THE DISSENTING VOTE

MUSICAL FEASTS

NEW FACES IN THIS ISSUE

6 MUSICAL FEASTS A roadmap for the journey

8 PAINTING THE STARS PETER’S Suggestions from participants PERSPECTIVE 9 ANGLICAN FOUNDATION Something to think about p. 4 10 THE COLDEST NIGHT Raising money for St.. Matthew’s House

11 BOOK REVIEW When “spiritual but not religious” is not enough

12 PROPERTY MANAGER THE A familiar face DISSENTING VOTE 15 VESTRY SUNDAY SERMON Looking back, looking forward p. 13

18 3...2...1...CONTACT Diane & Peter Dent

21 SUNDAY SCHOOL Who are those two? AROUND 22 FINANCIAL UPDATE THE BAY

24 MY REASONS FOR WRITING Looking for God? p. 25

26 A WORD FROM OUR ARCHIVIST Dean Abbott

FROM THE EDITOR

HAPPY EASTER Making connections by Anne Harvey

In looking over last year’s Easter issue of Con- Now don’t get me wrong; I’m as bad as the next tact, I realized that it’s one year since we person. I check my email, use text all the time launched our website. All organizations need a on my phone, and watch movies on my comput- web presence and in fact, without Twitter and er. I would like to think, though, that we could Facebook as well, we’re lagging behind. It all stop and smell the roses from time to time; seems second nature to many of us now to have a real conversation with someone, read a “Google” any information we might want and book, or write a letter (while there still is snail we expect to be able to access information in- mail). Moderation in all things. stantly 24/7. My kids think we’re crazy to still keep a phone book in the house. It’s an antique Here’s your chance to engage with your fellow door stop or booster seat—you’d never use it to parishioners (even if you are doing it electroni- actually look up a phone number. That’s what cally). This issue of Contact introduces some canada411.com is for! new faces, Olivia & Ian Brown, a familiar face in a different role, Derek Smith, and some faces In the same way, we use our cell phones to com- of “long standing” around the Cathedral, the municate without really having to Dents, in a more in-depth look. As well, we get “communicate”. It’s actually too much trouble to hear from a face we no longer see, Richard now to dial a phone number and have a phone Berryman, in a reprint of one of his Hamilton conversation. There’s all that “how are you” Spectator pieces. And of course, it’s Eastertide, and “fine thanks, how are you” stuff to get over so we can read about what we can look forward with before you can get down to brass tacks. to musically and The Dean’s thoughts on the Better to just send a text—“Get milk”—and get season. We celebrate some accomplishments on with our busy lives. and are challenged by John Bradley to reflect and pray about our financial engagement with How did we get here? It always seems like a the Cathedral. good idea—convenience, efficiency, ease of use but somehow we have just created a layer of dis- Take time over the wonderful liturgies of Holy tance and insulation between each other. We Week, Easter and beyond to make a connection can’t escape work obligations, we can’t escape with your fellow travelers at Christ’s Church social obligations, and we can’t truly make a Cathedral—don’t be texting your Alleluias! human connection. We’re wedded to our tech- nology. Happy Easter to you all from Paula & me! 

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PETER’S PERSPECTIVE

GOOD FRIDAY The stillness and signs of light by Peter Wall †

One of my favorite times in the Cathedral is that stillness; for the distinctive silence of that very early on Good Friday morning – the time morning to enfold me, to comfort me, to disturb after the darkness of the Maundy Thursday me. That stillness continues, for me, right up overnight Vigil has past, but before folks begin until the moment when we bring the sacrament to arrive for Good Friday service. For many, upstairs from the Altar of Repose – a little bit of many years I have seemed to spend the early light, a white covering for the altar, a gleaming hours of Good Friday morning in a church – silver chalice, a slight swatch of purple in the many years ago it was to warm up my voice and Priest’s stole – all of these bring life into the dry to practice for things like The Reproaches or bones which have surrounded me. And I feel The Passion. For the last 25 years or so it has Easter coming on! been to get ready for what, for me, has always been one of the most important of moments – The annual rhythm of these rites and acts is an the Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday. (It still annual rehearsal, for me, of life. Life which, at involves warming up my voice and thinking times, is desolate and lonely; life which at times about singing – there really is nothing new un- seems enveloped in despair; life which at times der the sun!) seems only describable by words which leave us wondering why and seeking comfort. But the It is the stillness that always moves me—even same rehearsal – that moment of the presence of though all we have really taken out of the Christ in the consecrated sacrament from Maun- church on Maundy Thursday night is ‘things’ dy Thursday night and its achingly beautiful sto- and the place really is no more silent than it of- ry of that last night’s supper presages and pre- ten is when I am first there, which happens reg- pares me for the great rehearsal to come – Holy ularly, weekdays and weekends, but there is a Saturday morning when we gather to decorate, holy longing and deep serenity in that ‘empty’ to adorn, to beautify once again; Saturday even- stillness. I know, intellectually (and theologi- ing when we dance in the new light and shout cally) that Jesus has not left me, or us; I know ourselves hoarse with our Alleluias; Easter Day that God is still reigning in God’s world on when we ring and sing and exult in this new day Good Friday morning, just as on every other which dawns around us and all of the world. morning. And yet, in the midst of all that, there is this significant – and I know only symbolic, None of this means that all the dark things will really – but still palpable sense of nothing, of not continue to happen; none of them will keep plainness, or desolation, of loneliness. me from the sadness and sorrows which each week - sometimes each day - will bring to me It is important for me to recognize and realize (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 4) and to those I love and serve. But, because of those rehearsals of light and sound; of bell, book, and bath; of joyful Alleluias, none will be without hope and confidence and peace and ex- ultant, constant resurrection. But without that quite wonderful and moving emptiness of Good Friday morning; without that stillness which brings with it such profound prayer and longing, it somehow would not be the same. Easter Services As you and I, as a community of those enliv- ened and blessed by belief, by faith, by question, and by grace keep those wonderful acts this year; as we rehearse, as part of our annual walk Passion Sunday, April 13 to Easter, all of those Glorias and Hosannas, 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms & may that stillness, so deep and so important, rest Holy Eucharist in and among us all. Monday, April 14 & Wednesday, April 16 The happiest of Easters – of Holy Weeks – of Holy Eucharist paschal joy - be with you all.  7:30 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 12:15 p.m. Bishop’s Eucharist

Passages Maundy Thursday, April 17 6:00 p.m. Pot Luck Supper Deaths 7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist & Foot Washing Harcourt Bull December 19, 2013 Vigil (in the Columbarium) from end of 7:30 Helen Rice January 8, 2014 service to 11:00 am Friday Bev Johnston January 9, 2014 12:00 a.m. The Way of the Cross Richard Berryman January 27, 2014

