20 November 2022
After nearly nine years as Dean of Chelmsford, the Very Revd Nicholas Henshall, has announced that he is moving to be Parish Priest of St Thomas the Apostle, New Groombridge in the Diocese of Chichester.
Commenting on his announcement, Nicholas said:
"It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve as Dean of Chelmsford over the last nine years. The task I was given in 2014 was to stretch a parish church to become a Cathedral for the whole Diocese.
“It was clear from the beginning that this was a process of culture change that would take decades rather than years, and my role was to start that journey. It has been great to see the Cathedral rise to the challenge, and personally I've loved leading worship and preaching in churches and communities across the Diocese and across church traditions.
“Playing a part in building links and forming relationships in the Diocese, and just as significantly in the city and the region, has been - and continues to be - at the heart of the work of the Cathedral."
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has paid tribute to Nicholas following the announcement:
“I’m hugely grateful to Nicholas for his contribution to the life of Chelmsford Cathedral and our Diocese over the past nine years. His achievements have been considerable. Chelmsford Cathedral has become a more accessible and welcoming place and he has shown great commitment towards making it a cathedral for the whole diocese.
This was particularly important during the height of the Coronavirus Pandemic. I also want to thank him for the important work he has done in wider civic and community life as Dean of the Cathedral. I wish him and Christine every blessing in this next phase of their ministry.”
Farewell service
Nicholas, and his wife Christine, will be moving in the early spring. There will be a service at Chelmsford Cathedral on Sunday, 5 February at 3.30 pm, to give thanks for Nicholas’ ministry and to say farewell. All are welcome
Dean’s Letter
The Very Reverend Nicholas Henshall has recorded a Dean’s Letter in which he talks about his move to become Parish Priest of St Thomas the Apostle, New Groombridge. You can read the letter here and watch it below:
The Very Revd Nicholas Henshall: Nicholas became Dean of Chelmsford in 2014. Originally from Manchester, he served as a parish priest in inner city Newcastle upon Tyne for 14 years, followed by six years on the staff of Derby Cathedral where he also worked for BBC local radio; and then six years at Christ Church, Harrogate.
Chelmsford Cathedral: At the heart of the city, Chelmsford Cathedral is a mother church for the Diocese of Chelmsford and the seat of the Bishop of Chelmsford. It is home to a thriving worshipping community of all ages and is the venue for regular worship as well as a host of special services and events. In 2019 more than 110,000 people visited the Cathedral.
