Dean Transition
Interim Dean
As our Calling Committee searches for St. Paul’s Cathedral’s next Dean, Bishop Susan Brown Snook has appointed the Reverend Canon Allisyn L. Thomas to serve as our Interim Dean.
The Very Rev. Penny Bridges (Left) The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas (Right)
Frequently Asked Questions: About Penny
Sunday, May 31, 2026
She will continue to live in her home in San Diego for the foreseeable future.
No. Protocol dictates that she distance herself from the cathedral community until such time as the new dean is established and comfortable with her presence.
No (see protocol above).
Yes: at the 10:30 service on May 31 we will share in the Service for the Ending of a Pastoral Relationship and Leave-taking from a Congregation, found in the Book of Occasional Services. There will be special music too. There will not be a service at 8:00 am on that Sunday and she will not attend Evensong.
Yes, on May 31 after the 10:30 service, there will be a party offsite. This event is fully booked. If you did not have a chance to secure a seat at the party you will have the opportunity to say goodbye at coffee hour following the 10:30 service, but prior to the party this day.
No: Dean Penny has requested that we not give her a purse; however, if you would like to make a donation in honor of her ministry, you may make a gift to the Music Endowment. To make an online gift go to our Give Page (Click Here) and select either Music Endowment.
Frequently Asked Questions: After May 31
The ministry and mission of the Cathedral will continue without a pause, thanks to our wonderful staff team and many dedicated congregants.
Chapter has called the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas as interim Dean. Allisyn, who is well known and beloved in the Cathedral community, will work in partnership with the Dean’s Warden, Mark Lester, Chapter, and the executive staff.
Chapter will appoint a calling committee from among the congregation. The calling committee will work with guidance from the Bishop’s office and will ultimately present one or more final candidates to Chapter: Chapter will make the call to the chosen candidate. All candidate names will be kept confidential.
No. Although the Rev. Canon Brooks Mason will reach mandatory retirement age this year, the Bishop has given permission for him to stay through the interim.
About 12-18 months, so we hope to welcome our new Dean in early 2028.
New Dean Road Map
