A SENIOR cleric has been appointed to lead the renewal of churches in the Diocese of St Asaph.

Reverend Dr Barry Wilson, formerly vice dean of Chester Cathedral in the Diocese of Chester, will become the new Archdeacon of Montgomery next month.

The role covers the southern half of the diocese of St Asaph, which includes Bala, and has 228 churches and looks after 51 schools.

Mr Wilson takes over from the Venerable Dr Peter Pike who retires at the end of September, and will be installed alongside two other new Archdeacons by Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph at a special service at St Asaph Cathedral on Sunday, October 7.

He is one of three Archdeacons announced earlier this year by the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron as he reshapes the leadership team in the diocese.

Bishop Gregory said: “It is an exciting time of change in the Diocese of St Asaph as these three Archdeacons take up new posts.

“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.”

Mr Wilson, a former RE teacher from Stoke on Trent, was ordained in 1997. He has been working in the Diocese of Chester since 2013, firstly as Rector of St Mary’s in Nantwich and most recently as Vice-Dean of Chester Cathedral. Before that, he was Vicar of All Saints’ Madeley and St Margaret’s, Betley, near Newcastle under Lyme in the Diocese of Lichfield.

Mr Wilson 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.”

Mr Wilson is married to Yvonne Wilson and they have two children and three grandchildren.

The installation service takes place as part of Choral Evensong in St Asaph at 3.30pm on the Sunday. All are welcome.