The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Christine Hardman has appointed the Reverend Canon David Glover as the new Rector of Hexham.
David, who is currently Rector at Holy Trinity in Washington, succeeds Canon Dr Dagmar Winter who left her role last year to become Bishop of Huntingdon.
Bishop Christine said: Hexham Abbey is a living, vibrant church with a long and prayerful heritage and I am delighted that David has agreed to become the new Rector. Under his leadership, the Abbey will continue to play a key role in the life of its community with strong links to local partners and a global vision to connect with the worldwide issues that matter most to people. I very much look forward to welcoming David and his wife Emma to our Diocese.
Hexham Abbey is one of Northumberlands most culturally and religiously significant sites attracting 120,000 visitors and pilgrims each year. Established nearly 1,400 years ago, it is one of the earliest sites of Christianity in England.
Reflecting on his appointment, David said: I am delighted and excited to be joining both the Abbey community and the wider community of Hexham. I have very much enjoyed serving our wonderful community at Washington, but this is an exciting new challenge and my wife Emma and I are very much looking forward to the move.
The date for David to take up his role as Rector and Lecturer of Hexham is to be confirmed, although it is hoped he will be officially welcomed before the summer.