Dean of Wakefield Simon Cowling was joined by many well-wishers at his farewell service, held in what he called “a cathedral without frontiers”.
Retiring after three and a half decades of ministry, the Very Revd Dean Simon used his last sermon at a special choral evensong to speak of the importance of our church buildings and their central roles in many different communities.
He said how Wakefield Cathedral was a living, spiritual building that has served communions of Christians across time and always will: “It is a holy place that’s open to all and a common ground for all,” said Dean Simon, referring to how it hosts school children playing ukeleles on one day, students celebrating results on another and yet is also a place where the bereaved, or others seeking solace, come for solitary prayer.
Dean Simon once served as Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee that helps parishes with their buildings, be that upkeep or improvements.
“These are buildings built on spirituality and please never cease to turn yourselves and your buildings out towards the world,” Dean Simon said.
Tributes were led by Ed Anderson, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, who thanked Dean Simon for his continuous commitment to engaging with public life and the wider community. He cited the challenges of the Covid pandemic and how Dean Simon had cemented Wakefield Cathedral as a key part of its city.
Jane Evans, Vice Chair of Chapter, said all agreed Dean Simon had been “an exceptional Dean” and thanked him for the “wisdom, kindness, gravitas and calmness” that had helped the cathedral through challenges, but also given “many wonderful times and services.” Like others, she also expressed great gratitude to Dean Simon’s wife, Anne for her support for his work and that of the Cathedral.
Revd Canon Philip Hobday, who is now the Acting Dean, told how Dean Simon’s “gentle wisdom” that had helped many clergy in their development, was matched by his huge breadth of knowledge and his great resilience in any testing times.
Presenting Dean Simon and Anne with an abstract painting that captured the region’s natural beauty, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds said the diocese was blessed with three cathedrals and three deans, who formed a very strong college and that Dean Simon had always brought “wisdom and perspective to all our deliberations.”
Bishop Nick thanked them and their family for their support and service and wished them a long and happy retirement, adding “You’ve earned it!”
After much applause, Dean Simon thanked all who had come to the service and all those he had worked with over the years.