Yesterday, the Bishop and the Dean of Lincoln have announced that The Reverend Canon Dr Kevin Walton will be the new Canon Chancellor at Lincoln Cathedral, commencing ministry there in the spring. 

 Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans said: "Here at St Albans Cathedral we are so very grateful for the wonderful ministry of Fr Kevin as our Canon Chancellor over the last 17 years. Installed in September 2008, Kevin has overseen the continual growth of the Learning Department here to a world class education programme covering all ages. Record numbers of school children, sell out adult education events, and the continued popularity of our St Albans Certificate in Theology are all testimony to Kevin’s leadership.

Kevin has also been a champion of Pilgrimage and the Ecumenical life of our Cathedral. As well as serving on Chapter and the Senior Management Team, Kevin is also a member of Finance Committee and a Director of Cathedral Enterprises. Kevin’s preaching, Eucharistic ministry and pastoral care are all much respected and treasured – to say nothing of his legendary racing in the annual St Albans' pancake day races and his star appearances with Daphne!  

Kevin will be much missed, as will their whole family, with their daughters having been Cathedral Choristers and Linda as a member of the Parish Singers, the whole Walton family (including Daphne of course!) are part of the Cathedral community and have been involved in so many ways.

We wish Kevin and Linda every blessing as they prepare for this move to Lincoln.  Please hold them in your prayers. St Albans' loss is Lincoln’s absolute gain!

Kevin will conclude his ministry at St Albans Cathedral on Easter Sunday, preaching at Easter Day Choral Evensong, after which there will be farewell drinks. There will also be other opportunities to thank and farewell Kevin and Linda prior to Easter. "

The Reverend Canon Dr Kevin Walton said "It is with deep gratitude and excitement that I look forward to coming to Lincoln and sharing in its mission to be beacon for all in its diocese and region. What particularly drew me was the opportunity to start and grow in partnerships a new programme of lifelong theological learning to help more people encounter God and deepen their discipleship. St Albans and its people have become very dear to us, so moving on will be a wrench, but my experience of ministry and learning in that place with its own deep and lively roots of faith, makes me eager to welcome this new challenge in Lincoln."

Kevin will be installed at Lincoln on Saturday 25 April at Choral Evensong at 5.30pm.