We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Rev’d Dr Tim Watson as our next Canon Precentor. Tim was born and raised in England, and attended Canterbury Cathedral School where his father was Director of Music. He brings extensive ministry experience across parish, cathedral and educational contexts, including significant experience as part of the senior leadership team at Liverpool Cathedral.
Following his doctoral studies at Oxford University, Tim joined the Chemin Neuf Community in France, where he developed a deep appreciation for ecumenical engagement and spiritual formation, and met his Australian Roman Catholic wife Kate. Following ordination, he served in ministry for several years in the Church of England, including four years at Liverpool Cathedral, where he directed the Cathedral’s School of Theology, led significant liturgical events, and developed innovative approaches to mission and ministry formation, and in the Diocese of Chichester where he planted a new church community, and served as Director of Ministerial Education.
Tim is concluding his ministry as Rector of Holy Cross Hackett in the Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn and Director of Youth Engagement at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, where he has shown his particular gift for building partnerships across denominational boundaries and creating new opportunities for mission, especially among young people.
The appointment follows an extensive search process during which Tim’s combination of cathedral experience, theological depth, and creative approach to liturgy and formation stood out. His ministry shows a creative balance of traditional Anglican liturgy with contemporary expressions of worship, underpinned by strong theological reflection and practical pastoral care, and we are delighted that will commence his ministry at St Paul’s on 4 February 2025.
Tim, Kate and their two children will be moving to Melbourne in January. “We look forward to welcoming Tim, Kate and their family to Melbourne”, says Dean Andreas. “I am confident that his gifts will very much enrich our Cathedral’s worship and ministry in this next season of our community’s life.”