The Master, Professor Christopher Kelly, participated in the Institution and Induction of the Reverend Devin Shepard McLachlan as Vicar of St Bene't's Church, who became the latest incumbent in the church's thousand-year old ministry. The Chaplain, The Revd Matt Bullimore, was also in attendance.

The ceremony took place along with a service of Holy Communion in the evening of Friday 13 September. The College is the patron of the benefice, that is, it once had the formal right of advowson or patronage to present a nominee for appointment to a vacant living (there is now a formal process of appointment involving the Archdeacon and representatives of the PCC). The Master, representing the College as patron, led the Vicar Designate before the Archdeacon of Cambridge, The Venerable Dr Alex Hughes (acting on behalf of the Bishop of Ely), saying,

"It is my pleasure to present to you Devin Shepard McLachlan, to be instituted to this benefice."

The Reverend Canon James Shakespeare, Rural Dean, Cambridge South, inducted Rev McLachlan into possession of the benefice (left).

Devin was ordained over 20 years ago in the Episcopal Church in his native country, the United States. He immigrated to the UK ten years ago with his family; his wife, Dr Iza Hussin, is an Associate Professor in Asian Politics and a Fellow of Pembroke College. The couple have two teenage children.

Devin holds degrees from Harvard University (BA, Folklore and Mythology) and the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge MA. He has served in a variety of parishes and colleges both in Cambrige and the US, most recently at Great St Mary's and at Pembroke and Lucy Cavendish Colleges. He is also Bishop's Advisor for Inter-Faith.

Corpus and St Bene't's

The College has been associated with neighbouring St Bene't's Church since its founding in 1352. The oldest church in Cambridge and the Diocese of Ely, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, St Bene't's served as chapel for Corpus for 300 years, until our first chapel was built in 1662. The College was colloquially known for centuries as Bene't College. Successive Masters and Fellows have made their mark upon the church to the present day.

More photos of the event can be found in this album. Details of services at St Bene't's can be found on their website.