Family hat-trick as Mark becomes a Canon

The Humphriss family was celebrating on Saturday as they now have a trio of canons in their tribe. Mark Humphriss, who became our Diocesan Secretary in July, joined his father, the Revd Canon Reg Humphriss, and sister, Clare Turnbull, as a Cathedral Canon.

Rev Rachel Carnegie, Rev Dr Phillip Tovey, Mark Humphriss, Rev Felicity Scroggie, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher (Bishop of Dorchester), the Very Revd Martyn Percy (Dean), Rosemary Tucker, Darren Oliver (Diocesan Registrar), Rev David Tyler, Rev Toby Wright.

Steven Buckley When they are installed, Lay and Honorary Canons become members of the College of Canons.

These are people who have given distinguished service to the Church and serve as ambassadors for their Cathedral in their parish, life or ministry. Mark was installed a Canon in a special ceremony at Oxford's Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday (January 25).

"I feel really humbled to be invited so early on in my time in the role to receive this honour alongside people who have done amazing things across the Diocese," says Mark. Reg was installed as a Canon of Canterbury Cathedral by Archbishop Robert Runcie in 1985.

He had first worked as a Youth Chaplain and part of the Education Team in 1963.

After spells in two parishes, one in Faversham and another in Croydon, he returned to Canterbury in 1976. Reg was the Rector of St Martin's (the oldest church in England in continual use) and St Paul's, and then in Saltwood.

When he retired in 2001 he was installed Canon Emeritus and remains active, regularly taking services in Canterbury Cathedral and across Canterbury Diocese. Clare has been Head of Lanesborough School, the Choir School for Guildford Cathedral, for 13 years.

She was installed as a Lay Canon of Guildford Cathedral in 2012 in recognition of the close work and support that the school provides for the boy choristers. "The organist of the Cathedral and I work very closely together to ensure that all safeguarding, pastoral, academic and practical arrangements are covered so that our boys can thrive both at school and the cathedral," says Clare. Reg added: "I am delighted that Mark joins Clare and me to become a trio of canons in one family.

My only sadness is that my late wife Sue was not at the service in person, as I am sure that she would join me in saying how delighted we are and grateful for the opportunity of service it affords to those in the church and the community. "Mark joined us directly from being University Secretary for the University of Bath.

The former Reading University student has previously held significant roles working for the national Church.

Read more about Mark here.

Check out our Facebook gallery of photos from Saturday's service.

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