CAPTION: Members of the Crediton ministry team celebrate the new Archbishop of Canterbury's installation by planting a magnolia tree in her honour
Magnolia Trees Planted to Commemorate Archbishop Sarah’s Devon Connections
Three magnolia trees have been planted in Devon to commemorate the Installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally is the first female Archbishop of Canterbury and was Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter from 2015 to 2018.
The trees were planted in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace in Exeter, the churchyard of Holy Cross Church, Crediton and Exeter Hospiscare’s Searle House hospice, ahead of Archbishop Sarah’s Installation service at Canterbury Cathedral on 25 March.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said “Recently Archbishop Sarah planted two magnolia trees at the entrance to Lambeth Palace to Symbolise new beginnings, hope and patience in her ministry.
Archbishop Sarah on her recent pilgrimage walk to Canterbury. Photo: Neil Turner for Lambeth Palace
“Picking up on that theme, and conscious of her connections with Devon as a former Bishop of Crediton, we are marking her installation as the new Archbishop by planting three magnolia trees.
“These symbolise Archbishop’s Sarah’s engagement with healthcare, Crediton and the people of the Diocese of Exeter.
“Just as magnolia trees symbolise perseverance, renewal and joy we pray that these dimensions may be evident in her ministry in the coming years, and we give thanks for her willingness to take on this daunting but vitally important leadership role.”
Rev’d Janet May, who helped plant a magnolia tree in the churchyard at Crediton, said “I had the privilege of meeting Archbishop Sarah when I was training to be ordained. She was really kind and a number of us women thought she was destined to go onto great things.
Bishop Mike has planted a magnolia tree next to Exeter Cathedral
“I was absolutely thrilled when I heard she was going to be the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury. In a world where there is toxic masculinity and women are still facing inequality, it is a really great step forward that we have a woman as Archbishop of Canterbury and I think she is going to be a great archbishop. I feel really blessed to have been part of her journey.”
Wayne Gale, CEO of Hospiscare, who helped plant the tree in the grounds of Searle House in Exeter, said “We at Hospiscare are delighted that Archbishop Sarah’s friendship, support and advocacy for our hospice over the years is being celebrated in such a thoughtful way. The magnolia that has been gifted to Hospiscare in Sarah’s honour will undoubtedly bring joy to patients and their families in our care for years to come.
“We’d like to send our thanks to Sarah for her service to the people of Devon and her time as a vice president of our hospice, and congratulations and best wishes for her new role as Archbishop of Canterbury.”
The hope is that the magnolia trees planted in Devon will flourish and bloom for many years to come.
