Thy Kingdom Come 2025

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Thy Kingdom Come – a worldwide prayer movement inviting Christians around the world to intentional prayer from Ascension to Pentecost.

Since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC from a dream of possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions ‐ so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way.

It is our hope and prayer, that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow him.

Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 people who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.

Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, you are invited to take part and join in. All resources are downloadable.

Daily prayer. Commit to attending all or some of the daily offices (morning and evening prayer) at the Cathedral, Monday ‐ Friday or say the offices at home.
It takes about 15 minutes each day.

2025 NOVENA ‐ Join us on weekdays during Thy Kingdom Come for a local discussion (45 min) about the series of reflections on the Lord’s Prayer by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. We begin at 5:15 p.m. Friday 30 May at Memorial Hall boardroom or via Video Conference. Visit the calendar event for online access or to download the resource.

2025 Digital Detox ‐ Resources to help you to undertake a digital detox during Thy Kingdom Come. Prayer Journals and Session outlines in both youth and adult versions. Visit the website to download the resources. Follow them by yourself or invite your family or small group to join you. Use these guides in any way that will help you best. But do make sure that you read them fully before you’re face‐to‐face with a young person! Some of the content is there just for you leaders. You’ll also realize that during small group segments, there may be more questions than you’ll need. You don’t need to use them all! Use as many as you have time for, pick and choose the best ones for your setting, and don’t worry if conversation strays away from them.

Family resources ‐ praying for young disciples, prayer beads and dozens of ideas about how to actively engage in the wave of prayer. Videos from “The Way” for teens, new Cheeky Panda videos for younger children on “Ways to Pray,” and more.

Pray for 5 ‐ At the heart of Thy Kingdom Come, is praying for friends, family and neighbours who donʹt yet know Jesus. Each year, we’re encouraged to choose 5 people to commit to pray for during the 11 days and beyond. Visit thykingdomcome.global for little prompts that might be helpful as a reminder throughout the day.

Prayer Journal ‐ Download this resource. Each day’s reflection will focus on a line of the Lord’s Prayer and include a time to pause and pray for your five, in keeping with that day’s theme with space each day for your own notes. What has God been saying to you in your reading and your prayers? Download the Prayer Journal

 

Thy Kingdom Come at Christ Church Cathedral

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 20 May 2025 with 11 of 13 present. The Chapter discussed an article “A Letter to Churches Seeking New Members” outlining 8 messages a visitor might want a congregation to hear from a prospective member. Minutes of 11 March 2025 and 08 April were received and approved.

FROM THE DEAN

A summary of usual items from the Dean's calendar was offered

• Easter lectionary study on Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. will conclude 03 June
• Chapter orientation was on Saturday, 05 April
• video conference with Canadian Deans
• Easter worship attendance 341

Up-coming

• Ascension Day is 29 May and “Thy Kingdom Come” begins
• Day of Pentecost is 09 June 2025

CORRESPONDENCE

Cathedral 3D mapping - through Heritage Standing, offer by a Toronto PhD student

Montgomery Street School - note of thanks from for supporting home and school ($2,000) from 2024 Giving Tuesday

Appointment - Bishop’s letter, Tom Fetter to the Chapter

ARISING

War memorials - recommendation that plaques stored at memorial hall given on loan to the Oromocto Military History Museum

Advisory Committee on Appointments - follow-up on recent changes to the process for clergy appointments

DECISION

Honorary assistant clergy - permission granted for the Dean to make a request an appointment of Harley Clowater

Formation chair - Tom Fetter to Christian Formation Committee

REPORTS

Treasurer - April financials: Revenue $63,526 (including $16,381 energy rebate). Expense $51,799. April offering $4,137 below budget. Easter offering fell short of expectations. Offering is behind its budget -$32,924 year to date. Continue to investigate a change in bank for better service. Celtic Spirituality event income $4,795, expense $7,827 – $2,822 to be applied from Palmer bequest

Nominating - appointment of T. Fetter to Chapter

Administration and Finance - successful Chapter orientation 10 May. Gathering safe church documents. Summer tour guide position posted. Leadership in Safe Church and stewardship needed

Christian Formation - Celtic Spirituality 07 May. Future lectures/events? Godly Play leaders training. Future consideration of ways to strengthen resilience of formational ministries

Communications - planning a print piece to highlight website content. Request for feedback regarding effectiveness of efforts

Health / Pastoral Care - Health Ministries met 20 April, Medley Tea (36) 06 May, Hospital visitors 15 May. Target fall First Aid training.

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach guests 28 April - 66. Awaiting word on 2026 Belize mission organization. J. Griffiths to represent Anglican Church Women

Property - spire tile wind damage repair 15 May ($2500 deductible), further roof stone and mortar repair identified – water is ingressing. Recommendation re memorial plaques and 3D modelling

Welcome and Hospitality - Soup supper on Maundy Thursday

Worship - youth choir? Canterbury cross framed info replaced. Inquiry re souvenirs. Larry Dickinson video

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - appointed board members await word from the City of Fredericton regarding participation

UPCOMING

• Ascension Day, Thy Kingdom Come, Pentecost - 29 May-09 June

GMH

 

2025 Easter Pastoral

He is risen. Alleluia! - Easter 2025View in PDF Format

Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB
Lent 2025

Dear Friends,

Each year somber days of lengthening (the season of Lent) turn to the glory of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the clutches of the last enemy, death. The Ash Wednesday address describes the season of Lent as the time to “prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery.” Each year we are invited to join once again by rejoicing in the victory signed by our baptism. Our baptism symbolizes a death to an old way of life and a resurrection to a new risen life in Christ. When we proclaim—“Christ is risen indeed!” we celebrate because we have a personal stake in the claim. We share the risen eternal life with our Lord.

