Winchester Cathedral is pleased to announce that Canon Gary Philbrick has been appointed as the new Cathedral Chaplain, following the retirement of Canon Nick Fennemore last year. Gary currently serves as Rector of the Avon Valley Churches, Area Dean of Christchurch and since December 2021, the Assistant Archdeacon Winchester, of which he will continue alongside the role of Chaplain.
Born in Cheshire, Gary came to Southampton in 1975 to read music at Southampton University. He then became the organist of Otterbourne, near Winchester, moved into the village whilst doing a PGCE at King Alfred’s College and then taught in the primary school there. In the mid 80′s, Gary went to Edinburgh for ordination training at Coates Hall Theological College, whilst also studying for a BA at Edinburgh University. Following this, Gary returned to Southampton University and completed a part-time MA in Theology in 1999.
Ordained in 1986, Gary has served in the Parishes of Maybush, on the Western edge of Southampton, Fawley, on the Eastern edge of the New Forest, and from 2000-2013, Swaythling, on the northern edge of Southampton. He was Area Dean of Southampton from 2007 – 2013, and an Honorary Canon of Winchester Cathedral since 2009. Since 2013, Gary has served as Rector of the Avon Valley Churches, which comprises seven churches in one parish on the western edge of the New Forest.
Speaking of his new appointment, Gary said: “I am enormously excited by this role and am looking forward to serving Winchester Cathedral, given that I have been connected to it for such a long time through various roles. I look forward to getting to know and, when appropriate, supporting Cathedral staff and volunteers, and the many Cathedral visitors, worshippers and pilgrims”.
Working flexibly, Gary will combine his work as Chaplain, in which he will be responsible for the pastoral care and support of Cathedral staff, volunteers and regular worshippers with that of Assistant Archdeacon for the Diocese of Winchester. Gary also has a distinctive liturgical role in contributing to key pastoral services.
The Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd Catherine Ogle said, “Gary is extremely well placed to make a significant contribution to the life of Winchester Cathedral as its next Chaplain. Gary’s appointment is a real benefit to the Cathedral, bringing with him a gracious, thoughtful, wise and encouraging presence, which I know will make him a brilliant addition to the team.”
Gary is expected to take up his role later this year.
