It has been announced today in Sheffield Cathedral and in the Diocese of Leeds that Rev Canon Keith Farrow, Vice Dean and Canon Missioner has been appointed Vicar of West Barnsley.
The Benefice of West Barnsley comprises four adjoining rural parishes:
All Saints and St James, Silkstone with Stainborough
St John the Evangelist, Hoylandswaine
All Saints, Cawthorne and St John the Baptist, Dodworth
Canon Keith said, ‘It has been a wonderful privilege to have served the Cathedral community and City for the past 8 years. I have made many friends both within the cathedral, the City and beyond. I will be leaving with many happy memories and thankfulness to God for all I have learned and experienced in the heart of the City of Sheffield. I look forward to getting to know the communities of West Barnsley and the opportunities for service and ministry together with the congregations of the Benefice.’
Dean Abi said, ‘It’s been a pleasure and a joy to have known Canon Keith Farrow since 2006 when we were both part of the same post-ordination training group in the Diocese of Sheffield. We have shared many laughs together and he has been the source of some great missional ideas that I have been able to borrow over the years. He is a good man who loves God’s people with a generous heart, and he will be much missed here at Sheffield Cathedral. I know that he will be a gift to the people of West Barnsley and to the Diocese of Leeds and he goes with our love and prayers for all that has been and for all that is to come.’
The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield also commented:
‘Keith has served the Diocese of Sheffield faithfully, energetically and at some cost to himself in a rich variety of roles since his ordination in 2005 and he will be much missed. I wish him and Alison God’s richest blessings as they move across the Diocesan border and I pray that Keith’s new ministry will be as fulfilling to him as it is fruitful for God’s coming kingdom.’
The Installation and Induction Service will take place on Tuesday 14 June 2022 at 7.30pm All Saints, Silkstone.