John Bothwell January 28, 2014 Good Friday, April 18 Joyce Mitchell February 3, 2014 11:00 a.m. Solemn Liturgy Ann Macdonald February 13, 2014 Roy Pennington March 14, 2014 Holy Saturday, April 19 Phyllis Veary March 30, 2014 9:00 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter Followed by Resurrection Party

Marriage Easter Day, April 20

10:30 a.m. Procession & Festival Eucharist Amy Elizabeth Stirling & Derek Alan Meharg - February 21, 2014

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THE MUSICAL DRAMA OF HOLY WEEK

MUSICAL FEASTS A roadmap for the journey by Michael Bloss

Holy Week music traces the path of Jesus from Of course there are the “standards” – the choral the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm works and hymns which define any Holy Week Sunday through to the glorious shouts of the – as well as newer compositions for choir and Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The liturgical for congregational singing which add even fur- drama journeying as it does between those two ther pathos. signposts is very rich indeed and includes spe- cific readings, hymns, choral and instrumental The Palm Sunday music and processions. Together with other proclamation Hosan- gestures this progression from Death to Life is na to the Son of David given expression. is a classic for this day. This work, in its Holy Week invites us to witness to our Lord’s polyphonic mastery, Death and Passion culminating in the Resurrec- comes closest to styl- tion. Music plays a key role in dramatizing the izing the crowds texts of this progression both in congregational shouting “Hosanna!” and choral singing. You will have listened to I love how each vocal the changing moods and textures of this music part joins in this as it supports the various services of Holy theme and the stirring Week. These services are all acts of a profound, bass line at the con- transformative drama, one of the reasons we clusion is a telling publish the Triduum (Maundy Thursday through effect. The multitude of its printed and manu- to Easter Sunday) in one bulletin. script sources in the 17th century indicates its popularity even then. We take up our own rau- We ought to feel drained after this week and for cous shouts as Music in Community take us the choir certainly, this statement can truly be from Myler Hall to the Cathedral steps. As we made! But in that exhaustion also comes a cer- discard the palms midway through the Palm tain redemptive moment. For me, the music of Sunday liturgy we move to the passion with no this week is deeply evocative and I wanted to more heartfelt a setting of Ave Verum than the share what this musical drama means to me. one composed by William Byrd, sung at com- (Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 6) as the organ rocks to life, largely silent since the start of Lent, we are restored once again to munion. I adore the word painting around the brightness. I enjoy those improvisational mo- text “Miserere” (have mercy) where voices ments when the excitement and glory of the mo- move in and out of harmonic focus. ment can be given voice by the manipulation of pipes and air. Good Friday begins in silence and starkness. Out of this arises a choral song about Christ’s Easter Vigil is but an appetizer for me to the cry to God about abandonment, Tenebrae factae musical feasts of Easter Sunday. I have always sunt, and yet concludes in a simple chord. Later loved the two anthems Hilariter and Christ Our a simple triadic singing of the Ave Verum text Passover by former Washington Cathedral mu- continues this plaintive soulfulness. I love these sician, Richard Dirksen. And what a treat it is pieces for their very simplicity and muted disso- to have the Trillium Brass, tympani and organ nance in setting the stage for the liturgical texts join their voices to those anthems and also the to come. That they are also written recently by hymns. I love procession Sundays, and the tune Canadian composers portrays a vibrant creativi- and text to Hail Thee, Festival Day simply an- ty in our musical communities sensitive to text nounces the majesty and energy of that first and emotion. The Good Friday liturgy features Easter Day! I have been playing the Widor a singing of the Passion story itself. I am al- Toccata every Easter Sunday for as long as I ways moved, especially at this Cathedral, by the remember and yet every Easter it seems new to power of the three unaccompanied voices repre- me – though others who know me seem to sug- senting the scriptural recitation. The Reproach- gest it keeps on getting faster each year! es by the contemporary composer John Sanders (pronounced “Saunders”) gives voice to the an- Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He Is Risen indeed! guished pain of Jesus remonstrating with His Alleluia! resounds with great depth each Easter people through conflicted and aching harmonic exactly because of the musical and liturgical progressions. These powerful and searing anti- journey we experience to be able to reach that phons and responses are sufficiently for me a point of exclamation.  central musico-liturgical element of Good Fri- day. Then, as a proverbial musical salve, the Crux Fidelis completes the service. A simple yet moving four part piece, I enjoy how the text is expressed in a harmonic texture which finds beauty in the very cross which bore such pain only moments earlier.

I have come to love Easter Vigil for its depth and movement from darkness into light. The seemingly suspended time in candlelight read- ing scripture followed by psalms sung in differ- ent ways gives me a chance to take a moment to listen to the story of redemption in the midst of musical preoccupation and responsibility. Then The Trillium Brass Quintet

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PAINTING THE STARS

EVOLVING CHURCH Suggestions from participants by Bill Thomas †

In the sixth session of “Painting the Stars – Sci- 4. Removing the “Agnus Dei” from regular ence, Religion, and an Evolving Faith”, partici- use in the Eucharist. pants were asked to describe one thing they would change about church that they thought 5. Not lapsing into superficial entertainment in would most help the church to evolve and adapt the attempt to increase attendance at wor- to the changing scientific, technological, social ship. and cultural environment that surrounds us. 6. Drop the use of the Nicene and Apostolic In particular, how do we respond to the common Creeds in regular services, and replacing public views of biblical literacy, original sin, them with modern language statements of heaven, and hell, which promote a faith based faith in a contemporary cosmology and on guilt and fear, rather than one based on love, metaphysic. awe and freedom? 7. Engaging the congregation at large in the The following is a summary of the suggestions, development of a clear and concise mission in the order in which they surfaced. statement, printed weekly in the bulletin, and perhaps included as a collect for the 1. Providing a “safe space for conversation” parish in every service. during the Art Crawl, and other open houses, in which people would be encouraged to talk 8. Developing a wider variety of liturgies – about anything that concerns them with cler- including some prepared from scratch by gy or other trained volunteers. our worship teams on a monthly or bi- monthly basis 2. Providing a storefront “church/drop-in” on James Street during the proposed re- 9. Invite external folks (other Christian denom- development. inations, other faiths) to offer critical com- ments on the experience of our worship, and 3. Dropping all references to “Original Sin” the way in which we respond to & involve and related assumptions in our liturgies, and strangers. hymns. (Continued on page 9)

