Mark Oakley becomes Canon Treasurer at St Paul's

21 June 2010

The Revd Canon Mark Oakley, currently Priest-in-Charge of Grosvenor Chapel in the diocese of London and a Deputy Priest in Ordinary to Her Majesty The Queen, is to be the next Canon Treasurer of St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Paul’s is run by the Dean and Chapter which includes Residentiary and Lay canons with various portfolios. They represent the whole working life of one of the world’s best known Cathedral churches. 

As Treasurer, Canon Oakley will fulfil the role of Residentiary Canon, with special responsibility for the fabric and collections of St Paul’s. He will also be responsible for the development of the cathedral’s visual arts programme. Canon Oakley will play a full part in the life of the cathedral and will contribute to its overall mission as a place of prayer, pilgrimage and debate. 

The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Rt. Revd Graeme Knowles said: 

"As a Chapter, we look forward to welcoming Mark to our number here at St Paul’s. He brings a wealth of experience from the various parts of his ministry as parish priest, archdeacon and author. With his deep interest in the arts, he is ably set to carry on the development of this part of the cathedral’s life and mission.”

Canon Oakley said: 

"I am delighted to be joining the team at St Paul’s. It is an honour to be asked to contribute to the artistic and imaginative vocation of the cathedral and to help ensure that its magnificent building is encountered as a profound witness to the Gospel and a place for prayer.”

Canon Oakley was born in Shrewsbury and studied Theology in London and Oxford before taking up his first appointment as Curate of St John’s Wood Church (1993-1996). He was then asked to become the Chaplain to the Bishop of London (1996-2000) and was appointed a Deputy Priest in Ordinary to HM the Queen in 1996. He served as Chaplain at Copenhagen and Archdeacon of Germany and North Europe (2005-2008) and was Area Dean of Westminster (St Margaret), from 2004 to 2005. He was Chaplain at RADA from 2003 to 2005. 

Canon Oakley will be installed as Canon Treasurer of St Paul’s Cathedral in the autumn.