London parish priest appointed Canon Treasurer of St Paul's

A London parish priest who has overseen significant growth in his Islington church community for over a decade is set to join the Chapter of St Paul's.

The Reverend Jonathan Brewster will become Residentiary Canon and Treasurer of St Paul's Cathedral, with the appointment approved by Her Majesty The Queen and confirmed by No 10 Downing Street.

As Treasurer, he will take the lead on behalf of the Chapter in oversight of the building and the commercial and financial aspects of its work, relating these to the Cathedral's spiritual mission of worship, prayer and service.

Since 2003 Jonathan has been Vicar of Christ Church with St John and St Saviour in Highbury, London. During this time he was been particularly engaged in social work, outreach and schools. He was a driving force behind the repair of the spire stonework at Christ Church and the commissioning of a new parish centre. Jonathan has also served as Area Dean of Islington since 2014 and was Acting Archdeacon of Hackney from 2015 to 2016.

Ordained in 1994 after training at Trinity College, Bristol, he was a curate in Bradford, and between 1998 and 2003 served as Chaplain to the University of Westminster. He lists among his interests interfaith work and social responsibility, and is a keen jazz musician.

Jonathan said: "St Paul's Cathedral stands as a beacon of hope in the heart of London and I feel immensely privileged to support its worship and mission as Canon Treasurer. I very much look forward to working with the Cathedral community, stewarding resources, caring for the heritage and ensuring that the building serves its purpose as we welcome all in the name of Jesus Christ."

The Dean of St Paul's, the Very Reverend David Ison, said: "We are delighted to welcome Jonathan as our new Residentiary Canon and Treasurer. He brings wide experience of ministry, has had a notable impact in his Highbury parish, led the deanery and has also served for a year as acting archdeacon in the Stepney area. We look forward to working with him and benefiting from his enthusiasm and vision together with his spiritual, pastoral and practical gifts, as he comes to lead a large portfolio as part of the team here at the cathedral."

It is expected that Jonathan will begin at St Paul's in late July. He succeeds The Reverend Canon Philippa Boardman MBE who leaves after four years to become Priest in Charge of St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common in the Diocese of Southwark.