The Team

Christopher St John (Incumbent)

Reverend Dr Chris St John grew up in Newtownabbey and attended the Church of the Holy Spirit. He was educated at Belfast Royal Academy where he met his wife, Andrea. For many years they lived in Holywood where their three children grew up. The family attended the parish of St Phillip and James, Holywood.
Rev Chris is a keen guitarist and played regularly in the worship team in Holywood. Prior to entering the ordained ministry, he spent many years involved in adult training and education. He possesses several degrees together with a PhD in Education from the University of Ulster.
After attending the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, he was appointed as deacon in Holy Trinity, Woodburn. Upon ordination to priest, he served as curate in St Mark’s, Dundela. In January 2021 he was instituted as rector of St Nicholas.
Rev Chris is passionate about encouraging Christian discipleship and spreading the gospel.
He loves all things Italian, especially pizza and can often be seen riding around Carrickfergus on a Vespa.

Rev Heather Downey-Cooke

(Assistant Clergy)

Prior to ordination Heather came from teaching background. She helps in a part-time capacity. She has a passion for mission and has been to NEPAL on a number of occasions to undertake work with CMSI.

Mrs Beth Aiken Organist/Choir Director

Beth has received Keyboard and choral training since the age of 5 . She has various university degrees having studied music theory, performance and history. She is enthusiastic and instrumental in the musical development of St Nicholas.

Parish Readers

Mr Philip O'Neill
Mrs Diane Innes
Mr Stuart Horner

Mrs Alison Kane
Mr Raymond Gilbert
Mrs Jean Stewart

Wardens

Rector’s Church Warden - Mrs Julie Irvine
Peoples’ Church Warden - Mrs Jean Stewart
Rector’s Glebe Warden - Mr Roy McAlister
Peoples’ Glebe Warden - Mrs Christine Cahoon

Parochial Nominators

Mr John Richardson
Mrs Christine Cahoon
Mr Ray Gilbert
Mrs Sharon Maxwell

Mrs Valerie Kirk (Reserve)
Mrs Janice Nelson (Reserve)
Mrs Tamara Milligan (Reserve)

Select Vestry

Linda Mulvenny
Ray Gilbert
Alan Miles
Julie Irvine
Richard Eiken
Valerie Kirk
Philip O'Neill
Christine Cahoon

Diane Innes
Barbara O'Neill
Sharon Maxwell
Audrey Bankhead
Roy McAlister
Lisa Thompson

Synod Representatives

Mr John Richardson
Mrs Christine Cahoon
Mrs Valerie Kirk

Mrs Janice Nelson (Reserve)
Mr Ray Gilbert (Reserve)
Mrs Sharon Maxwell (Reserve)
Mrs Linda Mulvenny (Reserve)

Under 35 Representatives

Mr Graeme Miles (Reserve)

Secretary

Mr Alan Miles

Auditor

Mr Charles Nicholson

Get In Touch

028 9336 0061
office@saintnicholas.org.uk

Address

St Nicholas' Parish Halls
3 Lancasterian Street
Carrickfergus
BT38 7AB
N Ireland