New provost gets keys to cathedral
KEYS to St John’s Cathedral in Oban have been presented to its new provost, the Reverend Margi Campbell.
The Rev Campbell was officially welcomed to her new post as a special service on Friday which packed the cathedral in George Street with representatives from churches across the town and surrounding areas of Lorn.
Other symbolic gifts included oils for healing, bread and wine for communion, a Bible and the Diocesan Youth Cross presented to her by Felix and Rufus Hughes.
Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, the Right Reverend Kevin Pearson, led the service, which was followed by a reception at the Argyllshire Gathering Halls.
The Rev Campbell will also be rector of St James’ Ardbrecknish and a gathered congregation that meets at Kilbrandon. Her organist husband James took early retirement to move with her from Somerset, where she was rector of Backwell in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and rural dean of Portishead.
The couple, who have two sons, have visited Oban on many occasions over the years. A sabbatical in 2016 first brought the Rev Campbell to Argyll and Iona.
‘James and I have been so touched by the warmth of welcome from all whom we have met here and from the wider province of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Even the weather has been amazing!
‘Now, as the day by day work begins, I am looking forward to getting to know the communities in and around Oban, learning about life in this beautiful area and celebrating our faith in the worship of St John’s Cathedral, in Arbrecknish and Kilbrandon,’ she said.