The Ven. David Sharples retired as Archdeacon of Rochdale at the end of March.
His ministry has been appreciated by many, and there is an opportunity to say farewell at a service at the Cathedral on Monday, 22nd April 2024 at 5.30 pm. This is not a ticketed event and anyone is welcome to attend on the day.
During the vacancy, The Ven. Karen Best, Archdeacon of Manchester, will be covering as Archdeacon of Rochdale, with support from The Revd Canon Karen Smeeton, Area Dean of Rochdale, and The Revd Daniel Ramble, Area Dean of Oldham and Ashton, who will each assume the responsibilities of Assistant Archdeacon.
Born and bred on Langley, a post-war housing estate in north Manchester, David grew up in a house of six where Church was very much part family life. A lively teenage church youth group was formative for his faith, as well as being the place where he met Elaine - his future wife.
After studying at Bury Grammar School, David went on to study Theology at Kings College London, where he sensed a call to ordained ministry. From there, he trained at the College of the Resurrection Mirfield, and was ordained deacon at Manchester Cathedral in autumn of 1982.
David carried out his curacy at St Mary, Prestwich, where he was also duty chaplain at Prestwich Hospital. His two sons, Jonathan and Nicholas, were born during this time.
1987 saw David inducted as Vicar at St Anne, Royton, where he stayed for 15 years; whilst there, he was made area dean and served as chaplain at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. In 2002 he was appointed as Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) and OLM development Officer, and in 2009 he was made Archdeacon of Salford, continuing as DDO with the help of four associate DDOs.
In 2017, David was made Residentiary Canon at Manchester Cathedral, and in 2020 he also took on the role of Archdeacon of Rochdale. David is now a proud grandparent to Maxwell and Leon, and enjoys reading, walking, theatre, a good cup of coffee, and not forgetting - Manchester City FC.