The Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Reverend Dr Michael Ipgrave, is delighted to announce the appointment of the Reverend Canon Andrew Stead MA as the next Canon Precentor of Lichfield Cathedral.
Canon Stead (54) is currently the joint Chaplain of Lichfield Cathedral School and Canon Treasurer of the Cathedral, a post he has occupied since 2013. Married to Alison, the Steads have two grown-up children. Canon Stead will take up his new role on Easter Day (16 April) and be installed and admitted at the Cathedral Eucharist at 11am.
The title Precentor means first singer and the role of the Canon Precentor is to hold responsibility for the Cathedrals worship, music, and for the way in which the Cathedral seeks to build up its communities in faith, knowledge and understanding.
Commenting on the appointment, the Dean of Lichfield, the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, said: I am very pleased that Andrew has been appointed to this vital role in the Cathedral. We have benefited from his ministry here as a Residentiary Canon and
Chaplain to the Cathedral School. He brings much proven experience in education to the role and long familiarity with the ways of English Cathedrals. Andrew has helped us pioneer outreach to children and families, developed our imaginative education work with secondary schools, the 3D Forum, where his own academic interests and expertise in Philosophy and Ethics have come strongly into play. As a faithful, well organised and effective pastor he has won the trust of Lichfield Cathedral; his long-standing interest and expertise in worship and music make him well qualified for this post. His colleagues on Chapter warmly congratulate him.
Andrew said: I am very much looking forward to taking on the role of Canon Precentor and being responsible for the liturgy, music and formation at the cathedral. I will be working with a talented and cohesive Cathedral Chapter and lay officers who have the mission and direction of the cathedral very much in focus and have a vision for how that is furthered through our liturgy and music. I also am looking forward to working with our musicians as they assist us through the offering their talent in the worship of God and enabling people to worship too.
"It is always a great delight to welcome people to the cathedral, particularly from the parishes of the diocese and this new role will enable me to be more obviously part of that ministry of hospitality through the offering of our worship. I am also looking to take the excellent education and learning work forward that we do in greater partnership with our diocesan partners and the wider community beyond the church as we seek to reach new audiences and generations.