Installation of New Dean as Cathedral Golden Jubilee begins
The new Anglican Dean of Wellington will be installed and welcomed on Sunday January 26th The Reverend Digby Wilkinson
describes the service as the ‘first steps of an unexpected journey’ for him and his family. Digby is an ordained
Anglican priest.
But most of his 20 years in ministry have been in the Baptist Church and he comes to the role after six years as leader
of Palmerston North’s Central Baptist.
Digby, his wife Jane, and family will be led into the Cathedral on Sunday to be
welcomed by people he will minister with; the Cathedral community, diocesan colleagues, and the wider community of
Wellington.
“Jane and I have great hopes for what is yet to come as we join these communities,” he says. “There is the day-to-day
life of the Cathedral declaring the ministry of Christ, the Thorndon community as well as diocesan life and leadership.
Taken together there are a number of tasks and joys to look forward in Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.
“All the tasks and possibilities can seem a bit daunting so it is a step at a time and that this ministry will begin
with prayer in the installation service,” says Digby.
“To act as a Christian priest who proclaims the message of Jesus I need to get to know the people, the issues, the
context and the culture on the streets as well as the many neighbours of the Cathedral. Those neighbours include
Parliament, the courts, defence forces and the New Zealand Police. I am looking forward to joining the wider Christian
community which brings the message of the gospel, telling of God’s grace and hope to these contexts.”
The service is at the beginning of the 50th the central city. Digby describes his role as to build on what has already
been in the ministry of the Cathedral and to reach out to others whom, like him, may step into the Cathedral on their
spiritual journey.
ends