Institution of new rector in Muckamore, Killead and Gartree

Thursday June 29th 2017

At the institution of the Rev John McClure in Muckamore, Killead and Gartree on Wednesday June 28 are, from left: The Rev Canon Derek Kerr; The Rev Canon Stuart Lloyd; the Rev Clifford Skillen, Bishop’s Chaplain; the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor; The Rev John McClure; The Very Rev John Bond, preacher; The Rev Canon William Taggart, registrar; and the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor.

St Jude’s Parish Church, Muckamore, was packed on Wednesday June 28 for the institution of the Rev John McClure as rector of the Grouped Parishes of Muckamore, Killead and Gartree.

Parishioners were joined by well-wishers from John’s last parish of Ballymena and Ballyclug, where he was curate assistant, and there were also visitors from parishes John has previously ministered in, all within Connor Diocese.

Not only was the church packed, but there wasn’t a seat to be had in the parish hall, where the service was played live on a big screen.

The preacher was the Very Rev John Bond, former Dean of Connor.

The Rev John McClure outside St Jude’s, Muckamore, where he was instituted rector on Wednesday June 28.

John is married to Margot and they have two grown-up daughters, Stephanie and Rachel.

He 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.’

Following the institution service, refreshments were served in a marquee outside the church and hall.