New City Rector at St. Michael at the North Gate

On a dry and mild January 9th evening, the famous church was filled to bursting for the Induction and Installation of The Reverend Antony Graham Buckley as Vicar and new City Rector. The Bishop of Oxford (the Rt Reverend Dr Stephen Croft) conducted the Evensong Service aided by the Archdeacon of Oxford, the Venerable Martin Gorick. The choral contribution was magnificent as anyone who has attended services at St Michael will testify, but this was a whole new and highly polished presentation.

I was accorded a front pew seat alongside our Lord Lieutenant and also two city councillors. The Lord Mayor was delayed by Council business but arrived later.

The Bishop (he was, incidentally, married in Oxford soon after his graduation) said that he, The Reverend Antony Buckley, had big shoes to fill. A refence to the retired and much missed The Very Reverend Robert Wilkes. It was revealed during the service that the new incumbent had been at the Dulwich School of Music and was a big fan of Elvis Presley. Well rock ‘n’ roll.

The welcome was complete with delicious canapes and drinks served by the Scouts in the church. We look forward to our St George and Civic Service on 22nd April, when you can all meet the new City Rector.