Two canons appointed to Down Cathedral
Revd Bryan Follis (rector of Hillsborough) and Revd Chris Matchett (rector of Newtownards), have both accepted Bishop Harold’s invitation to become canons in Down Cathedral.
Bryan (right) said: “I was very surprised by the Bishop’s appointment and certainly wasn’t expecting it. This will be quite different to what I have done before but I look forward to serving in Down Cathedral.”
Speaking of his appointment, Chris (below right) said: “I consider it a privilege to have been asked to join the Chapter and I look forward to taking part in the life of Down Cathedral and its special role in the Diocese. The appointment is all the more exciting, coming as it does in St Mark’s 200th anniversary year.”
The Dean of Down, The Very Revd Henry Hull, also welcomed the latest appointments to the cathedral chapter.
About
Bryan Follis became rector of Hillsborough in 2014, prior to which he spent 13 years as rector of All Saints’ Church, near Queen’s University Belfast. He has also written two academic books along with a number of booklets aimed at the ‘person in the pew’.
Chris Matchett is a native of Londonderry, and worked as an accountant before training for ordination. He met his wife, Ali, whilst at Theological College and they have three children.
Chris was also ordained in 1998 and served two curacies in Down and Dromore before returning to the Diocese as rector of Newtownards in 2011. This followed more than 7 years as rector of Magheracross in Clogher Diocese.
The new canons will be installed at a special service in Down Cathedral. Date to follow.