It may have been a stormy night under COVID restrictions, but masks could not hide the enthusiasm as Canon Andrew (Sandy) Grant was installed as the new Dean of Sydney.

Deans from around New South Wales and as far away as Melbourne joined Archbishop Raffel, regional bishops and Bishops Peter Jensen and Glenn Davies for the service in St Andrew’s Cathedral.

Dean Grant was appointed earlier this year after more than 15 years as Senior Minister at St Michael’s Cathedral in Wollongong. He is the 13th Dean of Sydney. The first, William Macquarie Cowper, was appointed in 1858.

The official installation by Archbishop Raffel

Introducing people to Jesus. It takes daring and love. But it’s that simple.

The new Dean will oversee the ministry of the cathedral in the heart of Sydney which ranges from Sunday services, a mid-week healing ministry to State and public occasions.

The Dean’s wife, Karyn Grant, reads the Bible during the service

In addressing the congregation, Dean Grant reflected on Andrew, the Cathedral’s Apostolic namesake. “Andrew is actually not mentioned much on his own, mostly he just appears in lists of the Twelve,” he said. “But each of the only three times Andrew actually gets a story, in the Gospel of John actually, he is introducing others to Jesus… Firstly, his brother. Jesus is for our family too. Then a little boy, which tells us how important Jesus’ welcome for kids is, and what an impact it can make… Lastly, he’s introducing some Greeks to Jesus; a pointer to a truly global vision.” 

Dean Sandy Grant speaks to the congregation

“I reckon as we set ourselves for a new season of post-COVID ministry to a needy city, then our Apostle’s example would a good goal to share. Introducing people to Jesus. It takes daring and love. But it’s that simple. Let’s recommit to sharing the gospel, and sharing our lives with others, as we do it together.”