New Canon Precentor starts at Lichfield Cathedral

More than 150 people gathered at Lichfield Cathedral for the installation of the new Canon Precentor, the Dr Jonathan Bish.

Jonathan (pictured) joins the cathedral after serving for the past three years as vicar of the United Benefice of Batley in West Yorkshire.

The role of Canon Precentor is central to the Cathedral’s worshipping life, with responsibility for organising and overseeing the delivery of the  regular pattern of worship, around 23 services each week, as well as major celebrations such as Easter, Advent and Christmas.

A keen choral singer, Jonathan has previously deputised as a tenor at Wakefield Cathedral, bringing both pastoral and musical experience to his new role.

Canon Jonathan said: “I am delighted to be joining Lichfield Cathedral and very much look forward to working alongside the team, continuing to deliver the high‑quality worship for which Lichfield is so well known.”

The Dean of Lichfield, Jan McFarlane, said: “On behalf of the Cathedral and the Diocese, I am delighted to welcome Jonathan. His passion for worship and his enthusiasm for choral music mean he is exceptionally well placed to lead and sustain our busy rhythm of services.

"I warmly invite everyone to join ‘your Cathedral’, particularly for our beautiful services of Choral Evensong - a moment of calm and peace in a busy world, an no previous experience of church required!”