Canon Walter Lewis, Rural Dean for South Belfast retired on Tuesday 31 January. Following the 10.30am service a number of presentations were made by the parish and a buffet lunch was served in the area created in the rear of the church in its recent refurbishment.

As Rural Dean Canon Lewis was responsible for parishes in South Belfast when they had no Incumbent, and as such has been responsible for chairing meetings of St John's Select Vestry since September.