The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

• News Archives
• January 2026
• December 2025
• November 2025
• October 2025
• September 2025
• August 2025
• July 2025
• June 2025
• May 2025

Installation of Canon James Boyd in Lisburn Cathedral

Monday January 26th 2026

The Chapter of St Saviour, Lisburn Cathedral, with Bishop George Davision; Canon William Taggart, Registrarl and the Ven Roderic West, preacher, at the service of installation of the Rev James Boyd as Canon.

The Rev James Boyd, rector of Derryvolgie Parish, was installed as a Canon of Lisburn Cathedral at a service in the Cathedral on Sunday January 25.

James was appointed Canon by Bishop George Davison following the retirement of the Rev Canon Mark McConnell, former rector of Ballymena and Kilconriola.

James has been Derriaghy Rural Dean since 2019. He is a Connor Honorary Secretary and was appointed Pioneer Advocate for the diocese in September last year.

Dean of Connor, the Very Rev Sam Wright, the Rev Canon James Boyd, and Bishop George Davison.

James is married to Shirley, and they have two daughters. He is a past pupil of Ballymena Academy and has a degree in computer programming from Ulster University. He worked in computer programming for a short time, but felt God was calling him to some level of ministry.

James worked with the Church of Ireland Year Out team in 1998-99, and during his 12 months he helped in 26 different churches across Ireland, doing short term mission work.

He was appointed Youth Ministry Co-ordinator in Moira and spent five years developing and delivering youth work in the parish.

James left in 2004 to begin training for ordination at the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin. After ordination, he was curate in the parish of Magheralin with Dollingstown, Diocese of Down and Dromore, for four years before his appointment as rector of Holy Trinity, Dromore, Co Tyrone, Diocese of Clogher.

James moved to Willowfield Parish, Belfast, as vicar in 2015, and was instituted as rector in Derryvolgie in November 2018.

At the time of his appointment as Canon, James said: “It is an honour to be considered, especially in my home diocese. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that arise as a member of the Cathedral Chapter.”

James was installed to the Chapter of St Saviour, Christ Church Cathedral, Lisburn, as Prebendary of Kilroot by the Dean of Connor, the Very Rev Sam Wright. The preacher at the service was the Ven Roderic West.

Dean Sam Wright and the Chapter of St Saviour, Lisburn Cathedral.

Back to latest news