THREE magnolia trees are to be planted across 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 will be planted tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, the day before her Installation service at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25.

The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev 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.

“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."

One of the trees will be planted in churchyard of Holy Cross parish church in Crediton, which is the seat of the Bishop of Crediton.

Former Crediton Bishop Sarah Mullally, centre, after she was confirmed Archbishop of Canterbury on January 28.
Former Crediton Bishop Sarah Mullally, centre, after she was confirmed Archbishop of Canterbury on January 28. (St Paul's Cathedral)

The Rt Rev Moira Astin, the current Bishop of Crediton, said “Each year the serving Bishop of Crediton celebrates Midnight Mass in Holy Cross church Crediton.

“From this base in worship and welcoming the miracle of God coming into the world as a vulnerable baby, Archbishop Sarah served the people of North, Mid and East Devon, and so it is good that there will be a long-lasting reminder here of her ministry and my prayers are with her as she begins her new role.”

The second tree will be planted in the grounds of Hospiscare’s ward at Searle House in Exeter, in recognition of Archbishop Sarah’s former roles as the NHS Chief Nurse and Vice-President of Hospiscare.

Wayne Gale, CEO of Hospiscare, 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.

When The Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, then Bishop of Crediton, centre, Confirmed many into the Christian faith at Colebrooke Parish Church. AQ 4967 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“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 third tree will be planted by the Bishop of Exeter in the garden of the Bishop’s Palace adjacent to Exeter Cathedral, which is one of the largest green spaces in Exeter, and where work is underway to make it a haven for biodiversity in the heart of the city.

The hope is that the magnolia trees planted in Devon will flourish and bloom for many years to come.