Michael Hickford

The Very Rev Michael Hickford, Provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness, said his farewells to a packed Cathedral congregation on Sunday 15th August by producing a services of hats from the pulpit.

The occasion was the Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in his sermon, starting with his old school cap and progressing through a bowler hat and even a Tibetan marriage had he used them, not to signify his new ministry, but to signify the different roles played by the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in the Bible, and the special role that God gave her which she accepted with humility. 

He explained that Mary had been given a special role by God, one she accepted with obedience and humility.  He compared this with the task that lay ahead for the Cathedral congregation as a body of Christians moving forward in the way God is calling them.

This was Provost Hickford’s last Sunday before taking up his new position as Chaplain to New Craigs Hospital and the Community Hospital at the Royal Northern Infirmary in Inverness.  “This is an exciting opportunity,” he explained, “and I am really looking forward to this change in direction of my ministry.  I have enjoyed my time at the Cathedral and wish them God’s blessing in the years ahead.”

The Anthem sung by the Cathedral Choir was Bruckner's Ave Maria.  As Michael explained, "Not only was it appropriate for Mary's Feast Day, but it was sung on the day I was inducted as Provost of the Cathedral."

At the end of the service Mrs Win Macdonald made a presentation to Provost Hickford on behalf of the Cathedral congregation, saying that they greatly valued his ministry among them.  A bring and share lunch followed in Kenneth Street Hall amongst a very convivial atmosphere.

Michael Hickford takes up his new hospital chaplaincy at the beginning of September.