As the Right Reverend Jonathan Gibbs begins his ministry as Bishop in the Huddersfield Episcopal Area (Kirklees and Calderdale), he is looking to visit every church in the area over at 18 month period.

This Sunday, 8 March, beginning at 10.00am, Bishop Jonathan will be leading the worship and preaching at Huddersfield Parish Church.

The Rev’d Canon Simon Moor said: ‘As an Area Bishop in the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, Bishop Jonathan doesn’t have a ‘seat’ or a Cathedral, however he recognises Huddersfield Parish Church as an important centre alongside Dewsbury and Halifax Minsters.’

Alan John, a Church Warden at St. Peter’s, commented, ‘The regular congregation are looking forward to meeting and hearing their new bishop, some for the first time. There is an understanding that Huddersfield’s Civic Church will become one of his spiritual homes.’

The visit comes at the end of the week when Huddersfield Parish Church was voted by Examiner readers in Huddersfield Civic Society’s annual Design Awards, as the development which they felt has contributed most towards helping improve the quality and image of the town. St. Peter’s Church was also the overall winner out of five categories – Huddersfield Examiner Readers’ Award, best refurbishment, best shop front, best new development and best residential.

Bishop Jonathon will receive the awards in front of the regular congregation during the service. The award is seen as an astonishing achievement and recognition of the enormous amount of time and effort over a ten year restoration.

The Rev’d Canon Simon Moor said: ‘We are expecting guests to come along on Sunday, individuals who might like to see the new Bishop of Huddersfield in action.’