19.11.2008
New Precentor for Christ Church Cathedral
At a meeting of the Chapter of Christ Church recently the members elected the Chaplain of the King's Hospital School, the Revd Peter Campion the new Precentor of the Cathedral. He succeeds the Revd Canon Adrian Empey who stepped down upon retiring as Principal of the Church of Ireland Theological College (now Theological Institute).
The Revd Peter Campion was born in 1964 in Canada. He studied in the Bishops University in Canada where he graduated with a BA in 1987. In that year he moved to Ireland to study in Trinity College, Dublin where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Theology in 1990, an MA in 1993 and an MPhil in 1997. He has also studied in Homerton College, Cambridge where he received a postgraduate certificate in Education in 1994.
He was ordained a deacon in 1990 and a priest the following year. Initially, he served as Curate in Holy Trinity, Belfast (Diocese of Connor) from 1990-1993 and as Curate in Taney (Dublin) from 1994-2000. In 1996 he was appointed Dean's Vicar in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. In 2000 he returned to Canada to serve as Chaplain to Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick, Canada. He came back to Ireland in 2005 to serve as Chaplain of King's Hospital (a post he will retain while being Precentor). He is also Treasurer's Vicar in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.
The Revd Peter Campion is married to Rebecca and they have two children, Cressida (5) and Felix (1).
Reacting to his election as Precentor, the Revd Peter Campion said, "I am extremely honoured to be offered this position, which came as a huge surprise to me. As Dermot [the Dean of Christ Church] and myself were both Dean's Vicars of Dublin's two Cathedrals at the same time, I know that I will enjoy working with him. I know that Christ Church has a fine musical tradition and it will be very interesting gaining experience working in another Cathedral."
Speaking on the appointment of the Revd Peter Campion, the Dean of Christ Church, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne said "as 'first singer' in the Cathedral, the Precentor is a very prestigious position that requires someone with a deep appreciation for music and the role it can play in enhancing the liturgy for the dedicated congregation and many hundreds of visitors who worship here every day. We are absolutely delighted that Peter can take his on as we know that his qualities will greatly enhance the life of the Cathedral. With his wide experience, intellect and considerable musical talent he will be a much valued member of the Cathedral family and will be working closely with our Music department, organists and our internationally renowned choir. We're already looking forward to welcoming him and Rebecca. I also want to pay a warm tribute to the Revd Canon Adrian Empey, who was Precentor for many years for the huge commitment he gave to the Cathedral, not least in the difficult time in the aftermath of the death of my predecessor, Des Harman."
A date has not yet been set for the installation.
