Installation of new Canons at St Anne’s Cathedral

Wednesday January 31st 2024

At the installation of Canons Tracey McRoberts MBE and Jim Cheshire on January 28 are, from left: Canon Kevin Graham MBE; The Ven Barry Forde, Archdeacon of Belfast; Canon Jim Cheshire; Canon Mark Taylor; Dean Stephen Forde; Canon Tracey McRoberts; Canon Gill Withers; the Very Rev Edward O’Donnell, Ecuenical Canon; and Canon Ronnie Nesbitt.

The Rev Canon Tracey McRoberts MBE was installed as a Canon for Connor Diocese in Belfast Cathedral at a service of Choral Evensong on Sunday January 28.

At the same service, Archdeacon Jim Cheshire was installed as Chancellor.

Tracey is rector of St Matthew’s, Belfast, and Rural Dean for Mid Belfast, while Jim is Archdeacon of Down and rector of Ballybeen Parish.

The service was led by Dean Stephen Forde, with Rev Cameron Mack as Cantor, and the Rev Mark Reid leading intercessions. The lessons were read by Eva Cheshire and Philip McRoberts.

Clergy at the Service of Installation of two new Canons in Belfast Cathedral.

Announcing Tracey’s appointment to the Chapter of St Anne’s Cathedral last October, the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison said it was recognition of the commitment she had demonstrated to the life and witness of the Church in Mid Belfast.

“As well as her own parish commitments, she has worked tirelessly to provide oversight to a significant number of other churches in the Rural Deanery,” Bishop George stated. “I also recognise the significant contribution she has made towards ecumenical and community relationships in that part of Belfast.”

Dean Stephen Forde also welcomed the announcement last October, saying: “With her commitment to cross community ministry, and her work as a faithful pastor and visionary leader in the Mid and Upper Shankill areas, Tracey will bring her wide experience to enhance the Chapter of the Cathedral.”

The Rev Canon Tracey McRoberts MBE along with Dean Stephen Forde and friends, family and parishioners of St Matthew’s, Belfast, where Tracey is rector.