Installation of Ecumenical Canon in Belfast Cathedral

Monday May 19th 2025

The Dean and Chapter of Belfast Cathedral at the installation of the Rev Dr Colin McClure as Canon on May 18.

The Rev Canon Dr Colin McClure, Minister of First Larne Presbyterian Church, was installed as Ecumenical Canon of Belfast Cathedral at Evensong on Sunday May 18.

At the same service, the Cathedral community said farewell to the Rev Canon Stephen Lowry, who performed his last duties as Canon before his retirement.

Dr McClure’s appointment followed the retirement of Dr Ruth Patterson from the Chapter St Anne’s. Brought up a member of Belvoir Park Presbyterian Church, Dr McClure attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Belfast Tech and Queen’s University Belfast.

He first studied medicine, before a change of direction into policing. Ultimately, his call was to the ordained ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and he studied at Union College in Belfast. As part of his training, Dr McClure 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 Co Down. He has been minister of First Larne since 2003.

Throughout his ministry, Colin has worked ecumenically with members of other Christian traditions, and he and the Dean worked closely during the Dean’s 18 years as Rector of St Cedma’s Parish Church 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 and 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, and has sung in Belfast Cathedral on a number of occasions with the choir.