The Dean of Derry, the Very Rev William Morton, has been elected as the next Dean and Ordinary of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.
Dr Morton (pictured) succeeds the Very Rev Victor Stacey, who retired at the end of March.
St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the dean is elected from among the members of the Cathedral Chapter by the members of the Chapter.
Dr Morton is currently the Dean of Derry and is Prebendary of Howth (St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin).
Deeply committed to the arts, Dean Morton has diversified the role of St Columb's Cathedral, in hosting a number of cross-community and ecumenical events in the form of exhibitions, lectures, seminars and guided tours.
He has also been very involved in several community initiatives. (Further biographical information is given below.)
The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good, congratulated Dean Morton on his appointment, describing it as “a fitting recognition of his highly effective work as Dean of Derry over the past nineteen years.
“William’s ministry in St Columb’s Cathedral, in the city of Londonderry, in the Dioceses of Derry and Raphoe, and in the wider church and community, has been selflessly exercised and greatly appreciated,” Bishop Good said.
“His liturgical proficiency, pastoral dedication and musical expertise are ideally suited to cathedral ministry. The major restoration projects he has overseen in St Columb’s Cathedral have been particularly effective and widely applauded.
“On behalf of the Diocese, I wish to thank William and his wife Rosemary for the remarkably generous manner in which they have given of themselves to the life and witness of St Columb’s Cathedral and I wish them every blessing as they prepare for their move to St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.”
Dr Morton (59) has been Dean of St Columb's Cathedral, Derry since 1997.
He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and obtained a PhD from Queen's University, Belfast in 1996. He was ordained deacon in 1988 and priested in 1989.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.