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(Continued from page 8) ANGLICAN FOUNDATION

10. Try having clergy lead worship in contem- Something to Think About… porary clothes, or include explanations of the symbolisms of clergy vestments. (Or , as For many years, I have been a proud member of in orthodox practice, include the vesting of The Anglican Foundation of Canada, an out- the clergy as part of the liturgy). reach of our church begun in 1957 as a direct response to the Springhill, NS mine disaster. 11. More relaxed ceremony (less military-like Originally conceived as a fund to which each precision) in worship services. parish in the country would contribute $50.00 in order to be a ‘member’, The Foundation has gone on, over the last 50 plus years to be a ma- 12. More use of various seating arrangements, jor arm of generosity, stewardship, and philan- more worship “in the round”. thropy in our church. Now managing several million dollars, the Foundation helps parishes, 13. Detailed plan to welcome and involve St. dioceses, ecclesiastical provinces, theological Luke’s parishioners, and celebrate their use colleges, and national programmes every year. Through a combination of grants and loans, the of ceremonial actions in some of our wor- Foundation spreads several hundred thousand ship services. dollars around our church and its ministries each year. It has helped many, many parishes with 14. Encourage the expansion of the Art Crawl to specific building needs (including our own Ca- include not only art & history, but also reli- thedral) and funding for innovative and creative gious and spiritual diversity. ministry initiatives. It helps parishes and church institutions to manage foundation dollars in a most effective and responsible way. It has had 15. Allow laity to preach, celebrate communion, at its helm an amazing line of wonderful Execu- and to add agape meals to our informal gath- tive Directors who have led with wisdom and erings, such as AF&F. insight. It has been a particular pleasure of mine to have served for several years (and am 16. Establish formal links with the Anglican di- serving again for a new term) as an elected Di- vinity students at McMaster to provide pas- rector of the Foundation. Through all of this, toral experience, and to include our clergy the Foundation still welcomes and is largely supported by its members – a membership can and laity as adjunct faculty in the conduct of be as little as $50.00 per year. some courses. I invite you to consider, seriously and prayerful- 17. Encourage more interfaith & cross cultural ly, becoming a member. Our Diocese, one of celebrations (such as an art show depicting the most richly resourced and blessed in the Ca- nadian church, has very few members. Some Creation form the viewpoint of various reli- are here in the Cathedral. So come and join me gions, science, etc.) (and people like Bishop Fricker, a long term member) and others in something very special. 18. Promote discussion of these suggestions in I assure you a great adventure will follow! the Contact. ■ Speak to me about membership at any time!

PAW†

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THE COLDEST NIGHT

FUNDRAISING WALK

Raising money St. Matthew’s House

by Janina Vanderpost

On Saturday evening, February 22, walkers According to the website, Coldest Night of the from the Christ’s Church Cathedral team and Year is a “family-friendly walking fundraiser other downtown Hamilton teams braved the icy that raises money for the hungry, homeless and sidewalks and cool temperatures to raise funds hurting in 65 communities across Canada. for St Matthew’s House in a national event or- Since 2011, Coldest Night has raised $2.4 mil- ganized as Coldest Night of the Year. lion dollars [note: does not include 2014 fund- raising of $2,512,716] for Canadian charities. In all, Christ’s Church Cathedral raised $6,657 Coldest Night of the Year partners with selected for St Matthew’s House. The Hamilton down- organizations to support their work to bring town teams together raised $35,169, and the hope, help and education to those on the mar- City of Hamilton overall, with teams walking gins in their town or city, in the cold winter for St. Matthew’s House and, on the Mountain, months when giving is scarce and resources are for Neighbour to Neighbour, raised a total of dwindling.” The whole operation is organized, $90,904, placing 6th in fundraising among all promoted and administered by Blue Sea Philan- participating cities across Canada. A most laud- thropy, a Canadian charitable foundation. able achievement as 2014 was the first year the City of Hamilton had been asked to participate. Money is raised by volunteers who find spon- sors for their 2km, 5 km or 10 km walks. At the For Christ’s Church Cathedral, it all began in Cathedral, volunteers quickly stepped up to the January when a notice appeared in the Cathe- plate and in no time were approaching family, dral’s weekly bulletin, Chronicle, saying a team friends, co-workers and other parishioners to leader was needed for Coldest Night of the support this most worthy cause. John Bradley, Year. Please contact Brian Reusch in the Dioce- Tom Davidson, Jennifer Early, Ann Fricker, san office, the notice said. Anne Harvey, Tom Komaromi, and our Dean, the Very Rev. Peter Wall all signed on as trek- Having no idea what Coldest Night of the Year kers. was, I plunged in anyway and advised Brian that I would volunteer. I then went to the Coldest On walk night, the Cathedral, the start and finish Night website to find out what I had committed point for all three downtown routes, was abuzz myself to do. The website is a busy one and it as members of several downtown teams, in ad- took some time to sort out what Coldest Night dition to the Cathedral team, submitted their was all about, and put together a couple of pages pledge sheets, were signed in, and received of information to share with our parishioners Coldest Night of the Year toques as a memento and to recruit walkers. (Continued on page 11)

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(Continued from page 10) BOOK REVIEW of their efforts. by Anne Harvey Cathedral walkers were both proud and enlight- ened by this experience. As one said,” I am When “Spiritual But Not Reli- glad that I did the walk. My motivation to keep gious” Is Not Enough: Seeing going on the 10km walk was knowing what God in Surprising Places, Even good it was doing for our charity. I walked the Church most of it alone but when I got back to the church the fine homemade soup and chili really by Lillian Daniel made me feel part of all. I would do it again in New York: Jericho Books. a heart beat to help out the less fortunate. Hey, 2013 isn't that what Anglicans are about.” The cover of this book caught my eye (a work-

