Dean of Durham’s final service

The Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, bid farewell to the city and the cathedral when he delivered his final service on Sunday ahead of taking up his new role as Dean of St Paul’s in the Autumn.

A special Evensong service was an opportunity for the cathedral community to celebrate Andrew’s time as Dean of Durham and wish him well for his future.

It was also a chance to say goodbye to Durham Cathedral Choir as they performed their last Evensong before the summer break.

The Very Revd Andrew Tremlett said:

“It has been an enormous privilege to lead Durham Cathedral these past six years and to be the latest in an ancient line of custodians of the treasures of St Cuthbert. 

“Rightly recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral proudly plays its part in the region as a place of pilgrimage, a major visitor attraction and a centre of excellence. 

“Above all, though, it is the people – our staff, volunteers, trustees and diocese – who make all the difference and have seen the Cathedral safely through the turmoil of the global pandemic.”

Dean of Durham since 2016, Andrew has re-structured the day to day operations at the cathedral and led national thinking on the role of residentiary canons under the Cathedrals Measure 2021.

He has worked closely with the business community to establish an endowment fund to support the Cathedral’s conservation.

In 2021, he led the Cathedral’s negotiations to establish Durham Cathedral School’s Foundation, which educates 700 pupils and provides Chorister places for 24 boys & 24 girls on an equal and needs-blind basis.

The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler said the Dean’s legacy would be forever remembered.

“In six years as Dean of Durham, Andrew has approached his role with tenacity and passion. His pride in the city and its people has helped maintain the Cathedral’s place as a major centre for pilgrimage, worship and welcome, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him.

“Just recently, his work leading a programme of transformational change to ensure the Cathedral plays a central role in the cultural and economic revival of the region post Covid has been outstanding. 

“Andrew will be very much missed and we wish him all our prayers and very best wishes as he goes on to this new stage of his discipleship. 

“Andrew’s legacy will forever be remembered, as will his caring and determined approach to the people of Durham,’ he said.

Andrew will stand down as Dean of Durham in August. He will succeed The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, current Dean of St Paul’s, who is due to retire in September 2022.

The Revd. Canon Michael Hampel has been appointed Acting Dean.