A University chaplain has been appointed a canon of Westminster Abbey by King Charles III.

The Reverend Jennifer Adams-Massmann is currently the assistant chaplain and welfare officer at Peterhouse, a role she has held since 2019. She also served as acting dean for the 2024/25 academic year.

Adams-Massmann said she was “deeply honoured to be appointed”.

“Being able to live and work in such an extraordinary place and with such wonderful new colleagues will be a joy and delight,” she added.

Announcing her appointment, Westminster Abbey said Adams-Massmann’s role as canon steward will involve taking “a leading role in overseeing and shaping the welcome and hospitality offered to the many worshippers, pilgrims, tourists and other visitors who come to the Abbey”. Meanwhile, as archdeacon, she will be “responsible for the pastoral care of staff, volunteers, residents, worshippers and visitors”.

Adams-Massmann grew up in the United States and France, completing a degree in English and American Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a Master of Divinity degree at Duke University.

She was ordained in 2007, and has since held a variety of posts, including in overseas and hospital chaplaincies, as well as college chaplaincy at Cambridge and Princeton. She will begin her new role next spring.

In a message to Peterhouse staff and students, Adams-Massmann described leaving the College as “a bittersweet goodbye to a community I’ve loved being a part of since 2019”.

“Serving as chaplain and welfare officer has been an immense joy and honour and I’ll treasure countless memories of our time together,” she continued. “Most of all, I’ve loved getting to know so many of you – students, staff and Fellows – serving in this extraordinary 700-year-old community.”

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, the dean of Westminster, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jennifer to the Abbey as a priest, a member of Chapter and a colleague […] Her ministry in Cambridge has been much admired.”

The dean of Peterhouse, the Reverend Dr Stephen Hampton, said: “It has been a great privilege to work with Jennifer over the last six years. Her personal warmth, kindness and resilience have made a significant impact not only within the Chapel but across the College.

“I and I’m sure many other members of our community will be sad to see her leave, but we are also delighted that she is moving on from Peterhouse to such an exciting and prestigious position, and one worthy of her abundant gifts.”