place hazard for library employees) and I picked Another walker had a more difficult time but it up, intrigued by the title. How often have we soldiered on. “I did the 10k. [Others] passed heard this statement in contemporary conversa- me about halfway through the walk [and] I was tion — “I’m spiritual but not religious” from now the tail end of the 10k walkers. At Queen people who have moved away from the estab- and Bold the St. John’s Ambulance truck lished church to the Sunday morning religion of stopped and asked me if I was OK since I was yoga, jogging, newspaper reading etc. limping a bit and not going fast. They said they would check on me as I completed the walk. Lillian Daniel, a minister in the United Church When I got to St. John the Evangelist, they were of Christ in Chicago, has written a collection of waiting for me [and] offered to drive me the rest humourous pieces about the church life, the of the route but I said I would complete the flaws of communities of faith as well as the re- walk. I got to the Cathedral about 2hrs and 15 wards of being part of that community. minutes after I left. The St. John’s guys shook my hand as I staggered into Cathedral Place and The stories run the full range from Sing, Sing to I thanked them for shadowing me. I had a little prayer shawl groups; from yoga class to a guitar chili with the Dean and others and was home by -playing sexton. Her observations about faith, 9:00 pm. I really enjoyed participating!” spirituality, and the church in contemporary so- ciety are spot on. This book is a light, quick More than one walker commented that “one of read that acknowledges that the church has done the most important experiences on the walk was some embarrassing things in the past that none seeing poverty at street level as a pedestri- of us would want to be associated with but then an. When you drive on Barton Street you don't so have human beings generally. But together, really see the street life closely. When you walk in the church, Christians stumble forward col- by, you have the time to see into the homes, lectively, tenderly caring for one another. empty store fronts, and really see the level of “Being privately spiritual but not religious just need.” doesn’t interest me. There is nothing challeng-

ing about having deep thoughts all by oneself. Besides raising funds this, of course, is another What is interesting is doing this work in com- important purpose of walking on a winter night munity…” though the streets of needy neighbourhoods. One gets to understand the hardship at a whole Pick it up and have a read. If nothing else, new and more personal level. ■ you’ll learn that a good place to hide your gin is inside the raw chicken in the fridge. ■

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PROPERTY MANAGER

A FAMILIAR FACE In a new role

by Derek Smith

Greetings Contact Readers! cal instruments including the piano, ukulele, guitar and banjo. I would love the chance to I believe I know most of you from services and play a little Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire events at Church, but I thought I would take the on the organ one day! opportunity to add to this issue of Contact by telling you a little bit about myself and my new Our family was very excited when the Bishop of career as the Property Manager here at Cathe- Niagara, the Right Rev. Michael Bird, who is dral Place. now the third Bishop I have been closely linked with, personally offered me the position as the I have been part of the Anglican community Property Manager. After prayerfully consider- since the Right Rev. Walter Asbil sprinkled a ing we decided that the job would pose some little water on my head at St. George’s in St. challenges, but the benefits and my “fit” were Catharines back in 1972. I have been connected perfect and far out-weighed the challenges. Be- to this Diocese for a long time with stops at St. ing familiar with the building from my time John’s in Thorold (my childhood home) where working as verger and my knowledge of the An- the Right Rev. Ralph Spence was Rector. A glican Church should benefit me along the way. brief stop worshiping for 3 years in the Diocese So far, all of my co-workers have been friendly of Huron in Comber. Then in 2002, my wife and very helpful and I definitely appreciate their Corrina and I moved to Hamilton and have been patience with the “New Guy”. members of the Cathedral for 12 years. During this time we have grown to love this place and So if you see a light bulb out, a loose screw (in have baptized both of our daughters, Darrah (9) the building, not my head!) or the toilet is and Darla (2), here at the Cathedral. clogged just let me know!

I am a very committed Hamilton Tiger Cats fan, (At coffee hour please, I am a parishioner first love the Buffalo Sabres along with the Buffalo and my office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday Bills, and of course the Toronto Blue Jays. I to Friday) also love country music and prefer the likes of the Outlaws including Willie Nelson, Waylon Just Kidding! Jennings and George Jones. I play a few musi- Your Friend in Christ . 

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THE DISSENTING VOTE

WHY WE TITHE Giving back is an honour not an obligation

by John Bradley

Growing up, we really didn’t have much money. They’d never know. Fortunately my potential Don’t get me wrong, there was always food on life of crime was cut short as one of my younger the table, a warm bed at night and gifts under sisters had followed me into the room and asked the Christmas tree. With my dad working at what I was doing. Stelco and my mom only working outside the home one day a week, there wasn’t much money Reflecting back, I realize that my parents were left over for “extras”. teaching us an important lesson. Every week 10% of my dad’s pay went into that jar. My dad Despite the scarcity of money, every week a ra- could easily have reduced the amount he put in ther thick roll (at least in the eyes of a child) of the jar, but he held deep convictions that every- bills was placed in a jar in the top drawer of my thing he had came from God. My parents, even father’s dresser. The money would stay there when times were tough, always tithed their earn- until Sunday morning when it was taken out and ings and taught their children the importance of carefully placed in the offering envelope and giving to God the “first fruits” of one’s earnings. transported to Church where it was placed in the Recently I thanked my parents for their faithful- collection plate. At the fundamentalist Church ness. They looked at me with a rather puzzled my family attended the offering plate was actu- look. I reminded them of the jar in Dad’s draw- ally a purple bag. Years later I realized how er and they were amazed. They said they were much it resembled a “Crown Royal” bag! always very private about money and didn’t mean to be so overt. Perhaps I was just overly I remember times when I asked for a new pair of curious, but their simple, quiet actions spoke “cool” Levi Jeans or some other trendy item. volumes to me about what it is to be generous My parents carefully explained that we lived on with the blessings God has given you. a budget so there just wasn't any spare money around for things we really didn’t need. For a Well, I’m no longer a little boy and am certainly time I came to resent the roll of money in my no longer a “fundamentalist”, but the lessons dad’s dresser drawer. I often wondered why we learned as a child have stuck. Lori-Lyn and I do couldn’t just dip into that money as it looked tithe our earnings. God has blessed us with like the jar always contained more than enough much, giving back to Him really is an honour money for a pair of jeans or shoes. One time not an obligation. I share this with you not to when I was a young teen, I remember going into boast, but simply to demonstrate that it can be my parents’ room, opening the dresser drawer done. and contemplating lifting a $20 bill out of the jar. Surely my parents wouldn’t miss the bill. (Continued on page 14)

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(Continued from page 13) At the recent Vestry meeting I spoke about the need to honour God with our resources, not as a duty but an honour to give to God’s work. I’ve been told that Anglicans don’t like to talk about money. As I wasn’t raised in the Anglican Church, I’ve not developed the same aversion.

Tithing, or giving 10% of one’s earnings is an Old Testament teaching. Perhaps one could argue that it doesn’t apply to us. Given the absence of any other teaching in the New Testament to replace the concept of tithing, then I think we must give it consideration.

What percent of your income are you giving to the Church and other charities? Do the math. If it is only 2 or 3%, why is it not higher? Our spending patterns reveal our priorities. Should not giving back to God for his work be a high priority?

