in Donegall Street, when he takes his place on the cathedral steps for the 2024 Black Santa Sitout!”
Dr McClure’s installation as cathedral canon will take place early in 2025.
