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New Dean looking to Cathedral Square

Christchurch's new Dean outlines his priorities at a critical time for the city.

Jo Taylor-de Vocht  |  24 Nov 2015  |

The newly installed Dean of Christchurch, the Very Rev Lawrence Kimberley, is clear about his priorities.  

The Christchurch rebuild is at a critical phase, so Lawrence is determined to strengthen the Cathedral as a house of prayer and hospitality, and to work with the Church Property Trustees and wider community to re-establish a place of worship in the Square.

Lawrence was installed as the 14th Dean in the Transitional Cathedral last Sunday.

“I came to Christchurch as an organist; I never expected that one day I would be dean of a cathedral,” he says. 

“I know this city, I love this place and I love this church. I am greatly looking forward to beginning the role.”

Lawrence was born in Manchester, England, to a Kiwi father and English mother.

When he was six months old the family immigrated to New Zealand, settling in Nelson where his father worked as a curate and vicar. In 1980 Lawrence moved to Christchurch to study and has lived there since.

He was an accountant before experiencing a radical career change. It began with his move to Christchurch where he started playing the organ at St Mary’s Church in Addington.

“I encountered such incredible, diverse people at this church,” he recalls.

“I was introduced to new ways of experiencing God through music and hospitality. I felt that I wanted to give my life to serving the Church.”   

He then trained at St John’s Theological College in Auckland and was ordained in 1992.

Ready for the challenge

Lawrence has since served as a curate, vicar, archdeacon and canon in the Christchurch Diocese.

This experience stands him in good stead for his new challenge.

“When we interviewed the various candidates for the office of Dean, Lawrence was head and shoulders above the rest,” Bishop Victoria Matthews says. 

“His passion for the Gospel and this Diocese shone through everything he said. He is a superb priest and I look forward to sharing leadership with him again in this new role.”

Lawrence follows Dean Lynda Patterson, who died in July last year.

“Dean Lynda was a brilliant preacher and theologian and she leaves big shoes to fill,” says Lawrence. “I hope to contribute to the theological capital of the Diocese as Lynda did, and others before her.

“My hope is for a Cathedral that is the heart and soul of the city, offering beautiful worship and a place where people experience the presence of God.

“It’s important that the cathedral has a wide open door and is a broad tent that can make room for all. Hospitality is a central aspect of the Gospel.

“It involves more than opening our doors and welcoming people into our churches and homes; it involves seeing Christ in the face of every person and opening our hearts to make Christ welcome.”

 

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