New Dean installed

THE new Dean of Guernsey was installed at a special ceremony at the Town Church last night. The Very Rev. Canon Paul Mellor also became rector of St Peter Port and priest-in-charge of Sark in the hour-and-a-half-long service. Proceedings were led by The Rt Rev. Michael Scott-Joynt, Bishop of Winchester, in front of a full church. 'In this service we pray, praise God and read the Bible. There's a good deal of walking around church and you'll note some legal service,' said the Bishop during his sermon, in which he spoke of the link between modern life and Christianity. The congregation sang hymns and prayed during the proceedings, which saw readings of Romans, chapter 12, verses 1-12, by the Bailiff, Sir de Vic Carey, and of St John, chapter 21, verses 15-19, by the Lt-Governor, Sir John Foley. Each part of the ceremony took part in a different section of the church. As Mr Mellor was escorted around, the congregation sang, accompanied by the church organ. During his induction as rector, Mr Mellor was taken to the door at the north of the church and had his hand placed on the handle by the senior vice-Dean. He was given a key and moved back to the middle to ring a bell to signify to parishioners that he had taken possession of the church. He was presented with a vessel of water at the font and a bible at the lectern. At the altar, he received bread and wine. As he was installed as rector, he was presented with the electoral list and a map showing the parish boundaries. He was given a further map and electoral list as he was welcomed as priest-in-charge of Sark. 'On behalf of the States and people of the Bailiwick, I welcome you as our Dean. Work for reconciliation and understanding and, through the Gospel of Christ, seek that harmony which forgiveness and love can bring,' said Sir de Vic, after Mr Mellor was installed as Dean of Guernsey. Following the Lord's Prayer, the new Dean read two prayers he had chosen. The closing responses were sung by the Town Church choir, before the procession left the church, accompanied by Bach's Fantasia in G Minor, played on the organ.