Archdeacon of Rochdale explained

The Archdeacon of Rochdale is a senior ecclesiastical officer within the Diocese of Manchester.

As Archdeacon, they are responsible for the disciplinary supervision of the clergy^[1] within the five area deaneries: Ashton-under-Lyne, Heywood and Middleton, Rochdale, Oldham East and Oldham West.

Created on 3 June 1910 from the Manchester archdeaconry, the post is currently vacant.

List of archdeacons

• 1910–1919 (ret.): Arthur Clarke
• 1919–1935 (ret.): Thomas Sale (afterwards archdeacon emeritus)
• 1935–20 December 1950 (d.): Albert Gaskell
• 1951–1962 (ret.): Edgar Stephenson (afterwards archdeacon emeritus)
• 1962–1966 (res.): Len Tyler
• 1966–1972 (res.): Arthur Ballard (became Archdeacon of Manchester)
• 1972–1982 (ret.): Harold Fielding (afterwards archdeacon emeritus)
• 1982–1991 (res.): David Bonser (became Bishop suffragan of Bolton)
• 1991–2000 (res.): Mark Dalby (afterwards archdeacon emeritus)
• 2000–2005 (res.): Andrew Ballard (became Archdeacon of Manchester)
• 2006–2008 (res.): Mark Davies (became Bishop suffragan of Middleton)
• 20085 January 2020 (res.): Cherry Vann (became Bishop of Monmouth)^[2]
• 1 July 202031 March 2024 (retired): David Sharples (previously Archdeacon of Salford)^{[3] [4]}
• Archdeacon-designate: Karen Smeeton^[5]

Notes and References

1. "ABCD: a basic church dictionary" Meakin, T: Norwich, Canterbury Press, 2001
2. Web site: New bishop for Monmouth.
3. https://www.manchester.anglican.org/news/2019/11/15/change-archdeacon-arrangements/
4. Web site: Diocese of Manchester . David Sharples - Notice of Retirement . https://web.archive.org/web/20240401202710/https://www.manchester.anglican.org/news/notice-of-appointments/the-venerable-david-sharples--notice-of-retirement . 1 April 2024 . 1 April 2024 .
5. Web site: Diocese of Manchester . New Archdeacon of Rochdale will be Karen Smeeton . 28 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240804214257/https://manchester.anglican.org/news/latest-news/new-archdeacon-of-rochdale-will-be-the-revd-canon-karen-smeeton.php . 4 August 2024 . 5 August 2024 .