Diocesan News
Appointment of new Archdeacon of Down
Bishop David McClay has appointed the Revd Canon Ken Higgins as the Archdeacon of Down.
Canon Higgins is the rector of St Donard’s in East Belfast and the current Honorary Clerical Secretary for Down Diocese. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am deeply honoured to accept Bishop David’s invitation to take up the role of Archdeacon of Down. It came very much as a surprise, but then God is a God of surprises!
“As a small man, I am very much aware of the big shoes of previous Archdeacons that I am stepping into. Philip Patterson was a dear friend and mentor to me since being Sunday School teachers together in my home parish of Ballyclare. Bishop David, whom I have known for many years, I hold in great respect and look forward to serving under him and in the Diocese.
“I have served my entire ordained ministry in Down Diocese and have come to know many of the parishes and Clergy. I began in 1993 as a curate in St Finnian’s, Cregagh, under the late Canon Noel Battye, then served in Movilla Abbey Parish in Newtownards for thirteen years, before moving to my present post at St Donard’s in Belfast. However, my full–time Christian ministry began before this in 1980 when I left to go to London to train as a Church Army Officer. When commissioned I worked for over seven years in Derry & Raphoe Diocese before going forward for ordination.
“I met my wife Ann whilst we were both training at the Church Army College, and we have had the joy and privilege of serving together in the church for the past 35 years. We have two grown up children, Beth and son–in–law Mark, and Andrew and daughter–in–law Michelle.
“Bishop David and I have been working in neighbouring parishes in East Belfast over these last years, and I share David’s passion for mission, seeing people changed and parishes renewed, and I look forward to assisting him to fulfil his vision in the Diocese.”
The Archdeacon of Down will be installed at a special service in Down Cathedral. Date to follow.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Down & Dromore
07840 006899
Mrs Annette McGrath
dco@downdromorediocese.org