This year’s budget is based upon a 2% in- crease in giving. Honestly, if we are not giv- ing back to God his due, then we should not be bound by a 2% increase when we may need to increase our giving by much more. This is why I was the dissenting vote against the budget. Not because I disagree with how the Corporation proposes we spend, but ra- ther because we should be giving according to how God has blessed us, not out of a sense of obligation to increase our giving by a mere 2%.

Before completing your intention form, take some time to reflect and pray. How much more should you really give and then plan towards achieving that level of giving. If you are only giving 3% of your income, increase your giving each year by 1 or 2% of your in- come until you achieve the goal of 10%. It might seem impossible, but without that new pair of “cool” Levi jeans it is achievable. ■

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VESTRY SUNDAY

THE YEAR IN REVIEW Looking back, looking forward

by Peter Wall † See I have set before you today life and prosperi- blessings and our confidence in the work that she ty; death and adversity……Choose life so that you is doing there. In the prolonged absence of the and your descendants may live, loving the Lord Dean, we welcomed in a new way a close and your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; cherished friend, whose presence here is so im- for that means life to you and length of days, so portant and who is staying with us, bringing his that you may live in the lands that the Lord swore deeply honed skills, his particular and pleasant to give to your ancestors….. pastoral personality, and his warmth and gracious- ness to all that we do. When a community such as this gathers to cele- brate its annual meeting, the one we call Vestry, It was a year in which we were pleased and we do so in three different ways. I use the verb blessed to add to the beauty of our surroundings celebrate very deliberately for it is looking back to some magnificent vestments and altar dressings, our past, in a heightened awareness of our present, reminding us of particular gifts in this community and with a clear view towards our future that we and of the wonderful presence and example of two contemplate ourselves, our mission, and our min- such close friends. istry on this Vestry Sunday. It was a year in which the impressive talents of As I look back on 2013, I find a year rich with one Mr. Michael Bloss thrilled and moved us generosity, blessed with attention to vision and deeply, and a year in which he continued to devel- justice, armed with clarity about our mission to op and hone our choir, and even added a new per- God’s world, and a year in which we deepened forming ensemble in our midst –The Cathedral faith, welcomed the lost home, and held fast, as Choristers. Through his regular practice of offer- Deuteronomy exhorts us, to the life and prosperity ing a brief organ recital before any of our Sunday promised us. It was not a year in which every- afternoon services, he has increased our Evensong thing went exactly as we would have wanted; it attendance and helped make us ‘known’ through- had its share of ups and downs. It was a year out this community. Continued Art Crawls, Mak- which, for me personally, included the generosity ers’ Markets, Super Crawl, Tuesday morning out- of this place to allow me, yea, to encourage me, to reach; welcoming various community groups. spend some time away – time in reflections and relaxation, time in exploring and reading; time in We honoured our role as Cathedral, and wel- the adventures of travel to exotic places! It was a comed the Diocese in many ways and at many year in which we said some particularly difficult times for special celebrations. You particularly goodbyes. continued to support the Diocese by allowing me to serve the Diocese in a variety of ways, always It was a year in which we enjoyed the pastoral and being available to the Bishop and the Senior Staff, liturgical presence of Sue Channen and in which along with my attendance at weekly Diocesan we sent her off to Nova Scotia and PEI with our (Continued on page 20)

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April/May 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

13 14 15 16 17 Maundy 18 19 Passion Sunday Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Thursday Good Friday Easter Holy Eucharist 7:30 am 7:30 am 7:30 am & Pot Luck Supper Solemn Liturgy Decorating 8:30 12:15 6:00 11:00 9:30 am Bible Study Meal Tickets Holy Eucharist Lectio Divina 10:30 9 -11 Prayer Shawl & Foot Washing Holy Saturday 9:45—10:15 Knitting 1-3 7:30 followed by The Great Vigil Holy Eucharist Bishop’s Eu- Vigil in Colum- of Easter 9 pm Choral 12:15 charist 12:15 Choristers barium until followed by Eucharist 10:30 Rehearsal 9:00 am Friday Resurrection 7:30 pm The Way of the Party Cross 12:00 am

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Easter Day Cathedral Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Community Procession & Place closed 7:30 am 12:15 12:15 Sisters Festival Eucharist Holy Eucharist Breakfast 9:30 10:30 am 12:15 Prayer Shawl Mulberry Café (one service only) Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 9 -11 Holy Eucharist 12:15 27 28 29 30 May 1 2 3 Holy Eucharist Bible Study Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Youth Synod 8:30 10:30 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 Lectio Divina Holy Eucharist 12:15 Prayer Shawl Choir Practice 9:45—10:15 12:15 Knitting 1-3 7:30 Youth Synod Meal Tickets Choral Outreach 5 pm 9 -11 Eucharist 10:30 Meeting 5:30 Confirmation 4 pm Choristers Rehearsal 7:30 pm

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Holy Eucharist Bible Study Community Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist 8:30 10:30 Prayer Break- 12:15 12:15 12:15 Lectio Divina fast at Liuna Prayer Shawl Makers’ Market Holy Eucharist 9:45—10:15 Stn. 7:30 am Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice 7 - 10 pm 12:15 Choral Holy Eucharist Choristers 7:30 Art Crawl Eucharist 10:30 AF&F 6-8 pm 12:15 Rehearsal 7 - 11 pm with members of Meal Tickets 7:30 pm Youth Synod 9 -11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Holy Bible Study Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Eucharist 8:30 10:30 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 Lectio Divina 12:15 Prayer Shawl 9:45—10:15 Holy Eucharist Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice Choral 12:15 9 -11 Choristers 7:30 Eucharist 10:30 PECC Rehearsal Meeting 3:30 7:30 pm

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May/June 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Holy Eucharist Cathedral Place Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Community 8:30 Closed for 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 Sisters Lectio Divina Victoria Day Prayer Shawl Breakfast 9:30 9:45—10:15 Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice Mulberry Café Choral 9 -11 Choristers 7:30 Eucharist 10:30 Rehearsal Holy Eucharist 7:30 pm 12:15 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Holy Eucharist Bible Study 10:30 Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist 8:30 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 12:15 Lectio Divina Prayer Shawl 9:45—10:15 Holy Eucharist Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice Choral 12:15 9 -11 Choristers 7:30 Eucharist 10:30 Rehearsal 7:30 pm

June 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Holy Eucharist Bible Study 10:30 Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist 8:30 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 12:15 Lectio Divina Holy Eucharist Prayer Shawl 9:45—10:15 12:15 Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice Choral 9 -11 Choristers 7:30 Eucharist 10:30 AF&F 6-8 pm Rehearsal 7:30 pm 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Holy Eucharist Bible Study 10:30 Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist 8:30 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 12:15 Lectio Divina Prayer Shawl Makers’ Market 9:45—10:15 Holy Eucharist Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice 7 - 10 pm Choral 12:15 9 -11 Choristers 7:30 Art Crawl Eucharist 10:30 Rehearsal 7 - 11 pm

