The Rt Rev. Christine Hardman confirmed this week that the current Vice Dean of Durham Cathedral and Canon Precentor, Canon David Kennedy, will be taking up the post later this year.
The parish of Corbridge St Andrew with Halton and Newton Hall has been without a vicar since the long-serving incumbent, Rev. David Hewlett, retired after almost a decade in May last year.
Although no firm dates have been set for his arrival, it’s expected Canon Kennedy will leave his responsibilities at Durham in late September and will move to Corbridge in early October.
“I am honoured and thrilled to be appointed as Vicar of Corbridge,” he said.
“My wife Janet and I look forward to getting to know you and ministering with you to serve our god, the church and the communities of Corbridge, Halton and Newton Hall in the years ahead.”
Dean of Durham, the Very Rev. Andrew Tremlett, said: “David has been an outstanding colleague and Canon Precentor at Durham Cathedral since 2001, following earlier parochial ministry in the Diocese of Durham and as a tutor at Queen’s College, Birmingham.
“He has overseen the renewal of the cathedral’s liturgical life, the introduction of girl choristers and taught generations of ordinands in training for ministry in the Church of England.
“David’s last Sunday will be in the autumn when there will be an opportunity to say farewell from the whole community, before his licensing as Vicar of Corbridge.
“This is a significant rural living with a thriving musical and community life, and with opportunities to develop tourism and family engagement.”
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