Matthew Porter leaves St Michael le Belfrey to be the next Bishop of Bolton, and church prepares for building project
Matthew Porter, the Vicar of St Michael le Belfrey church (known as The Belfrey), bid a fond farewell to a large congregation at The Belfrey last Sunday and now prepares for his next role as the Bishop of Bolton.
After 14 years at The Belfrey, a thriving Anglican church in York city centre, Matthew Porter is moving across the Pennines and will be consecrated as Bishop of Bolton at a service at York Minster on 22 June.
Matthew, originally from Doncaster, was first ordained in the Diocese of Sheffield in 1996 and has been vicar of The Belfrey since 2010 after a short period as Associate Vicar. Under his leadership The Belfrey has maintained a strong presence in the City of York and the North of England. It is in the top 5% of Church of England congregations nationally with approximately 600 people attending across four services a week. It is a resource church for the Diocese of York delivering leadership development and helping to plant churches across the North. Its varied ministries include children's and youth work across all ages and it has a community of around 100 students. The Belfrey partners with charities in the city as part of its social action programme and runs a Christians Against Poverty debt centre.
After a joyous last service, Matthew is excited for his new role, being passionate about discipleship, evangelism and developing leaders. He said: “ I am humbled and thrilled to be called to be the next Bishop of Bolton. While sad to be leaving The Belfrey in York after so many wonderful years, I’m going to the Manchester area in prayerful expectation, delighted to be the lead bishop in mission, growth and church planting, and serving the people and church in another part of the North.”
The Belfrey PCC is working with the Bishop of Selby and the Archdeacon of York on plans for appointing a new vicar. In the interim period, the Church is in the capable leadership of the Church Wardens, the Area Dean - Rev Luke Tillett - and Rev Andy Baker. Andy, who has been Associate Vicar for the last 5 years, is leading The Belfrey’s day-to-day operations with the support of the two Curates and a sizeable staff team.
Andy who is also Chair of the c£10.5m Impact building Project will lead The Belfrey as it prepares to move out of the church building in September this year to The De Grey Rooms in York. The rooms will be The Belfrey’s temporary home and venue for around the next two years for its services, ministries and outreach. The Impact Project will include the first significant repairs in over 150 years.
Rev Baker commented on Rev Porter’s departure and the forthcoming changes: “We wish Matthew, his wife Sam and family every blessing with their move to Bolton. I am sad to see them leave, but also excited to be leading our church during this transformational period.” Andy goes on to say; “Impact will help us create a far more welcoming, accessible and flexible space for our thriving church community and for the city. The church building will have new entrances at the West and a beautiful, accessible baptism pool. We look forward to providing a cafe area, better facilities and installing sustainable underfloor heating.”
St Michael le Belfrey received planning permission and listed building consent from City of York Council in April for the urgent external repairs and improvements to the fabric of the building. The proposed renovations to the interior have still to be approved through the Church of England’s Faculty process, which is nearing its conclusion, after being recommended by the York Diocesan Advisory Committee.
The Impact project will help The Belfrey ensure it is fit for purpose practically and spiritually, and serve the city of York and community better, along with its 35,000+ visitors a year. Pending final approvals, the build phase is due to start early 2024 with completion late 2025.