Rev Brian Harper RMG16
Canon Brian Harper, rector of Magheracross Parish in Ballinamallard is to be the new Church of Ireland Archdeacon of Clogher.
The Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell, announced the appointment at last week’s Clogher Diocesan Synod.
Rev Brian, who is originally from Co Derry, has been rector in Ballinamallard since October 2012. He and his wife Heather have three children Jonathan, Elizabeth and Samuel.
Ordained in 1986, the 55-year-old has served in rural parishes in Armagh and Clogher throughout his ministry including St Columba’s Parish, Portadown; Drumglass Parish, Dungannon; the Ballygawley Group and Mullavilly, between Tandragee and Portadown.
His appointment as the new Archdeacon of Clogher follows the Revd Helene Steed’s recent move to St Mark’s Parish in Dundela in the Diocese of Down.
Announcing the news, Bishop McDowell said his new Archdeacon “brings a wealth of experience to his new post, and has enjoyed the confidence of his colleagues as Clerical Honorary Secretary of the Diocesan Council and Synod.”
Archdeacon Harper added: “It will be an honour to serve the diocese, bishop, colleagues and parishes in the office of Archdeacon. I hope and pray that I will be worthy of the responsibility entrusted to me.”
The Dean of Clogher, the Very Revd Kenny Hall, welcomed the appointment: “Archdeacon Harper and I have known each other for over 30 years and we have ministered together in both the dioceses of Armagh and Clogher as well as travelling together to visit the Church of Sudan and the Church of Uganda – both his faith and experience will enrich the life of our diocese as he serves in this senior post.”
Bishop McDowell has also announced that Archdeacon Harper’s stall on the cathedral Chapter will be filled by Canon Geoffrey Bridle, rector of Cleenish and Mullaghdun while Canon Bridle’s canonry is to be filled by the appointment of the Revd Kyle Hanlon, rector of Fivemiletown.
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