Magnolia trees to be planted across Devon to mark new Archbishop’s installation

Three magnolia trees are to be planted across Devon to commemorate the installation of Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, who previously served as Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter from 2015 to 2018, will be formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25. The trees will be planted the day before, on March 24, in recognition of her connections to Devon.
The Bishop of Exeter, Mike Harrison, said the initiative builds on a symbolic gesture already made by the Archbishop.
“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 the churchyard of Holy Cross Church, the seat of the Bishop of Crediton.
The current Bishop of Crediton, Moira Astin, 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.”
A second tree will be planted at Hospiscare’s Searle House in Exeter, recognising the Archbishop’s background as a former NHS Chief Nurse and her role as vice-president of the charity.
Hospiscare chief executive Wayne Gale 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. 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 in the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace next to Exeter Cathedral, one of the city’s largest green spaces, where work is ongoing to enhance biodiversity.
Organisers hope the three magnolia trees will flourish for years to come, serving as a lasting tribute to Archbishop Mullally’s ties to Devon and the beginning of her new ministry.