“His tireless service was a model for us all. His care of the clergy, the parishes and the schools made a huge impact on the diocese, which is so much stronger because of his ministry.
“We wish him and Sally God’s richest blessing.”
The appointment of the new bishop, the Venerable Richard Blackburn, was made by the Queen and announced at Warrington Town Hall in August.
He will come to the Diocese of Liverpool in November from his current role as Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham to take over from Bishop David.
The future bishop was introduced in a short ceremony in which he was welcomed by Bishop James, the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Brian Axcell, and council chief executive Diana Terris.
The Bishop-in-waiting is a theology graduate who formerly worked as a banker before being ordained.
He has been based in Sheffield for the past 17 years, and will move to Merseyside with wife Helen. His four grown up children will remain in Yorkshire and London.
The future Bishop Richard will be officially welcomed to the diocese in a cathedral ceremony on November 7.
It will follow his consecration at a special service at York Minster on November 3.
