On Sunday, May 21st, the Revd Pete Gunstone was officially licensed and installed as the ‘Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture’ at Bradford Cathedral during a special Choral Evensong ceremony. The service, attended by congregation members, family, and numerous others, was also live-streamed, welcoming participants from across the country.
The role of Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture is primarily focused on developing the existing worship at the Cathedral, with special attention given to the choir, and exploring ways to enhance the worship experience. Revd Pete Gunstone will assume responsibility for enriching and diversifying the Cathedral’s liturgy, as well as ensuring the flourishing of choral music. Additionally, the new role will involve leading efforts to create a safe environment for all individuals at Bradford Cathedral.
Prior to this appointment, Revd Pete Gunstone served as a Curate at Fountains Church Bradford, and he also held the position of Interim Precentor at Bradford Cathedral.
The Choral Evensong, held on the day of the installation, featured hymns, Biblical readings, and a sermon delivered by the Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds. The musical accompaniment was led by musicians from Fountains Church Bradford, under the direction of Jonny Mansfield, their Creative Director. The Choir of Bradford Cathedral, conducted by Director of Music Alexander Berry, contributed to the music as well, with Graham Thorpe serving as the Assistant Director of Music.
The licensing ceremony was conducted by the Bishop of Leeds, while the installation was led by the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, the Dean of Bradford. The service was marked by symbolic actions that represented the intertwining of Revd Pete Gunstone’s journey and the work of God in his life and within the cathedral community.
Expressing his gratitude, Revd Pete Gunstone shared his reflections on the service, stating, “It is hard to describe in words what the service of my licensing and installation as Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture meant to me. On the one hand, the ceremonial actions could be said to be an unnecessarily complicated way to mark a bloke starting a job. On the other hand, all of those things recognised and reflected in some way the work of God in my life and in the life of the cathedral community, and the way in which those things are now being entwined together.”
He also expressed appreciation for the coming together of the cultural lives of Bradford Cathedral and Fountains Church during the ceremony. Furthermore, Revd Pete Gunstone conveyed his gratitude to Bishop Nick for personally addressing his vocation and extended his thanks to all those who contributed to the memorable event.
For those interested, the Choral Evensong service can be viewed on the Bradford Cathedral Facebook page or YouTube channel for the next two weeks.
