Trinity College Chaplain appointed new Minor Canon
Thursday, 20th February 2014
The Reverend Christopher Stoltz has been appointed Minor Canon and Sacrist of Westminster.
He will join the Abbey’s Minor Canons’ office in May. The Minor Canons of Westminster Abbey are responsible to the Dean for all worship and liturgy in the Abbey, in St Margaret's Church, and in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft within the Palace of Westminster. This includes the singing of daily choral evensong and the celebration of the eucharist, the provision of Sunday worship, as well as weddings, memorial services, and the very many special and annual services which the Abbey provides for the nation: for the church, the Royal Family, and very many national and international organisations.
Christopher Stoltz comes to Westminster Abbey after four and a half years as Chaplain of Trinity College, Cambridge. Before taking up his post in Cambridge, Christopher served a curacy at Saint Michael’s Church, Highgate, London.
Brought up in the US, where he exercised a ministry as a Lutheran pastor and cantor, Christopher brings both an ecumenical and international dimension to the work of the Abbey.
He said this week:
I am delighted to be coming to Westminster Abbey and thrilled to be joining a community which, through its worship and witness, plays such an important role in the life of the nation. It has been a great privilege during these past four and a half years to serve as Chaplain of Trinity College, Cambridge. Now, in anticipation of a move back to London, I look forward to entering into the life and work of the Abbey.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said:
I look forward very much to welcoming Christopher Stoltz to Westminster Abbey as Minor Canon and Sacrist. He was appointed from a strong list of applicants and joins a team with a distinguished record of achievement. With his background and experience he will bring interesting new dimensions to the ministry and mission of the Abbey.
The Dean of Trinity College, the Reverend Dr Michael Banner, said:
Christopher Stoltz's ministry at Trinity College has been deeply appreciated across the whole community. We are delighted to see him progress to a new and challenging post, and fully expect that he will make his mark at Westminster.
