The Reverend Neil Bowler has officially been installed as Rector of the Bridlington Priory after a special ceremony in the historic church.
An Institution Service was held at the Priory, with the Bishop of Hull Eleanor Sanderson officiating.
Amongst the many churchgoers and guests were the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding Hugh Bethell and the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridlington, Cllr John and Diane Arthur.
Rev Neil has been in charge of the historic Bridlington Priory since July and was a curate in Doncaster before moving to a larger parish in nearby Rotherham. Whilst in Rotherham he was asked to be the Area Dean of the largest deanery in the Diocese – at a time of significant change.
Following this, he led a large church in Sheffield, where the choral tradition was very important in its life and worship.
During his time in Sheffield, Rev Bowler became the Bishop of Sheffield’s advisor in spirituality, and was also made an Honorary Canon of Sheffield Cathedral.
Rev Bowler said: “I embraced these roles with enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoyed them.Then I was asked if I would then be a part of a multi-parish Benefice in Rotherham before then being asked if I would lead a very large Benefice in North Oxfordshire through a time of significant change in its life.”
Visiting and being alongside people has always been a large part of his life and he is excited about his role as the Rector at Bridlington Priory – leading the Church into the future.
He describes himself as someone who ‘enjoys being happy and hearing laughter.’
Rev Bowler takes up his position after the previous Rector, Rev Matthew Pollard, left for a new post as the Canon Chancellor at Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire last year.
