Warm tributes have been paid to Revd Canon Tony Macpherson, the Sub Dean and Canon Pastor at Wakefield Cathedral, who is leaving the diocese after 24 years in the city.
Canon Tony will become Priest in Charge of the parishes of North Sunderland, Beadnell and Ellingham in the Diocese of Newcastle and will be licensed in that role on Wednesday, September 11.
Explaining his move, Canon Tony said: "We have lived in the City of Wakefield for 24 years and worked at the Cathedral for 12 years and so it will be a big wrench to leave everyone.
"However I always wished to return to parish ministry and this newly created post in north Northumberland is a very exciting opportunity to return to parish ministry and to make new friends. Wakefield will always have a big place in our hearts"
Commenting on the news of Tony’s new role the Very Revd Simon Cowling, the Dean of Wakefield, said: “Wakefield Cathedral has been richly blessed by Tony’s ministry for over a decade.
“He is valued as a wise and prayerful priest and as a generously supportive colleague.
“Tony steered the cathedral ably through the vacancy following Dean Greener’s departure and I am personally grateful for the help he has given me as I moved into my role as Dean.
“We all wish Tony and his family God’s blessing as they prepare to move to the north east”.
Canon Tony was also chair of the House of Clergy at diocesan synod until July last year.
Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines said: “I am sorry we are to lose Tony.
“He has served this diocese with distinction and I am very grateful for his stewardship of Wakefield Cathedral during the vacancy.
“He has engaged brilliantly and pastorally with our Iranian brothers and sisters.
“He goes with my gratitude and blessing.”
It is anticipated that the Cathedral farewell to Tony, Lynne and family will take place on Sunday, July 28.