Wisbech and Huntingdon welcomed their new archdeacon, the Ven. Richard Harlow at a service at St Peter & St Paul, Wisbech.
His collation was conducted by the Bishop of Ely, the Rt Rev Stephen Conway on Sunday
Civic dignitaries from across the area were among those who attended.
Richard was formerly rector of Tadley with Pamber Health and Silchester and area dean of Basingstoke.
He succeeds the Ven Canon Hugh McCurdy who retired in April.
St Peter’s said there were two quarter peal attempts at Wisbech St Peter and St Paul to commemorate the occasion.
Canon Harlow said of his appointment: “I believe passionately in the ability of the church to be good news in our villages and market towns.
“I look forward to building, with the bishops, clergy, diocesan team and congregations, a hopeful future for our churches and the communities they serve.”
Richard was born in Nottingham and felt the call of God to ordination when he was 17 years old.
He was ordained aged 26 and has served in parishes across Southwell and Nottingham and Winchester Dioceses.
After 12 years in the midlands, he moved to West Sussex.
He served 12 years as hospital chaplain and mental health care.
Bishop Conway says: “Richard’s personal discipleship, his depth and range of experience and his commitment to mission and pastoral leadership make me very confident that he will fit well into the Bishop’s Staff and be quickly taken to the hearts of the clergy and laity of the archdeaconry.
“He is married to Kayla, who is an established spiritual director in her own right and just as excited about joining our common life”.