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Holy Eucharist Bible Study 10:30 Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist 8:30 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 12:15 Lectio Divina Holy Eucharist Prayer Shawl 9:45—10:15 12:15 Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice Choral 9 -11 Choristers 7:30 Eucharist 10:30 Endowment Com- Rehearsal Confirmation mittee Meeting 7:30 pm 4:00 5:30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Holy Eucharist Bible Study 10:30 Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist Community 8:30 7:30 am & 12:15 12:15 12:15 Sisters Lectio Divina Prayer Shawl Breakfast 9:30 9:45—10:15 Holy Eucharist Meal Tickets Knitting 1-3 Choir Practice Mulberry Café Choral 12:15 9 -11 Choristers 7:30 Holy Eucharist Eucharist 10:30 Rehearsal 12:15 7:30 pm

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3...2...1...CONTACT

DIANE GOWER DENT The BCP, Chocolate and France

What is your idea of a perfect day? What is the one thing that you most look forward to at the Cathedral? Anywhere with my husband Peter, family and friends especially enjoying an outdoor activi- Not just one thing but the liturgy, fellowship, ty. a sermon with a message and inspiring hymns. Why did you choose the Cathedral as your spiritual home? If you could change one thing at the Cathedral, what would it be? After Peter completed four years of immunol-

ogy training in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we Keep The Book of Common Prayer as a ser- moved back to Canada and to McMaster. We vice and the book along with the Bible in the rented a home in Ancaster and attended St pews. On the way home from the Morning John’s Ancaster. When Martha Mitchell, a Prayer church service when I was about 12 parishioner at St John’s, learned we had years old, my father asked us to define un- bought a house in Hamilton, she arranged a feignedly as we had prayed that morning dinner for us with Argue Martin, his daughter “give us that due sense of all mercies that our Sanci Richardson and son-in-law Peter. Since hearts may be unfeignedly thankful”. I think we wanted a church closer to home, they all of my father when we pray that prayer. Dur- suggested we attend Christ’s Church Cathe- ing the Lord’s Prayer and many old hymns, I dral where Argue was a member and Peter, the hear the voice of my mother beside me pray- financial consultant. As a result, in 1969 we ing and singing. When my mother was 100 joined the cathedral. We did visit many An- but with eye sight not the best, she could still glican churches in Hamilton to make sure we participate fully in the church service because had made the right choice. The music, the ar- she knew Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer chitecture and the arrival in 1972 of Priest Joa- and The Communion Service by heart. For chim Fricker and Musical Director Donald me the Book of Alternatives and a paper or- Kendrick confirmed our choice to make the der of service lack the ancestral touch, the cathedral our home. time for reflection and spirituality.

(Continued on page 20)

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3...2...1...CONTACT

PETER DENT Cinnabon, the Golden Rule and Florida

What is your idea of a perfect day? commitment. In some churches there have been special contemporary services for just A perfect day is one in which every number I such audiences. Using the same logic, I call on the phone connects right away to the would like the Cathedral to have special tra- person I am calling, all my electronic equip- ditional services for those long time Angli- ment and appliances work as advertised, and cans who seem to have left or at least have everyone I come in to contact with lives by been left behind by the changes that have oc- the Golden Rule. curred.

Why did you chose the Cathedral as your Which living person do you most admire? spiritual home? This is really an impossible question. There Diane and I chose the Cathedral as our spir- are so many people who give selflessly of itual home because after trial and error it was themselves in so many different ways, from most like what we were used to in terms of Warren Buffett who gave away vast sums of liturgy, sermons, music, and programs for money and urged others to do the same, to infants and children. Malala who almost gave her life to defend her right to be educated, to Jack and Lillian What is one thing that you most look forward Dougherty who every Sunday lovingly look to at the cathedral? after our treasured archivist, Katharine Greenfield. I look forward most to be able to worship in a holy place where one can really feel the pres- What would be your desert island pick for a ence of God. book, a piece of music and food?

If you could change one thing at the Book: The collected works of Robertson Cathedral, what would it be? Davies Music: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen sung Over the years there have been many changes by k. d. lang in her CD “hymns of the 49th at the Cathedral and in the Anglican Com- parallel” munion, some good (and necessary), some Food: Cinnabon not good (and unnecessary). Many of the changes have been instituted to try to attract Where would your dream vacation spot be? young people and people searching for a faith Gasparilla Island Florida. ■

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(Diane Gower Dent Continued from page 18) Present: sound financial shape; although always Which living person do you most admire? seemingly precarious. Welcoming newcomers and Although no longer alive on this earth, I seekers to this congregation. We are surviving a admire Nelson Mandela but also Desmond notably difficult winter, with greatly diminished Tutu Sister Teresa, Pope Frances and the numbers because of an aging population and ap- Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish, au- propriate concern among many for being out thor of I Shall Not Hate. These are indi- ‘while the elements around us are madly raging’, viduals who were able to forgive those who as the hymn says. wronged them. I find it very, very, diffi- cult to forgive those who are mean and We also are experiencing, right now, some very nasty to me, my family and friends. sad deaths and the absence of many of our friends will be felt for a long time to come. What would be your desert island pick for a book, a piece of music and food? Future: We will continue to worship, to work, to Book - The Bible – I keep promising my- reach out. I hope that we will continue to grow – I self to read the Bible cover to cover. I hope that each of you will notice who is not here even purchased The Two Year Bible but I with us on a continuing basis and call them, invite have not made time to read it. I should them… have time on a desert island. I foresee a year of continued financial challenges: Music – Chris de Burgh best known for his We are good at meeting them. The generosity of crafted lyrics dealing with history, religion this congregation is legendary throughout the Dio- and other universal themes. cese; we will need to continue and deepen that re- sponse. The budget for building maintenance and Food – I would take lots of bread to sustain major repair is, in the opinion of some, woefully me. I try not to eat very much bread, but it inadequate; therefore we will need to find creative is the staff of life. I would miss my daily ways of dealing with this magnificent asset. intake of good chocolate or double choco- late fudge brownies with vanilla ice cream I am excited by the appointment of a new Cathe- and chocolate sauce along with a stash of dral Place Property Manager: Mr. Derek Smith, Anne-Louise Watt’s meringues! one of our own parishioners. Derek begins his ten- ure with us in a week’s time and I know that he Where would your dream vacation spot be? will bring skill and dedication to the job. France – Anywhere in France! ■ It will be an exciting year in terms of potential de-

