Appointment of new rector in Muckamore, Killead and Gartree

Friday April 21st 2017

The Rev John McClure.

The Rev John McClure, Curate Assistant of the Parish of Ballymena and Ballyclug, has been appointed as Incumbent of the Grouped Parishes of Muckamore, Killead and Gartree.

A native of Lurgan, Co Armagh, John is married to Margot and they have two grown-up daughters, Stephanie and Rachel.

John was ordained in the Non-Stipendary Ministry in 2007, and served curacies in the Parish of Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowcrommelin (Broughshane) and the Parish of St Michael, Belfast, before switching to Stipendary Ministry and moving to Ballymena Parish three years ago.

His first job was with Michelin Tyres in Mallusk where he worked for 11 years and he later spent 15 years with the Police at Belfast International Airport.

Before ordination, John was Deputation Secretary with Irish Church Missions, and in this role focused on helping people with social issues including drugs and alcohol dependency. He supported families who had lost a loved one through suicide and set up groups in Northern Ireland to deal with suicide related issues.

John was a member of the former Connor Training Council and currently serves on Connor Diocesan Council.

His interests include walking, golf and ‘watching all sports.’

A Service of Institution will take place in St Jude’s Church, Muckamore, on Wednesday June 28 at 8pm.

“This is a good time to move,” said John. “It will give us a chance to settle in before activities all begin again in September.

“It is a challenge as there is a lot of outreach work going on in the area, and I am looking forward to visiting people and reaching out to the community. That is what I most enjoy.”