Meet the Team

St Thomas Clergy Team

Rev'd Hannah Alderson

Details

I'm Hannah, and as of September 2026 I'm the new Rector of St Thomas. I've lived in Exeter for many years, and have spent the last decade working at and ministering to the community of staff and students at the University, where I was first St Luke's Chaplain and then Lazenby Chaplain. I'm delighted to be appointed to St Thomas and looking forward to getting to know more people on this side of the river and serving what is a fantastic community. My husband and I are parents to three boys who keep us on our toes, but in my spare time I can often be found cheering on the Grecians at St James Park. UTC!

Full Info
St Thomas Clergy Team

Fr Terry Litherland

Details

I was one of the first Ordained Local Ministers in the Manchester Diocese in 1993, working as a self-supporting Priest in the Horwich & Rivington United Benefice (4 Parish Churches). My 'day job' was as a Carpenter & Joiner, for almost 50 years. I retired at 65, giving me time to take on other voluntary community roles. Having grown up in that community, it was an immense privilege to minister to families I had known all my life. Moving to Exeter to be near to family, it is now a great privilege to be Honorary Priest at St Thomas. My wife and I enjoy exploring this wonderful corner of England and, if it rains, I have always got plenty to read, crosswords to solve and Classic FM to 'lose myself' in.

Full Info
St Thomas Clergy Team

Mr Philip Baker, Licensed Lay Minister

Details

My name is Phil, I am a Licensed Lay Minister. I was born in Shorne in Kent, and attended school in Tonbridge. After spending two years in South Africa I started an 18 year career in Agriculture, working for the Potato Marketing Board in Kent and Devon. I was admitted to the Office of Reader and first licensed to Shorne Parish in 1978. I have been licensed to St Thomas since 2002. My interests include sailing, theatre and local government.

Full Info
St Thomas Clergy Team

Liz Dunbar, Lay Pioneer Community Worker

Details

My name is Liz and I am a Licensed Lay Pioneer Community Worker at St Thomas. I trained in Pioneer Mission and in 2025 became the first licensed lay pioneer in the Diocese of Exeter! I am passionate about expanding how we think about and do mission as the Church, and am always looking for new ideas for ways to engage our community and share the transformational love of God. When not working, I enjoy walking, cycling, dancing, and yoga.

Full Info