Belfast Cathedral
Belfast Cathedral: The Cathedral Church of Saint Anne
Belfast Cathedral, known locally as St Anne’s, is unusual in serving two separate dioceses, Down and Dromore and Connor, and has not one, but two, Bishop’s Seats.
The cathedral was built on the site of St Anne’s Church, which was Belfast’s first Church of Ireland Parish. Building began in 1899 when the foundation stone of the Nave was laid. The west front was not finished until 1927 and the rest of the building has been completed in stages with the final section comprising the North Transept consecrated in 1981. The striking ‘Spire of Hope’ was added to Belfast Cathedral in 2007 and is a unique addition to the city skyline.
Whilst being a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, whose daily worship is Anglican, it has sought to be a place where Christians of all traditions may worship together. A living partnership is maintained with St Peter’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in the city and ecumenical canons occupy stalls representing the Methodist, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic Churches.
The Cathedral is open to visitors from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm every day. There is a charge for admission but if people wish simply to pray in one of the designated areas admission is free.
The Cathedral Gift Shop has a wide range of gifts for visitors from home and abroad. Please note that it is closed during services.
Free parking is available in the cathedral precincts for those attending Sunday worship. On weekdays, public parking is available close by.
At the heart of the life of St Anne’s Cathedral is the daily pattern of prayer and worship. Visit the Cathedral website for further details: www.belfastcathedral.org.
Dean and Chapter
Dean: The Very Revd Stephen Forde
Chancellor: Vacant
Precentor: The Ven George Davison (Archdeacon of Belfast)
Treasurer & Chapter Clerk: The Revd Mark Niblock
Canons of Down and Dromore
The Revd Canon Ronnie Nesbitt
The Revd Canon Stephen Lowry
The Revd Canon Gareth Harron
The Revd Canon Gill Withers
Canons of Connor
The Revd Canon Nigel Baylor
The Revd Canon Mark Taylor
The Revd Canon David Humphries
The Revd Canon Stephen Fielding
Chapter Canons
The Revd Canon Michael Parker
Minor Canons
The Revd Nigel Kirkpatrick
The Revd Julie Bell
Ecumenical Canons
The Revd Canon Dr Ruth Patterson (Presbyterian)
The Revd Canon Ruth E Patterson (Methodist)
The Very Revd Edward O’Donnell (Ronan Catholic)
Lay Canons
Mrs Myrtle Kerr
Mr Robert Kay MBE
Master of the Choristers: Mr David Stevens
Organist Emeritus: Mr Ian Barber
Head of Vocal Tuition: Catherine Harper
Acting Assistant Organist: Jack Wilson
National Cathedral: The Cathedral Church of Saint Patrick, Dublin
Canon Representing the United Dioceses of Down in Dromore in the National Cathedral
The Revd Canon Simon Doogan