(Vestry Sunday Continued from page 15) velopment plans for Cathedral Place; I am very pleased that Archdeacon Lynne Marchant, the staff meetings and monthly Synod Council Chair of the Cathedral Place Development Task meetings. Some forget that the Diocese enjoys Force, is with us this morning and will have the the work that I do for them while all of the costs opportunity to speak at Vestry and to answer ques- associated with me are borne solely by this con- tions. gregation. Above all, I look forward to a year in which our We successfully enlarged our Columbarium – deeply important ministry to the community will surely a mark of the success of that important expand and grow, will continue to make a different place and its role in the lives (and deaths) of so in God’s world. many; thereby making available a special place ‘of eternity’ to so many. ‘See I have set before you today life and prosperi- ty; death and adversity…Choose life’ AMEN 

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

WHO ARE THOSE TWO?

Quite the rewarding experience

by Olivia & Ian Brown

Greetings! If you are wondering who Ian and and worked in the bush for the past two sum- Olivia are, you're in the right place. mers - last year in Northern Alberta, the year before in Northern Ontario. This summer I will We are both from Hamilton and grew up attend- be staying in Hamilton to pursue musical pro- ing Associated Gospel Church and Catholic jects. schools. A few months ago, the two of us were given the opportunity to teach Sunday school here in the Cathedral. Since then, it has been I am in my second year of jazz/contemporary quite the rewarding experience. We have had music studies at Mohawk College. I am a bass wonderful experiences with church, and really major but have also studied classical piano for a enjoy being involved in music, crafts, fundrais- number of years including a year of post- ers, and spending time with good friends. There secondary music at University of Toronto. I am are all kinds of interesting stories and meaning- the current bassist in Bump City - Mohawk's ful lessons in the scriptures. As teachers, we Tower of Power cover band - and we are having hope to make Sunday school enjoyable, as it an awesome year! Ian is really into music too, was for us. We try to pair our lessons with the so it is cool find ourselves in a church commu- church calendar, the verses that are being fo- nity that also loves music. cused on in the service, and we also consult "the Compendium of the Church Mice" curriculum Hope to see you around, to see what other Anglican church schools might be doing that week. Who is Ian?

Who is Olivia? I am currently enrolled in the Art Fundamentals program at Sheridan College in Oakville. After Several years ago I worked as a lifeguard for the completion of this program I hope to attend mu- city and spent a lot of time teaching, supervising sic school to study composition. I have a strong and just hanging out with kids. I've also lived passion for the arts. ■

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A WORD FROMFINANCIAL OUR ARCHIVIST UPDATE

EXPENSES IN LINE, INCOME BELOW

Many have given generously

by Corporation

As you will see from the year-to-date statement increase of 2% over 2013 actual, so if you have below, our expenses are in line with budget ex- not already done so, we ask that you review pectations but our income is below budget. The your current contribution levels to see if they income shortfall is being driven by parishioner can be increased by at least 2%. We are aware givings coming in below our target year-to date. that many have given very generously and we Parishioner givings at this time last year were want to recognize and thank those who have $6,940 higher than shown below. The 2014 been able this year to give more than they have budget that was passed by Vestry included an in previous years. 

Income Mar 31, 2014 Budget Variance Parishioner Givings $ 59,850 $ 70,392 $ -10,542 Open Collection $ 1,625 1,925 -300 Misc Income $ 1,000 $ 1,250 $ -250 Fund Income $ 24,016 $ 24,016 $ 0 Special Offerings $ 9,210 $ 10,850 $ -1,640

Total Income $ 95,701 $ 108,433 $ -12,732

Expenses Staffing $ 65,972 $ 66,347 $ 375 Property $ 24,085 $ 24,085 $ 0 Admin & Programs $ 24,692 $ 25,367 $ 17,453

Total Expense $ 114,749 $ 115,799 $ 1,050

Net Income (Deficit) $ -19,048 $ -7,366 $ -11,682

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A WORDMY REASONS FROM OUR FOR ARCHIVIST WRITING

LOOKING FOR GOD Glimpses of both sacred and profane

by Richard Berryman

Editors note: Richard Berryman had a long ca- Darkness”, as much as the presence of the Sa- reer in communications, in addition to his work cred. in the Church. We have chosen one of his piec- es from the Hamilton Spectator to share with I see my role then, as someone who tries to you as we mark his death earlier this year. point, here and there, in the news and activities of each week’s happenings to try to help you The central core of the Christian Faith is that in catch fleeting glimpses of both sacred and pro- the earthly life of a human named Jesus from the fane activity. little town of Nazareth, God has acted to change the course of history. I take this totally Take this week for example. It was difficult to seriously. miss the continuing evidence of evil. There are killer typhoons, and earthquakes and starving Therefore, since the birth in the stable in refugees fleeing from terror and tyranny in the Bethlehem, it is in the depth of human Middle East. We see domestic violence and experience that I feel I must look for the child abuse stories in seemingly every issue of presence of God. No human activity is a place the daily newspaper. foreign to God. The dreaded plague of cholera, stalking the But, I also believe in something else that is most earth once more, is evil enough in itself. Yet I difficult to describe. I think there is cosmic find its darkness compounded by the knowledge significance to the battle between evil and good. that it is preventable and curable if funds were The only way the New Testament could find to available. But wealthy nations have other prior- speak of this was to use powerful dramatic ities. imagery. Oh yes, the media make it all too easy to see the So it talks in terms of “a war in Heaven.” As a evil, calamities and tragedies which abound in result of this struggle, the personification of their reporting. Sometimes you have to look a cosmic evil was cast out. But note, the devil (as little harder to find the sacred. God’s activity, it this personification is usually known) was not would seem, doesn’t sell as many newspapers, thrown into some underworld called hell, as is or attract as much TV advertising. the popular miscsonception. Lucifer, formerly “The Light-Bearer” in heaven, as his name But there’s still lots of it. means, was cast into the earth. So it is again in the daily course of human lives and history that This week peace talks began in Northern Ire- we must look for evil and the “Prince of (Continued on page 25)

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(Continued from page 24) land. This time there seems to be determination on the part of the common people that the politicians must find a solution. At last both sides are saying, “Enough. It must stop.”

The Government of El Salvador has, at last, agreed to constitutional change that should end the horror of civil war. Death squads and “disappearances” in that ravaged land have taken countless thousands of lives, and tortured and maimed many more. God has finally been able to find instruments of his peace.

