Bishop Dorsey McConnell has named the Rev. Aidan Smith as provost of Trinity Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh.
Smith — dean of advancement and church relations at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge and assisting priest at All Saints in the Brighton Heights neighborhood — becomes provost May 1 for an initial term of two years.
The bishop wrote to cathedral members about the appointment in a letter dated March 15.
“I know that Aidan and his TSM colleagues are proud of how under his watch enrollment grew, new relationships were forged, and the school’s financial health improved,” McConnell said. “I’m overjoyed that he will be bringing this skill set, along with his caring pastoral approach, to Trinity Cathedral.”
Smith said he is “totally on board” with McConnell’s vision of the cathedral as a place proclaiming the Gospel through the arts, education, and social empowerment. “I also know that the cathedral has experienced difficult times, but you can’t experience resurrection without the cross.”
“We are thrilled for Aidan to have the opportunity to do parish ministry and for the wonderful opportunity that the cathedral presents for him,” said the Very Rev. Laurie Thompson, dean and president of Trinity. “We knew and expected him to engage in a parochial ministry at some point, and we are glad for him to serve in an opportunity close by.”
Smith lives as part of a Christian community in Ambridge with his wife, Melanie; their daughter; and Wesley Hill, associate professor of biblical studies. Melanie Smith is due to give birth again in August.
Smith graduated from Trinity in 2014 with a Master of Divinity degree. He hopes to graduate with a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2020.
Before coming to Trinity, Smith was a social worker with Alaska’s Division of Juvenile Justice.
“We wish Aidan the very best in his new role and look forward to continuing our relationship with Aidan and Bishop McConnell,” Thompson said.
Adapted from the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Trinity School for Ministry
Matthew Townsend is the former news editor of The Living Church and former editor of the Anglican Journal. He lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.