The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

• News Archives
• June 2026
• May 2026
• April 2026
• March 2026
• February 2026
• January 2026
• December 2025
• November 2025
• October 2025

Introduction of new Minister-in-Charge in Blackstaff Union of Parishes

Wednesday March 25th 2026

The Rev Gareth Campbell, front left, at his Service of Introduction as Minister-in-Charge of the Parishes of St Mary Magdalene, St Aidan and St Simon, Belfast, (Blackstaff Mission Area) on March 24. He is pictured with Bishop George Davison, front right and, back row from left: Archdeacon Paul Dundas, preacher; the Rev Canon William Taggart, Registrar; and Archdeacon Barry Forde.

The Rev Gareth Campbell was introduced as Minister-in-Charge of the Parishes of St Mary Magdalene, St Aidan and St Simon, Belfast, (Blackstaff Mission Area) at a service in St Simon’s Parish Church on March 24.

Gareth was previously curate in Christ Church, Lisburn. He is married to Sarah, and they have two young children. He grew up in Ballinderry and was a member of Glenavy Parish. A past pupil of Wallace High School, Lisburn, he studied Youth and Community Work with Practical Theology through YouthLink and Belfast Bible College from 2012-2014. During this time, he worked as a Youth Worker with Drumglass Parish in Dungannon.

He moved to Armagh Diocese as a Youth Officer, and a year later was appointed Youth Worker at Lisburn Cathedral, Diocese of Connor, remaining there for three years before a move to Seagoe Parish, Diocese of Down and Dromore, where he was Youth Worker for four years.

While in Seagoe, Gareth obtained his Master’s in Theology through the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (non-residential) and he was ordained a deacon intern at a service in Lisburn Cathedral in September 2022, serving his deacon intern year in Derryvolgie Parish.

Following his ordination as a priest in September 2023, Gareth moved to Christ Church, Lisburn, as curate.

Gareth was introduced as Minister-in-Charge of Blackstaff Union of Parishes by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, and the preacher at the service was the Ven Paul Dundas, rector of Christ Church, Lisburn and Archdeadon of Dalriada.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracey Kelly, and Edwin Poots, MLA for South Belfast, were among the large congregation at the service.

Back to latest news