A New Archdeacon of Dorset

The Venerable Antony MacRow-Wood was installed as the new Archdeacon of Dorset at a service in Salisbury Cathedral on Wednesday 24 June. 

Antony was previously Rector of the North Poole Ecumenical Team and has 23 years experience as a parish priest, all of it in Dorset or Wiltshire. He is also a nationally recognised expert on credit unions. 

The Archdeaconry of Dorset covers much of the North and East of the county, specifically the Deaneries of Blackmore Vale, Milton and Blandford, Poole, Purbeck and Wimborne. It covers both deeply rural areas and some of the most urbanised parts of the county. 

Antony said, “I am delighted to start this new phase of ministry, and am looking forward to getting stuck in on the ground, helping clergy and parishes serve the people of Dorset and further the Kingdom of God. I am fortunate to be able to build on such good work by those who have gone before me.” 

Bishop Nicholas added, “It is good to have a new Archdeacon with deep roots and connections in the Diocese of Salisbury. He is known to many and much loved by St George's Oakdale and the North Poole Ecumenical Team where he has served for the last 11 years. We will all look forward to his contribution as Archdeacon.”

Archdeacons have a number of functions, prime among them representing their parishes to the Bishop, and the Bishop to the parishes. They also present new ministers for ordination and induct clergy into their parishes, and advise churches on buildings, churchyards, and community outreach.