Mark Beach is new Dean of Rochester
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Rochester has a new Dean after a seven-month search.
The Rev Dr Mark Howard Francis Beach, pictured, is
announced as Rochester Cathedral's new chief today.
Dr Beach, 50, who is currently Team Rector of Rugby, replaces
Adrian Newman whose send-off included Bollywood dancers and the
James Bond theme in July after he was made Bishop of Stepney.
Dr Beach, a former University of Kent student said: "I am
delighted to be coming back to Kent. I often passed over the
railway bridge and looked admiringly at the Cathedral and Castle
but never dreamt I would one day live next door!"
The new Dean of Rochester joins the cathedral as it puts
together a £5 million Lottery bid, including a project to create an
exhibition space in the crypt.
Dr Beach added: “It is a good time to be joining the team at
Rochester as Bishop James leads a renewed vision for the diocese
and the Cathedral awaits the outcome of its Heritage Lottery Fund
bid.
“I am looking forward to building on the work of Adrian Newman,
the previous Dean, and deepening relationships with the diocese and
other parts of society in the area. I am especially keen that the
Cathedral should play an important part in the life of Medway,
whose aspirations to become a city I share.”
“Cathedrals are beacons of our faith and places of welcome and
sanctuary from the busy world. In the present economic environment
this becomes even more important and I hope that together we can
continue this openness to the church and the world.”
The Rt Rev James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester said, “I am
delighted that Mark has been appointed as the new Dean of
Rochester. He comes with wide experience of ministry in
various settings within the Church of England."
Dr Beach will be installed as Dean in Rochester Cathedral on
Sunday, May 20 at 3.15pm.
Monday, February 06 2012
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