Published Monday, 08 November 2010
Rev Houston McKelvey, 68, will step down in April after 10 years leading congregations at the city's famous landmark.
In that decade he raised millions for charity, donning the dean's traditional black cape to brave wintry weather during a Christmas sit out on the steps of the Church of Ireland cathedral.
His Black Santa appeal in the wake of the Asian tsunami in 2004 raised £1.6m in a few weeks, which Rev McKelvey said is one of his special memories.
"I'll never forget the sight on the Saturday when it was absolutely bucketing down and you couldn't see across to Writers' Square with the rain and yet the lines of people kept emerging out of that rain, coming to give donations.
"And to take £1.5m in a matter of weeks was unbelievable."
Dean McKelvey, originally from Muckamore, Co Antrim, told his congregation of his decision at Sunday morning's service having already made the Bishop of Connor Alan Abernethy aware of his intention.
A former Territorial Army Chaplain with 29 years service to the Ulster and Scottish Gunners, the cleric was the first chaplain to be awarded the Queen's Volunteer Reserve Medal, presented by the Queen herself.
A keen sailor and writer, the dean was adviser on education policy in Northern Ireland to the Church of Ireland General Synod Board for 20 years before joining St Anne's.
His time at the cathedral saw the erection of the towering Spire of Hope and fresh link-ups with St Peter's Roman Catholic Cathedral.
But his tenure has not been without controversy.
Earlier this year members of the cathedral's famous choir vowed never to sing again after the decision to axe the post of musical director.
However Rev McKelvey said that this controversy has had no bearing on his decision to step down.
The dean's 10th Christmas sit out will start on Thursday December 16.