Ripon Cathedral this week welcomes a new priest to its ranks as Rev Michael Gisbourne takes up the pivotal role of Canon Precentor.
The precentor in a cathedral takes the lead in preparing worship. Rev Michael will be installed in his new post by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson on Sunday (16 September 2018).
Rev Gisbourne was born and brought up in Blackburn, serving his curacy in Liverpool and then serving in parishes within Lancashire. He was latterly Area Dean of Lancaster and Morecambe and Chaplain to the General Synod.
The father of three will be licensed by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines and will then literally be placed in the ancient stall within Ripon Cathedral’s Quire during Sunday’s 3.30pm service.
Rev Michael Gisbourne said:
I am really excited to start this new role as Canon Precentor in Ripon. It will enable me to focus on worship which I have always regarded as really important. I am delighted to be able to start this new ministry in such an historic city, and I am looking forward, as a Lancastrian, to enjoying traditional warm Yorkshire hospitality.
