The Rt Revd David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore, has appointed the Revd Henry Blair as Dean of Down. Henry will be instituted as rector of the Lecale Area Mission Partnership (LAMP) on Wednesday 26 February and installed as Dean in Down Cathedral on Sunday 2 March.
He succeeds Dean Henry Hull who retired in December 2023.
Bishop David said:
“I am delighted that in addition to his new role as rector of LAMP the Revd Henry Blair has accepted the role of Dean of Down.”A cathedral church today needs increasingly to be a centre of mission. Our heritage of St Patrick’s life and ministry gives Down Cathedral a mission focus and the impetus and opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel.
“Henry’s demonstrated zeal for that same Gospel and his love for the worldwide church makes him an outstanding candidate to become the next Dean of Down and rector of LAMP.
“Please pray for him as he undertakes both these roles.”
Henry is the Ireland National Director for Sharing of Ministry Abroad (SOMA), prior to which he was Incumbent of the Parish of Tullanisken and Clonoe in the Diocese of Armagh. He was ordained in 2004 and has a background in both agriculture and accountancy. Henry is married to Helen and they have four grown up sons and three grandchildren.
He said of his appointment:
“Helen and I are looking forward to the new season of ministry as rector of the Lecale Area Mission Partnership and getting to know everyone in the area. My appointment as Dean of Down comes as a pleasant surprise and I thank Bishop David for the trust that he is placing in me in this role. We do pray that God will bless our ministry in Down Cathedral and the parish as we see God’s kingdom grow in the Lecale area.”