A FORMER principal of Omagh Integrated Primary School has been appointed Dean of Derry and the Rector of the new parish grouping of Templemore and St Augustine’s.

Reverend Nigel Cairns (51), has taken up the senior church role following his appointment by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe after a Board of Nomination meeting.

He left his role as Omagh principal in 2014 to train for ministry and was ordained to the diaconate in September 2016, before being priested in September 2017.

Appointment

His appointment as Dean of Derry was made by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, and was announced to congregations at services last Sunday morning in St Columb’s Cathedral and St Augustine’s. A service of Installation is expected to take place early this summer.

The Dean-elect said he and his wife Alison are looking forward to an exciting new chapter in their lives.

“As a son of the city, I feel both humbled and blessed to be appointed Dean of Derry and Rector of Templemore, which now encompasses St Columb’s and St Augustine’s,” said Rev Cairns.

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“For a whole host of reasons both of these churches, and the people, are very close to the hearts of Alison and I.

“We are looking forward, under God, to being part of the Christian witness and ministry within The Walls and I would encourage the parishioners of both churches to prayerfully support and embrace this exciting new beginning as we build and grow together.

“I would like to thank Alison, our children Megan and Matthew, Bishop Andrew, the congregations and my fellow clergy for their encouragement and prayers.”