The Rev Canon Chris Newlands conducts his final service at the Priory on Sunday, January 31, after 11 years as Vicar of Lancaster.
The special service and farewell video will be streamed online from 6.30pm as lockdown restrictions mean there will be no congregation present to mark Canon Newlands retirement.
Live streaming of services has resulted in the Priory enjoying a global reach and is part of Canon Newlands legacy. He was also instrumental in securing funding for the ongoing repairs to the clock tower and new lighting inside the historic church.
A high profile figure, since 2010 Canon Newlands has played a leading role in civic services and encouraged the Priory’s cultural programme, including welcoming The Moon in 2019.
The openly gay vicar has supported Lancaster Pride and his links with other local organisations include Lancaster Black History Group, Holocaust Memorial and Churches Together in Lancaster.
Canon Newlands has been Canon of Blackburn Cathedral and a member of the General Synod, and Archbishops’ Council which co-ordinates and leads the Church of England’s work. He was also Prolocutor of the Province of York, Chair of the Major Churches Network and chaired the House of Clergy of the General Synod.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve as the 42nd Vicar of Lancaster,” said Canon Newlands.
“There is a tremendous sense of history in the very stones of the Priory and we have sought to build on this heritage and hand it on to the next generation of leaders. I will forever treasure the memories of the people who have been a part of this community as regular worshippers or occasional visitors to the concerts and great occasions we’ve hosted.”
Before being ordained an Anglican priest, Canon Newlands taught in Algeria where he encouraged an interest in theatre, music and the arts on behalf of the British Council.
His previous posts include Precentor of Durham Cathedral and Anglican envoy to Orthodox Churches in Romania and Bulgaria.
He was also a parish priest in Colchester and, while working as Chaplain to the Bishop of Chelmsford, was part of the Chelmsford Cathedral clergy team and assisted him in the House of Lords.
On retirement, Canon Newlands will live in Bexleyheath with his partner, David, a GP.
Church warden, Andrew Nicholson said: “We are immensely grateful to Chris for his 11 years of faithful service to Lancaster Priory and the huge contribution he has made in placing the Priory at the heart of the community.”
Canon Newlands successor will probably be appointed by the end of this year. In the meantime, services will be covered by associate priests and local ministers.
Canon Newlands final service can be viewed on Facebook @lancasterpriorymusic
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
