13/09/2026
Bishop Andrew has appointed the Rector of Glendermott and Newbuildings, Rev Canon Robert Boyd MBE, as the new Archdeacon of Derry. The appointment takes effect immediately, meaning the new Archdeacon will have to quickly get used to his new title – Venerable Robert Boyd.
Bishop Andrew says Robert has all the qualities a bishop seeks in an archdeacon. 'I have known Robert for more years than either of us would care to remember,' Bishop Andrew says. 'In all that time, he has been a faithful and valued friend. For a number of years we served in neighbouring parishes in the Diocese of Armagh. He is extremely affable, as his parishioners will attest, but his geniality belies an inner steel. He is a gifted and resilient leader, a superb administrator, a wise counsellor, a man of utter integrity, and a wonderful pastor. He has a remarkable ability to bring people with him – gentle leadership, I would call it – but, above all, he is a very Godly man.
'I look forward to working with Robert as he joins our senior leadership team, alongside the Archdeacon of Raphoe, The Ven. David Huss.'
Archdeacon Boyd becomes the second Rector of Glendermott to be appointed Archdeacon of the Diocese of Derry, following in the footsteps of The Ven. William Colquhoun who retired in 1914. Archdeacon Boyd says he feels humbled and honoured by Bishop Andrew's appointment, and has asked for people's prayers as he embarks on this new phase in his ministry.
'After the initial shock, I feel very humbled and honoured to be appointed Archdeacon of Derry by Bishop Andrew,' he says. 'I wish to pay tribute to my predecessor, The Venerable Robert Miller, who has served with such distinction.
'I pray that in the years ahead, and with God's help, I may be of assistance to the Bishop and my colleagues throughout the Diocese as we seek to build a team which proclaims the Good News of the Gospel to our Diocesan family and the wider community.
'I thank my wife, May, my family, and the parishes in which I have served, for their support of my ministry over the last 36 years. I ask for continued prayers as I embark on this new role.'
Archdeacon Boyd succeeds Ven. Robert Miller who will be taking up a new role, in November, as Chaplain of the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace. There will be a brief crossover period during which the outgoing Archdeacon will guide and support his successor.
Bishop Andrew has paid tribute to Archdeacon Miller for his service in a role he had held since 2012. 'Nobody knows better than me – or appreciates more than me – the outstanding service Robert has given to the Diocese, and to me as Bishop, during his time as Archdeacon.
'I knew Robert long before my arrival in Derry and Raphoe, seven years ago, but since then he has been a rock. He has been unstinting in his friendship, generous with his advice, and courageous with his leadership. I thank him for his support and that friendship, and wish him a successful and fruitful ministry as Chaplain of the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.'
