Darren is married to Karen and they have one son. He comes to St Paul’s from Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Kilbroney in the Diocese of Down and Dromore where he had been rector since 2019.
Darren spent his formative years in Dundrod. He is part of a close family including parents Jim and Muriel, brothers Don and Duane, and sisters Coleen and Laura.
He attended Lisnagarvey High School and later spent eight years as a plant engineer before training for the ministry and taking up a post as deacon-in-charge and then priest-in-charge of St Luke’s Anglican Church, Diocese of the Arctic, Canada, in the community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut.
Darren returned to Northern Ireland in 2006 and was a curate in St Nicholas’, Carrickfergus, for three years before becoming rector of St Matthias, Knocknamuckley.
In June 2012, during the Diocesan Arctic Synod, he was elected and consecrated Suffragan Bishop of the Arctic and he and Karen moved to Iqaluit, Baffin Island, in January 2013.
The family returned to Northern Ireland when Darren took up the post of rector of Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Kilbroney. He was also Area Dean for the Mourne, and Warden to the Pioneering Ministers in the Diocese of Down and Dromore.
A service to mark the Ordination of Rev Lee Boal and Rev Gareth Campbell was also held recently at Lisburn Cathedral.
Rev Boal will serve as Curate in Lisburn Cathedral and Rev Campbell will serve as Curate in Christ Church.
5. New Church of Ireland Ministers welcomed to Lisburn
At the Ordination of Priests for Connor Diocese in Lisburn Cathedral on Sunday September 10 are, from left: the Rev Danielle McCullagh, preacher; the Rev Harold Good, Methodist Church; the Very Rev Sam Wright, Dean of Connor and rector of Lisburn Cathedral; the Rev Canon William Taggart, Registrar; the Rev Lee Boal; the Rev Canon Kevin Graham, Director of Ordinands; Bishop George Davison; the Rev Cameron Mack, Bishop's Chaplain; the Rev Gareth Campbell; the Ven Barry Forde, Archdeacon of Belfast; the Ven Paul Dundas, Archdeacon of Dalriada; and the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor. Photo: Norman Briggs
6. New Church of Ireland Ministers welcomed to Lisburn
Bishop George led the Clergy in Prayer before the Service Photo: Norman Briggs
7. New Church of Ireland Ministers welcomed to Lisburn
A full Church for the Ordination of Revs Lee Boal and Gareth Campbell Photo: Norman Briggs
8. New Church of Ireland Ministers welcomed to Lisburn
The Rev Danielle McCullagh preached during the service Photo: Norman Briggs