Alex LeBlanc is back with us for the summer of 2024, again in the position of Lead Tour Guide, working alongside Angus McDonell.
The article below was written in 2023 when Alex was working with Muriel Falkenstein.
Hi everyone!
I am so glad to be back working for the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton and of course, Christ Church Cathedral this summer. Many of you probably have seen me around, either as a tour guide or parishioner. Nevertheless, let me tell you all a little about me!
I was born in Moncton, and moved to Fredericton when I was nine. I am celebrating 10 years as a Frederictonian this year! I am Acadian, so I am fluent in English and French. If you know me, I am extremely proud of my Acadian culture. I am a recent graduate from Leo Hayes High School and am currently working on a bachelor’s degree at St. Thomas University, going into my second year.
Since I was young, I have been always devoted to serving God by volunteering in the church. I was baptized into the United Church in 2005 and have been volunteering at Nashwaaksis United Church as member of the Property Committee, and the Outreach Committee. I first came to CCC in the summer of 2016 as a guest who was interested in the history of the building. Of course, I was enlightened by an amazing tour from then Verger, Mr. Hank Williams! I had a keen interest in the bell tower and got a VIP tour of the tower from Eric Hadley. This would then progress into a volunteer role with the church.
Since 2017, I’ve been winding our 170-year-old clock. Did you know that it is a prototype for Big Ben in London? I was so interested in the Cathedral’s history in fact, I applied to be a tour guide in the summer of 2019. My first job! In 2020 and 2021, as many of you know, COVID-19 prevented us from keeping the Cathedral open for guided tours and concerts. I began working at Walmart on the Northside in 2020 and am still working there as of July 2023. Say hi if you see me in the produce department! Amazingly last year, I found out that CCC was hiring guides again, and I had to apply. After another amazing summer of tours, meeting lots of people, and hearing great music, I began my first year at St. Thomas University, making the Dean’s list.
Fast forward to this year. I was overjoyed when I got the call asking me to return for a third summer as a Lead Tour Guide! This is my first time in a supervisory role, and I am so thankful for the experience it is giving me. It always helps when you have amazing coworkers!
That’s just a little about me, and I hope to meet you all at some point this summer!
You can also read Alex's story from 2022.
Alex is an amazing young man, wise beyond his years!
In addition to being a member of the two committees mentioned at Nashwaaksis United Church, he has ushered and volunteered in our sound booth operating the onscreen projector.
He also organizes and supervises our yearly fire drill.
He certainly is an asset to Christ Church Cathedral as your lead Tour Guide.