New cleric helps re-shape the church on Shropshire/Powys border
A new senior cleric, who will lead the renewal of churches in towns and villages on the Powys/Shropshire border, says he is looking forward to returning to work in rural communities.
Reverend Dr Barry Wilson, has moved from the Diocese of Chester to become the new Archdeacon of Montgomery, taking over from the Venerable Dr Peter Pike who retires at the end of September.
He is one of three Archdeacons for Wales announced earlier this year by the Bishop Gregory Cameron as he re-shapes the leadership team in the St Asaph diocese.
Bishop Gregory said: "The role of Archdeacon was originally conceived as the bishop’s fixers, but we want our Archdeacons to lead the renewal of the Church, and to mentor and lead Mission Areas towards growth.
“I’m delighted to welcome Barry to the diocese. He brings a wealth of experience and talents from his previous posts in the dioceses of Chester and Lichfield.”
Canon Barry Wilson, a former RE teacher from Stoke on Trent, was ordained in 1997.
Barry said: “I am delighted to have moved to Wales, bringing with me the skills and experience I have developed in growing churches in Staffordshire and Cheshire during my ministry.
“I am looking forward to returning to rural life with my move to the Montgomery Archdeaconry. My happiest times in ministry were in rural communities where close relationships develop easily and deep conversations follow.”
Barry is married to Yvonne and they have two children and three grandchildren. Barry and Yvonne moved to Llandrinio over the summer to take up the post.
The service to collate and install all three new Archdeacons takes place as part of Choral Evensong at St Asaph Cathedral at 3.30pm on Sunday 7 October. All are welcome.
The Diocese of St Asaph is part of the Church in Wales, an independent Province within the worldwide Anglican Communion of Churches. The diocese is a community of 228 churches covering the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and parts of Gwynedd and Powys. It looks after 51 schools, including one shared faith secondary school.
