A long-standing plan for Deanery re-organisation was adopted on Sunday 4 December 2022 when The Revd Canon Eileen Harrop was licensed and installed in the churches of the Parishes of Staindrop St Mary and Ingleton St John The Evangelist, so that they share an incumbent with the Parishes of Gainford St Mary and Winston St Andrew all in plurality.
These rural parishes, alive in their heritage and history, share much in common and now they will be better able to accelerate growth in their children, young people and families’ ministry with greater focus on developing close relationships between their churches, communities, and excellent Church of England Primary Schools plus the Secondary Academy in Staindrop.
The service led by the Bishop of Jarrow, The Rt Revd Sarah Clark with Installation by the Archdeacon of Auckland, The Venerable Rick Simpson, with the Area Dean of Barnard Castle Rev'd Canon Alec Harding, was well supported by parishioners and officers from all four parishes including the Patron of Staindrop St Mary, Lord Barnard. With many opportunities for revitalising ministry and mission everyone is looking forward to working together in this new season.
By The Revd Canon Eileen Harrop