Yesterday, the Choral Evensong at Guildford Cathedral hosted the installation of 10 new Honorary Canons in recognition of their service to the mission of God.
Congratulations to Trish Lambert, Geraldine Newbold, Julian Roberts, Steve Roberts, and Revds Ben Beecroft, Rosemary Donovan, Peter Harwood, Mark Hayton, Esther Prior and Simon Taylor, who all received the honour from the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson.
Honorary Canons are given the title as a mark of respect and as an invitation to support the Bishop in mission and ministry through their prayers and participation in the life of the Cathedral Church.
The four lay people and six clergy receiving the title were joined by friends, family, colleagues and members of the cathedral community to cheer them on. Among the new Canons were two staff members from the Diocese of Guildford and five members of Bishop’s Council, which is the operational governance body of the Diocese of Guildford.
Canon Steve Roberts, who was awarded the honour in recognition of his work in the life of the diocese, including being Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, said, “I’m delighted to receive the honour but like to think of it as a symbolic recognition of the valuable work all lay volunteers provide across the diocese, often behind the scenes, supporting mission and ministry in our parishes and schools.”
Canon Geraldine Newbold received her honour for her part in continuing to strengthen relationships between the Diocese and Cathedral as Diocesan Secretary (equivalent to a COO for the administrative functions of the Diocese). She said, “I love working for the Diocese, and the Cathedral has a special place in my heart. I was confirmed there as a child, but I never dreamed that one day I would be an Honorary Canon. It's a real privilege!”
With Steve and Geraldine holding such prominent roles within the Diocese, they both look forward to working more closely with colleagues and the community at the Cathedral as Canons.
Revd Canon Peter Harwood, the Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry, had previously served as a vicar in the diocese for 17 years, as well as Area Dean, and on Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod. He said, “It is a pleasant surprise to receive the honour. It has been fulfilling and a joy to serve in these ways in the diocese.”
Peter added, “Going forward, I am pleased to continue to serve the diocese in my role and as I can at the Cathedral.”
Revd Canon Esther Prior was among those from Bishop’s Council receiving the honour. She was also marking another special day, as she was ordained on the Feast of Christ the King (the same Sunday in the Church calendar) 21 years ago. Within that time, Esther has been a priest in the diocese for 13 years and served in a variety of Diocesan and National roles.
Esther said, “It feels like a wonderful affirmation of God's work in and through me over the last decade or so. It inspires me to deepen my commitment to supporting the cathedral's mission and the wider community.” She continues to serve on Bishop’s Council, General Synod and the Crown Nominations Commission.
Another Bishop’s Council member, Revd Canon Ben Beecroft, received the honour as he celebrates 17 years of faithful and committed service to his parish, deanery and diocese.
“It is both humbling and hugely encouraging to recognise a ministry that is a great privilege but also, at times, very costly and sacrificial.” Said Ben. “I am also looking forward to playing an active role in contributing and being an ambassador for the ministry and mission of our cathedral.”
During the service, there was also a formal welcome to the Diocesan Registrar and Registry Clerk, Kevin Wilson and Richard Hastings, who started as the new legal advisers to the Bishop at the start of September.
