09.05.2016
Appointment of The Very Revd William Morton as new Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
The Very Revd William Morton has today (Monday 9th May 2016) been elected as the next Dean and Ordinary of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, in succession to The Very Revd 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 (pictured) 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, Londonderry, 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.
The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, said, ‘I wish Dean Morton well on his election as the next Dean of the National Cathedral, and to this new phase of his life and ministry. I know that he will draw on his extensive and valuable experience as Dean of Derry in this important role in the life of the Church.’
The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, said, ‘I wish to express my good wishes to the Very Revd William Morton, Dean of Derry, on his election as Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral. Dean Morton will bring a wide range of gifts to his new position. Personally, I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.’
This afternoon’s election was preceded by a celebration of the Eucharist by the Archbishop of Dublin. Following the election, the Dean–elect, together with the collegiate body, processed to the chancel, where a setting of Te Deum was sung by the cathedral choir. Details of the new dean’s installation will follow in due course.
The Very Revd Dr William Wright 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. Prior to becoming Dean of Derry he was Rector of Conwal Union (Letterkenny) (Derry & Raphoe) from 1991 to 1997 and Curate of Drumachose (Derry & Raphoe) from 1988 to 1991. Dean Morton was appointed to the chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral as Prebendary of Howth in 2013; he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the City of Londonderry in October 2014.