Cathedral Chapter
Pictures above:
Left: The first Chapter of Plymouth Cathedral
Right: The 2018 Chapter of Plymouth Cathedral (Bishop Mark O'Toole, centre)
Left: The first Chapter of Plymouth Cathedral
Right: The 2018 Chapter of Plymouth Cathedral (Bishop Mark O'Toole, centre)
Pope Pius IX had granted a general permission to the new bishops in November 1850 to select the first members of the chapters of their dioceses. In April 1852 this permission was extended and so in 1853 the Chapter of Plymouth Cathedral was erected.
Because there were so few priests in the diocese then (just 23 at its foundation) it was not immediately possible to appoint a full Chapter. And so, in November 1853, Bishop Errington selected Dr George Oliver to be the first Provost of the new Chapter, along with seven Canons: Robert Platt of Totnes, Ralph Brindle of Barnstaple, Herbert Woollett of Poole, Maruice Power of Torquay, John Brande Morris of Yealmptobn, William Clifford of Stonehouse and Thomas Tillbury of Weymouth.
Over the years there have been many changes, including in March 1888 when Bishop Vaughan, celebrating the fiftieth year of his priesthood, increased the number of Canons in the Chapter to nine. Similarly, Bishop Graham, also on his golden jubilee, completed the Chapter by adding the tenth member; so there was then a Provost and nine canons. This has been the constitution of the Cathedral Chapter ever since. The list below tells you who are current Canons are.
In 2001, Canon Bartholomew Nannery, the cathedral administrator, was created the first Dean of Plymouth Cathedral.
The role of The Chapter is to celebrate the more solemn liturgical functions in the Cathedral, and to support the life of the Diocese in their prayers.
Because there were so few priests in the diocese then (just 23 at its foundation) it was not immediately possible to appoint a full Chapter. And so, in November 1853, Bishop Errington selected Dr George Oliver to be the first Provost of the new Chapter, along with seven Canons: Robert Platt of Totnes, Ralph Brindle of Barnstaple, Herbert Woollett of Poole, Maruice Power of Torquay, John Brande Morris of Yealmptobn, William Clifford of Stonehouse and Thomas Tillbury of Weymouth.
Over the years there have been many changes, including in March 1888 when Bishop Vaughan, celebrating the fiftieth year of his priesthood, increased the number of Canons in the Chapter to nine. Similarly, Bishop Graham, also on his golden jubilee, completed the Chapter by adding the tenth member; so there was then a Provost and nine canons. This has been the constitution of the Cathedral Chapter ever since. The list below tells you who are current Canons are.
In 2001, Canon Bartholomew Nannery, the cathedral administrator, was created the first Dean of Plymouth Cathedral.
The role of The Chapter is to celebrate the more solemn liturgical functions in the Cathedral, and to support the life of the Diocese in their prayers.
(Credit: Plymouth Cathedral: The story of a people. Martin Dunning, 2008)
Cathedral Chapter 2018
Monsignor Canon Keith Mitchell (Provost)
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Canons of the Chapter:
Canon Patrick Costello Canon Paul Cummins Canon John Deeny V.G. Canon Harry Doyle Monsignor Canon Robert Draper V.G. Canon Timothy Lewis (Precentor) Canon Michael Lock Monsignor Canon Bartholomew Nannery Canon Kenneth Noakes Canon Kristian Paver - Judicial Vicar Canon John Webb (Secretary) |
Canons Emeritii (retired):
Canon Patrick Chrystal Monsignor Canon George Hay Canon Kevin Rea Canon Peter Webb Honorary Canons) Canon David Annear Canon George Carrick Canon Denis Collin Canon Richard Meyer |
And we congratulate Father Mark O'Keefe, Father Peter Morgan and Father Philip Dyson who have been invited to join the Cathedral Chapter by the Bishop (Father Philip will be an Honorary Canon). They will be installed in the Chapter next year.