People and Contacts

The Bishop

St. Ninian's Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, at present the Most Revd David Chillingworth. Bishop David was elected as Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church in June 2009. To read Bishop David’s views and comments click on www.bishopdavid.net.

As the Bishop tends his Diocese the Cathedral continues to be a place of worship and is administered by the Provost assisted by a varied Clergy and Lay Ministry Team.

The Provost

The Very Revd Hunter Buchanan Farquharson has been in post since 1999, before which he was team Rector to the Central Fife Group and then the West Fife Team. Appointed by the Bishop and Cathedral Vestry, he has overall responsibility for the pastoral care of his charge. The Provost convenes vestry meetings and ranks next to the Bishop in the Cathedral Chapter, which acts as Bishop's Council.

The Precentor

The Revd Ann Mazur retired in 2007 after being Head of Religious Studies at Craigclowan School for 23 years. She was ordained in 2004 and has particular responsibility for music and liturgy within the Cathedral. She is also Scottish Area Theatre Chaplain and Diocesan Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer.

The Clergy and Lay Ministry Team

As part of the Clergy Team, together with the Provost and Precentor, are the Rev'd Christine Fraser and Rev'd Frances Forshaw who assist in taking services and occasional offices such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. Pastoral duties include part time chaplaincy work to schools such as St. Ninian's Episcopal Primary School, Perth High School, Craigclowan School, Horsecross Theatre and many other local organisations and centres of care. Mrs Sarah Lawson is chaplain to Perth Royal Infirmary.

Retired clergy in the Cathedral are the Rt Rev'd Michael Hare-Duke, Rev'd Canon Reg Saunders, Rev'd Geoffrey Hall and Rev'd Celia Matthews.

Lay Ministry

Lay people have always played an important role at St. Ninian's. Some of the lay team have been licensed by the Bishop to take Holy Communion to the sick and frail at home, which allows those unable to travel to church to keep in contact with Cathedral life. Other members of the lay team participate in the taking of daily Offices, flower arranging, reading and leading intercessions at Sunday worship, welcoming visitors to the Cathedral, and assisting at local community events.

The Sacristans

There are a team of sacristans at St Ninian’s responsible for laying out the vestments for the different services, polishing the brass and silverware and for changing the colour of the altar frontals, in accordance with the Church’s seasons. The vestments and vessels are kept in a dedicated room called the Sacristry, where the clergy and servers robe before the services.

The Servers

“Speak Lord thy servant hears thee” 1 Samuel

The Cathedral servers, like Samuel of old, have the privilege of ministering in the Sanctuary, assisting the clergy during services. The five servers present at the 11am Eucharist ensure that the service is enriched by various ceremonial traditions to enhance the worship of God. These practices aim to incorporate the celebration of the senses and include the use of colourful and beautiful vestments, bells and candles. On festal occasions, such as Christmas and Easter, incense is used. St Ninian’s servers are affiliated to the wider church as members of the Scottish Guild of Servers.

Treasurer

Mr Gordon Hilton, the Cathedral Treasurer, is responsible for covenants and stewardship. There are several exciting projects currently being developed at the Cathedral and any donations, however large or small, are always received with gratitude and put to good use.

If you would like to help to support the Cathedral by making a donation, please click on Donations.

Cathedral office administrator

Mrs Sue Cameron is responsible for administration of the Cathedral office, which is open most mornings until 12 noon. Sue is happy to answer any questions about the Cathedral and its services by phone, letter or email. If necessary she will refer your queries to another member of the Cathedral team.

Bookings and room hire

Sue can also provide advice about the availability and cost of the various Cathedral rooms and facilities. Any bookings made must be confirmed in writing with an agreed deposit before the booking can be secured.

Cathedral contact details

Address:
St Ninian’s Cathedral
North Methven Street
Perth
PH1 5PP
Telephone: 01738 632053
Email: office@perthcathedral.co.uk