Then there’s China, or more correctly, two Chinas. Mainland China and the island territory of Taiwan. This week they signed agreements that were described as the “end of the Cold War” between them. The military state of emergency in Taiwan has been lifted.

So I would like to think that these columns indicate that, in spite of all that appears in print or TV seem- ingly to the contrary, this is God’s world, and God ultimately will prevail.

Paul Tillich was a German theologian who had looked the personification of evil square in its Nazi face. A few of his words express something of my reason for writing.

“If you find hope in the ground of history, you are united with the great prophets who were able to look into the depth of their times, who tried to escape it, because they could not stand the horror of their vi- sions, and yet had the strength to look to an even deeper level and there to discover hope.”

Reprinted from: Spectator: Reflections on Religion. Richard Berryman Hamilton: Colonsay House. 1991

CONGRATULATIONS! To our Around the Bay runners/walker raising money for Choral Scholarships

Relay Team: Wendy Newman, Tom Komaromi, Karen Hartog

Janina Vanderpost

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A WORD FROM OUR ARCHIVIST

NOW IN DEAN ABBOTT’S TIME...

Taken from Contact April/May 1988

By Katharine Greenfield

Henry Pryor Almon Abbott was the Rector of menced his task, and the youthfulness of both the Cathedral from 1906 to 1914 and Dean of mind and face. Niagara from 1912 to 1914. (Alan Houston’s great-grandfather was Dean until his death in “The parish at that time, owing to circumstanc- 1910, but not Rector, and that is another story.) es, was in a bad condition financially and nu- Dean Abbott had become a legend by the time I merically. I had the good fortune to work at the was aware of the existence of Deans and Rec- psychological moment when the time for a de- tors and his name was still spoken with great cided rebound and action had arrived.” admiration. He had led faithful parishioners in The debt, at that point amounting to $18,500, bringing the Cathedral out of debt, made its con- had been standing for three generations despite secration possible, and had filled the church the best efforts of parishioners to raise money morning and evening, built up an enormous above operating expenses. Canon Abbott made Sunday School, and was sought after by wealthy powerful appeals to his steadily increasing con- Episcopalian congregations across the border. gregations and on April 11, 1909 in the presence He finally succumbed to the lure of the Ameri- of Bishop J. P. DuMoulin, he announced that can Church and eventually became Bishop of slightly more than the final $5,500 needed had Lexington, Kentucky. been raised on that Easter Day. The Cathedral Almon Abbott was born in Halifax, N.S., the was consecrated on June 24, 1909 by Bishop son of a clergyman. He graduated from King’s DuMoulin, Dean Houston came from Niagara College, Windsor, N.S. and studied at Oxford. Falls for the occasion, and with Sub-Dean Suth- After ordination he was curate at the Cathedral erland of St. Mark’s, Archdeacon (later Bishop) in Halifax and then Assistant Rector of the Clark and Archdeacon Forneret and Chancellor Church of St. James the Apostle, Montreal. Martin presented the church to the Bishop for When he came to Hamilton in 1906 he was still consecration. The preacher was Dr. Courtney, a a very young man and a bachelor, but he mar- former Bishop of Nova Scotia, then Rector of ried Rachel Caroline Gwyn of Dundas in 1907. St. James Church, New York. It seems surprising that such a young man The next part of Canon Abbott’s programme should have been chosen as rector but he said was a major redecoration of the building which himself later that he well remembered the inex- was carried out with remarkable speed. The perience and enthusiasm with which he com (Continued on page 27)

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(Continued from page 26) fourth anniversary of his pastorate was celebrated on November 23, 1910 at a special gathering at which congratulatory speeches for his fine work were made by Bishop DuMoulin and other dignitar- ies. There were musical offerings from Miss On February 22, Katharine Greenfield was hon- Stares, Mr. Ernest Bruce, Mrs. Onderdonk, and oured at the City of Hamilton’s Annual Heritage Miss Gates. Canon Abbott replied to all this that he Awards. Katharine was presented with the Rev- would not rest until there was a chancel tower on erence Melville T. Bailey Heritage award in the church, chimes, and a new rectory. In spite of recognition of a lifetime of championing local the success of his ministry these remained dreams. history. Katharine began her career at the Ham- In 1914 Dean Abbott accepted the position of Dean ilton Public Library in 1944 and went on to be- of the Cathedral in Cleveland where he would be come the Head of Local History and Archives paid $6000 a year in contrast to the $3500 he was (called Special Collections during her tenure). receiving in Hamilton. He had turned down other offers in the eight years he had been in Hamilton but probably felt he had done his work here. For his final sermon he stood in a crowded Cathedral and gave this account of his ministry:

“The number of families has increased from 200 to

1,100, the communicants from 250 to 1,000, the Sunday school from 175 to 900, the revenue from $8,000 to $23,000. Today we owe no man any- thing and we have over $9,000 to the good for the purpose of the chancel extension...”

He thanked the congregation for making every al- It was reported in The Spectator that Katharine lowance for his mistake and rewarding his unwor- is ready to go back to work any time: “I’d go thy efforts and said that he did not expect to have back to work if I could,” she said with a wry such well worn and steadfast friends again. smile. “Tell them I need the money.” “You cannot forget me. I have baptized your chil- dren, visited your sick, buried your dead, married Among those in attendance at the awards cere- your sons and daughters, prepared many of you for mony was the Dean as well as Paul Takala, confirmation. I have officiated at 1,330 baptisms, Chief Librarian of the Hamilton Public Library, 420 weddings, 560 funerals, 675 confirmations.” who reported back to the Board of the Library on this week deserved honour for Katharine. There were more emotional and heartfelt words, and the congregation lamented his departure with sincerity, but his successor, Trevor Owen, arrived in a few months, and the Cathedral carried on, as it does today! 

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CONTACTS

Who’s who and how to contact them

Dean of Niagara and Rector of the Cathedral The Very Rev. Peter A. Wall 905-527-1316 Ext. 210 [email protected]

Pastoral Assistant to the Dean: The Rt. Rev. D. Ralph Spence 905-527-1316 Ext. 250

Parish Administrator: Alison Meredith 905-527-1316 Ext. 240 [email protected]

Director of Music Ministries: Michael Bloss 905-527-1316 Ext. 220 [email protected]

Sunday School Coordinators Ian & Olivia Brown

Envelope Secretary Janet Stirling 905-527-1316

Contact Editors Anne Harvey & Paula Esteves [email protected]

28 Return to Table of Contents 252 James St. North, Hamilton, ON www.cathedralhamilton.ca