A Big Day for our Diocese

Saturday the 31st of January saw a blockbuster service of various inductions, installations, and collations for the diocese. Revd George Hemmings was appointed the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo. George is well known to the diocese having served here for over a decade, initially as Rector of Echuca, and for the past five years as Archdeacon of Bendigo & the Goldfields. Of his appointment as Dean, George writes:

“I am very humbled and excited by the call to serve as the next Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral. Over the last five years I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of roaming across the Diocese, serving and worshipping with God’s saints in all sorts of settings. I am looking forward to once again planting roots and being embedded in a community, and particularly that of the Cathedral Parish.”

As well as George, the Cathedral also welcomed Revd Emily Payne as Sub Dean of the Cathedral, complimenting her ministry as a Healthcare Chaplain in the diocese.

And it didn’t stop there! Revd Canon Tracy Wolsley was appointed as Archdeacon of the Goldfields, those parishes stretching from Maldon down to Trentham. Revd Steve Weickhardt was appointed Archdeacon of Bendigo and will take up responsibility for property and insurance along with supporting parishes within his Archdeaconry.

The service was well attended by diocesan clergy, members of the Cathedral congregation, family and friends. Those present were blessed by the contribution of the Cathedral choir and organist, with a sermon offered by the newly installed Dean George. Words of recognition and encouragement were also offered by Dean Andreas Loewe of St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne who was accompanied by four others from the Deans’ Network. The mayor of Bendigo Cr Thomas Prince, and a representative of the Bendigo Interfaith Council also added their welcome to Dean George.

We offer our thanks for those appointed and their willingness to serve. We pray with them that their ministry would be to God’s glory.