Canon Myles Davies to retire as Canon Precentor from January 2021
After over ten years as Canon Precentor, Canon Myles will retire in January 2021. He will retire with much love and affection but we will be fortunate that he will remain living in the cathedral precincts.
Myles has made an immense contribution to Liverpool Cathedral both whilst being precentor as well as before as a parish priest..As Precentor Myles has shaped the liturgical life of the cathedral and has been instrumental in enhancing our reputation for high quality worship. Canon Myle’s imprint has been seen both in cathedral services such as the advent favourites of Darkness to Light and the Holly Bough service, and diocesan occasions such as ordinations and the Chrism Eucharist.
As Vice Dean, Myles has also steered the cathedral through two interregnums providing a customary steady hand for the benefit of all in the cathedral community.
Canon Myles’ time at Liverpool Cathedral followed a distinguished period as parish priest and Diocesan Director of Ordinands where many were encouraged in their vocations.
Dean Sue said “this is both great sadness and joy. Myles is a towering influence and a wonderful friend and colleague and his presence with us a Precentor will be missed. But we are delighted that he will remaining on the precinct. We will have an opportunity to thank Myles for his commitment, for his deep faith, for his wise council, for his friendship, for his liturgical skill and for being the Myles we know and love nearer the time of his retirement. For now he is in our prayers.”
Bishop Paul added “Through his prayerfulness and liturgical skill, Myles has been a heartbeat not only for the Cathedral but for all of us in the Diocese which he has served in so many roles over his long and distinguished ministry. His gentle, self-effacing and utterly reliable ministry has paved the way for so many great occasions, both joyful and sad, over his years at the Cathedral. As acting Dean he twice sustained the life of the Cathedral before the arrival, first of Dean Pete and now of Dean Sue, to each of whom he has been an outstanding colleague. And he preached the greatest funeral sermon I have ever heard at the funeral of Ken Dodd – just one of the many gifts he has given us all in his time as Precentor and Vice Dean. I wish him every blessing as the transition to retirement begins, and as he prepares for the next chapter of his ministry among us.”
Read our interview with Canon Myles from his fortieth anniversary of ordination