The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Reverend John McDowell, has today announced the appointment of the Reverend Andrew Totten OBE as Prebendary of Loughgall and the Reverend Gary McMurray as Prebendary of Ballymore in the Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Saint Patrick, Armagh.
Additionally, the Archbishop has appointed Mr Geoffrey Perrin as a Lay Canon of Armagh. Mr Perrin succeeds to the stall formerly occupied by the late Canon C. Garrett Walker. Armagh Cathedral has six Lay Canons – the first were appointed in 1997 and Mr Perrin will be the thirteenth to take up office.
Welcoming the appointment of the new Canons, the Dean of Armagh, the Very Reverend Shane Forster, said, “I know that both Andrew and Gary will bring their wide-ranging experience in army chaplaincy and parochial life, respectively, to their new roles within the life of the Cathedral in Armagh. I very much look forward to their involvement in the Chapter. Geoffrey Perrin served the Representative Church Body with distinction over many years, and I am delighted that he is being honoured by the Archbishop for his work.
All three new Canons are assured of a warm welcome on the Hill of Armagh.”
In response to the announcement, the Reverend Andrew Totten said, “It is lovely to be appointed as a Canon of St Patrick's, Armagh, with its historic Chapel of the Royal Irish Fusiliers and its enduring links to the Royal Irish Regiment. I look forward to fostering that connection with the military community as well as supporting the wider life and ministry of the Cathedral."
The Reverend Gary McMurray said, “I am honoured to have been appointed to the Chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral by Archbishop John. I look forward to sharing in the work of the gospel through the witness of the Cathedral to the city, county, and diocese of Armagh and beyond.”
During Choral Evensong on Sunday 20th October 2024 at 3.15 p.m., the new Canons will be installed by the Dean into their respective Prebendal Stalls in the Cathedral and the Reverend Canon Bill Adair, formerly the Canon Treasurer, will be installed into the Dignity of Chancellor and the Reverend Canon David Hilliard, formerly Prebendary of Tynan, will be installed into the Dignity of Canon Treasurer.
New Lay Canon, Mr Geoffrey Perrin, will be installed at a later date.
The Reverend Andrew Totten was an Army chaplain for 27 years and now serves as the Honorary Chaplain to the Royal Irish Regiment. Appointed MBE and then OBE, he was an Honorary Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II. He is an Honorary Fellow of Durham University.
The Reverend Gary McMurray, who is married to Lynsey, grew up in the Parish of Dromore Cathedral. Following his studies at Queen’s University Belfast, he worked with a victims’ support group before training for the ordained ministry in Dublin. Ordained in 2008, he served as curate-assistant in the Parish of St Elizabeth, Dundonald
(Down & Dromore), then was appointed Rector of Aghavea (Clogher) in 2011. He moved to Armagh Diocese in 2017, upon his appointment as Rector of Richhill. He currently serves as the Diocesan Warden of Readers
and is a member of Standing Committee.