Retiring Archdeacon staying in the diocese
Gregor McCamley, Archdeacon of Down and rector of St Columba's, Knock is retiring in February. The Diocesan Council held a special lunch to mark the occasion after their January meeting. In paying tribute to Gregor's ministry Bishop Harold had this to say, "Gregor and his wife Rosemary were the first people I encountered when I arrived in Down & Dromore and because things weren't quite ready at the See House they, with their customary warm hospitality, invited me to stay in the rectory and thus began a firm friendship, which Liz and I greatly treasure. In working with Gregor I have most appreciated his honesty and integrity and when faced with difficult situations I could always rely on him to give me a clear and concise version of events".
Bishop Harold presented the retiring Archdeacon with a diocesan plaque and a cheque on behalf of the Diocesan Council. In responding to the Bishop's remarks Gregor said he had loved ministering in Down & Dromore and he had enjoyed his responsibilities as archdeacon, not least because of the warmth and friendliness he found in his colleagues and the people of the diocese.
Made Deacon in 1965 Gregor spent his entire 41 years of ministry in Down & Dromore. He cured in Bangor Parish (St Comgalls) and Holywood (St Philip and St James) prior to his appointment in 1972 as incumbent in St Gall's Carnalea. He moved to Knock (St Columba's) in 1980 and was appointed Archdeacon of Down by Bishop Gordon McMullan in 1995. He was Diocesan Registrar from 1990 until 1995 and held the position of Stewardship Advisor from1989 until his retirement.
However, it's only partial retirement as the popular figure has agreed to accept a new role in the diocese - that of Chaplain to the Retired Clergy. Bishop Ned Darling (former Bishop of Limerick) has been Chaplain for the past number of years. Originally from Dublin Gregor has been married to Rosemary for 36 years and they have two sons, Andrew and Colin.
There's always lively banter when Gregor's around and Church House won't be the same without his regular visits, but we all join in wishing him and Rosemary many happy years of retirement as they move out of the rectory and into their retirement home, which funnily enough is still in the diocese!