I was called to St Mary's during 2009 as Vicar, and was then installed as Dean on Saturday 6th March 2010; the day that the Church of St Mary, New Plymouth, became the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary.
I’m married to Suzy, and we have four children: Danii, Carrie, Katy and Roxy; a dog called Flossy and a parrot called Lulu!
It is a great privilege, through God's grace, to lead the team that God has called to care for the newest Cathedral community in the World. It is our vocation to hold special and cherished care for our church family - our local parish, our city and its residents - while also being called to support the ministry of Bishop Philip Richardson and the work of this Diocese. We are listening attentively so that we may be a place of sanctuary, welcome, celebration and lament for all, and a base for transformative outreach – promoting justice and truth in New Plymouth and Taranaki. The daily prayer in which we share is the heartbeat of a living faith that shapes and changes the lives of ordinary people.
I look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand's Oldest Stone Church, and the World's Newest Cathedral
The Revd Canon Bill Marsh
Canon Pastor
There is only one pastor of the church and he is Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. All that I can do as Canon Pastor is serve Christ’s pastoring of the church. It is such a privilege to share and take the love of Jesus to people in their most vulnerable moments: The death of a loved one, the sharing of family, spouse or health problems, and the diagnosis of that medical condition that no one wants to hear. I am sometimes asked why I spend time with non-Anglicans. My reply is simple, “no matter who or what you are, you are still one of God's children,” and as such worthy of all the ministrations that I as a Pastor can give.
Part of my brief is also responsibility for the Cathedral’s ministry of welcome, and as such, I hope we are able to extend St Mary's as a centre of pilgrimage and hospitality.
I am well aware that in my ministering I am being ministered to. It is the faith and hopes, struggles, sacrifices, goodness and love of the people that inspires my faith, my desire to serve, and my ability to persevere. For this, I can but say ‘thank you’.
Katy Bassett
Family Worker
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Michael Cox
Cathedral Organist & Director of Music
I took up my current job at St Mary’s in January 2009 having spent the previous eight years as Organist and Director of Music of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Remuera in Auckland.
I was educated at St Mark’s Church School, Wellington, and Rathkeale College, Masterton before graduating from Victoria University and Wellington Teacher’s College, and gaining the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Certificate in Church Music. My subsequent studies were at Waikato University under Dr Christopher Hainsworth where I obtained the Graduate Diploma of Arts in organ historiography and performance and a Master of Arts degree (First Class Honours) with the thesis, ‘The Organ Reform Movement of New Zealand.’
I’ve undertaken studies overseas in church music, choral directing and organ historiography. As well as being past president of the Auckland Organists’ Association Inc, I’ve been active as a choral director and facilitator of events for both the Auckland and Wellington branches of the Royal School of Church Music. My commissioned centennial history of the Wellington Town Hall Organ has received international acclaim.
My work at the Cathedral involves implementing the liturgical musical programme, directing the Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Chamber Choir, overseeing the organ scholar and assistant organists, and encouraging music activity. I’m married to Yvonne who enjoys singing alto.
Lillian Hall
As the administrator my tasks are varied and cover all aspects of office work and front line duties. No two days have been the same in the six and half years I have been here.
I am usually the voice at the end of the phone who answers queries and questions about happenings at St. Mary’s. I take all the bookings for our venues and meeting rooms, I help with the running of the Ladies’ Luncheon, held on the 3rd Thursday of the month, and I am an active member of St. Mary’s A.A.W. Fellowship.
As the administrator my tasks are varied and cover all aspects of office work and front line duties. No two days have been the same in the six and half years I have been here.
I am usually the voice at the end of the phone who answers queries and questions about happenings at St. Mary’s. I take all the bookings for our venues and meeting rooms, I help with the running of the Ladies’ Luncheon, held on the 3rd Thursday of the month, and I am an active member of St. Mary’s A.A.W. Fellowship.
The Revd Koebi Hart
Assistant Priest
Tena Koutou te whanau o Ihu Karaiti
Ko Koebi toku ingoa
Ko Te Atua toku maunga Ko te Waiora toku awa Ko Ngaa Huu o te Rangimarie toku waka Ko Hura toku Iwi
Tena Koutou, Tena koutou Katoa
My husband Steve and I became Christians 20 years ago in a little town in Taranaki. Steve was a Police officer, which gave us the opportunity to move around the country. In the past I have worked for the Armed forces, the Police, Department of Education and Victim Support. At St Marys, I facilitate the Taranaki Branch of the Elijah House Prayer Ministry Training School. This is a Holy Spirit led, prayer and teaching ministry. It is committed to the healing transformation of individuals, families, the church and communities, through the Cross of Christ and God’s Word. The Schools are a powerful tool to equip those already in Ministry. I have been involved in Youth Ministry for a number of years and at St Mary’s, I have mentored the leaders and provided ministry and support to the Youth. Within the Anglican Church I am honoured to be licensed to both Tikanga Maori and Tikanga Pakeha. We have two adult children, three beautiful Granddaughters and perhaps the greatest and most challenging ministry of all, is bringing up a family.
The Revd David Pearce
Assistant Priest
I am married to Jen. We have four sons, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren !
I am a volunteer priest/helper at the Cathedral, with the challenge of running many Alpha courses and asisting in the Elijah House ministries. God has given me a very real passion for interdenominational relationship in New Plymouth where I have been chairman of NPCLN for five years. Presently I am involved in Resthome Ministry, one-on-one encouragement of many folks, plus a member of the team that leads worship and liturgy. With Jen, I am an active participant in a Bible-Centred house group which meets weekly. I/we love our calling and thank God for the health He has given us to roll with it !
Annabelle Sacree
Administrative Assistant
I assist our family worker with the Afterschool Care Programme and Family Ministries. Originally from Bedfordshire I moved to New Plymouth in 2008 after 12 years in Auckland. I am passionate about environmental sustainability and hope that St. Mary’s can lead by example in both preservation of community and conscientious ministry support.
The Revd Gloria Williams
Vocational Deacon
What does this vocational deacon do?
My role here at St Mary's is to reclaim the Gospel by reading it and living out the servant-hood side of Christ's ministry both at the Eucharist and in the community. This includes the setting and preparation of the table before the priest begins the prayer of consecration. At the end of the Eucharist as a link between church and community the deacon dismisses the congregation with the reminder that we go out to serve Christ in the world beyond our doors. Filling in the gaps by helping with evensong and mid week Eucharist is also part of my role. As sacristan I order the elements for the Eucharist and make sure all is ready beforehand including the preparation and laundering of the linen. Prayer support in the chapel following the service or any time or place is an important aspect of this ministry. Lectio Divina is the ancient practice of sacred reading and silent reflection which I enjoy conducting in the candle-lit chapel accompanied by Taize and Gregorian chants. At our Thursday morning “Food 4 Thought” friendship and study group we are fortunate to have the support and expertise of many who are encouraged and more than capable of helping in a shared leadership role. This open group welcomes all. My community work these days includes the delivery of "meals on wheels", convening a neighbourhood support group, hospital and home visiting and home communions.
