The Cathedral resounded with joy on Sunday 16 June 2024 in a service to institute and install The Very Reverend Toby Wright as the new Dean of Wells.

Many local dignataries were among the congregation, including the The Vice Lieutenant represented the Crown, and the Mayor of Wells. There were also clerical and lay guests: family and Friends of Dean Toby, other Deans, Bishops, and people from the Benefice of Witney where Dean Toby had been Rector prior to taking up the appointment at Wells.

The  service was presided over by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Rt Revd Michael Beasley, and was punctuated with superb musical offerings from the Cathedral Choir, Song Squad, and Youth Choir, including two new works composed for the occasion by Lucy Walker and David Bednall, commissioned by the Cathedral Commissions scheme.

A copy of Toby’s installation address can be found via the Texts of Talks and Sermons page.

Following the service, Toby extended his thanks to the Cathedral staff, volunteers and community:

“It is a great joy for me to be with you with Sally, Caspar, Felicity & Libby the dog! Thank you to everyone for the phenomenal welcome we have had and for all the hard work that went into making the Installation such a deeply joyous event. As a family we much look forward to getting to know you and sharing our lives with you in the years to come.

“Pastoral visiting is a priority in my priestly ministry and if anyone would particularly like a pastoral visit then do please feel free to ask. I so look forward to sharing in our discipleship of Jesus and journeying on the Way. With grateful thanks, and my prayers.”