Gloucester Cathedral announces new Canon Precentor

Gloucester Cathedral is delighted to announce that the Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of The Reverend Craig Huxley-Jones as the Canon Precentor and Director of Congregational Development at Gloucester Cathedral, subject to the usual Church processes.

In this role, Craig will make a proactive contribution to the Cathedral’s worship, spiritual life and community. He will shape and lead the pastoral care of the regular congregation, visitors, and the Cathedral’s team of staff and volunteers, supporting continued recovery from the pandemic and strategizing for the growth of the congregation as a diverse and inclusive community.

It is an exciting time for Gloucester Cathedral, with The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni being installed as Dean in April and with the ambitious In Tune organ and music campaign launched last month. Craig will work closely with the Cathedral’s Music Department to ensure its musical offering can continue for generations to come, reaching new audiences and bringing people together.

Craig said:

“It is a huge honour to be invited to become Canon Precentor and Director of Congregational Development at Gloucester Cathedral. I am excited to work with such warm, dedicated and talented people as we seek to enrich the worshipping life of the Cathedral, secure the future of our precious musical heritage, and nurture our congregations.”

Craig is currently Senior Chaplain at Christ’s Hospital School in Sussex, and prior to that he spent twelve years at Benenden School in Kent. He will move to Gloucester with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, and will be installed as Canon Precentor and Director of Congregational Development in the new year. Canon Michael Garland will continue his role of Canon Succentor until then, and details of the installation will be shared soon.

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, said:

“I am delighted that the Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of The Revd Craig Huxley-Jones as the next Canon Precentor and Director of Congregational Development at Gloucester Cathedral.

Craig will bring with him a wealth of experience from school chaplaincy and parish ministry. This, combined with his passion for music and his skills as an organist and singer, gives us the confidence that he will be ideally placed to help lead the Cathedral congregation and community deeper into worship and spirituality. We are much looking forward to welcoming Craig, Sarah and their family to Gloucester in the new year.”

The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, added:

“Craig’s gifts and experience will enable the deepening of prayer and worship at the heart of Cathedral life as we seek to offer people points of connection and encounter with God across all the places and communities of our diocese. I greatly look forward to working alongside Craig in the adventure ahead.”

All at Gloucester Cathedral and the Diocese of Gloucester very much look forward to welcoming Craig and his family.

ENDS

Editors’ Notes

About The Revd Craig Huxley-Jones:

Craig is currently the Senior Chaplain of Christ’s Hospital, the country’s leading charitable school and largest bursary charity. Before that, he spent twelve years at Benenden School in Kent, the final seven as Chaplain and served a curacy in the Benefice of Goudhurst with Kilndown. Prior to ordination, Craig held a number of pastoral roles in boarding and has taught Theology, Philosophy and Ethics throughout. A musician himself, Craig enjoys playing the organ (though he confesses to being a little rusty these days!) and singing. He is married to Sarah, a teacher of Geography. They have a two-year-old daughter named Persephone and a three-week-old son named Hamish.

For more press information contact:

Ellie Fells

Marketing & Communications Manager at Gloucester Cathedral

Ellie.fells@gloucestercathedral.org.uk