New rector arrives in Plymouth

The Minster Church of St Andrew will welcome its new Rector this weekend, in a special service on Sunday.

Rev Joe Dent is well known to many of the congregation having served at St Andrew's as a curate. For the last ten years he and his family have been based in Sevenoaks in Kent where they were involved in launching and leading two new congregations.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to be returning to St Andrew's, a church which has played such a special role in so many people's lives in the city. It is certainly a special church to us - it's where I started out as a clergyman and it's where my wife and I were married. My family know and love Plymouth and we are excited about carrying on the task of serving the city and communicating Christ's love in the heart of Plymouth."

Joe is married to Catherine, a GP, and they have three young children.

His appointment follows the departure last November of previous Rector Nick McKinnel to take up the role of the Bishop of Crediton. Bishop Nick will return to St Andrew's to lead the service welcoming Joe as Rector.

Bishop Nick said: “Joe knows the City of Plymouth well and has gained some great experience through his ministry in the South East. I am sure that good things lie ahead for St Andrew's and its life in the City.”