Without faith in the Resurrection there would be no Church. Without the new reality of eternal life there would be no need to be Christian. It’s the promise of life that makes the Christian faith unique and powerful. Our faith is a faith to live by but, with the promises of resurrection it is also even a faith by which to die.

It is certain that the celebration will have the most meaning for those who best prepare. That preparation began on Ash Wednesday and continues through the Lenten season to Good Friday. I would encourage you to take a full part in the pre-Easter worship as opportunities to make ready your own heart for the wonderful joy of new life. Every confirmed Christian is directed by the Prayer Book (p. 66) to “partake of the holy Communion frequently, and particularly on the greater Holy-days, of which Easter is the chief.” Included here is a schedule of Holy Week and Easter worship at Christ Church Cathedral. If for some reason you are unable to make your Communion because of illness or other cause, I urge you to contact me or the Cathedral Office to arrange a home visit. Communion at home is always only a request away.

St. Paul writes in the fifth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians,

... our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival ...

In the spirit of the Apostle's instruction, I pray we meet in Christian fellowship and Easter celebration. Have a blessed and holy Easter.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d)
Dean of Fredericton
GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – April 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 08 April 2025 with 9 of 12 present. An article “7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2025" was discussed noting ways in which we see evidence in our own church and ministry. Minutes of 16 March 2025 were adopted. Consideration of minutes of 11 March 2025 delayed to next meeting.

FROM THE DEAN

• the usual summary of Cathedral and Diocesan ministry engagement since the last meeting was provided

• Lenten lectionary study concluded with plans for a similar study programme during the Easter season, Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m.

Certificate in Stewardship study concludes Wednesday, 09 April

workshop for church officers Saturday, 05 April. Notes provided on items that warrant our attention. A presentation on the Camp Medley pool replacement project

Up-coming

• Holy Week and Easter worship planning in progress

CORRESPONDENCE

Safe Church Officer resignation - from Dianne Wilkins, 12 March

ARISING

• Chapter Orientation - will be held Saturday, 08 May 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

DECISION

2026 Belize Mission - endorsement of plans for trip March of 2026

Chapter member - recommend the Bishop appoint Tom Fetter

2024 Financials - finalized version accepted (Annual Report revised)

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - process exploring the possibility of a public foundation to support the Cathedral into the future continues. Nothing specific to report with next steps by the City of Fredericton awaited

Nominating - Tom Fetter has agreed to have his name stand for appointment to Bishop and Chapter filling one vacancy

Welcome and Hospitality - two projects in process: name tag Sunday and newcomer’s package. The customary Simple Soup Supper on Maundy Thursday, 17 April, 5:30 p.m.

Health / Pastoral Care - Some interest has been expressed in First Aid training (Fall 2025?) with minimum of 10 required. Medley Tea - 06 May, 2:00 p.m.. Signage placed for Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s). Hospital visitors met 20 March.

Property - digital thermostats have been installed in Cathedral. Plan to work toward safe church requirements. Consideration of memorial artifacts pending. Meeting with the Sexton with recommendation of extending initial employment probation period for an additional three months as we work on expectations

Mission / Outreach - Monthly Monday outreach guest numbers continue to increase. Good news that several have expressed interest in a Belize mission trip for next year. Safe Church position descriptions and risk assessments submitted for three areas of oversight

Treasurer - March financials: Revenue $55,290 - Expenses $49,606. To 31 March expense exceeds income (-$6,120). Final financials for 2024 now included in the revised 2025 Annual Report. Receipt of several income sources, including green energy rebate from 2024 furnace installation, HST rebate, anticipated grant income and unanticipated gifts. Investigating a possible change in financial institution in order to provide improved services. Continue to pursue change in current VISA cards

UPCOMING

• Holy Week and Easter - 13-21 April 2025

GMH

 

Discipleship and Vocation – Archbishop David Edwards

What is a vocation? Where does discipleship and faith formation fit within the Church today? Archbishop David explores these topics in this study series, intended for both individuals and groups.

Its purpose is to give an opportunity for time to reflect on the nature of discipleship and vocation. These topics are more than merely an academic study, they are to do with the whole of life.

As you or your group progress through this series, watching each video and engaging with the selected scriptures, two things will happen: you will understand the word vocation more deeply and a vision for the mission and ministry of your church will begin to form.

View the Youtube playlist

Visit the Diocesan website for supporting materials for study.

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – March 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 11 March 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. Notes were circulated from the article “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” discussed in February. Members made suggestions as to positive action to address some of the ideas presented. The article “Can Your Approach to Church Finances be both Spiritual and Practical?” (Ann A. Michel) was used to prompt further discussion. Minutes of 18 February 2025 were adopted with one correction.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• a summary of ministry over the past three weeks was provided. The Dean mentioned in particular regular communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place; Diocesan meetings attended; the beginning with a group studying the Sunday lectionary in Lent; continuation of the Stewardship Certificate learning group this week on Module 4 of 7; Annual Report completed, published and available.

Up-coming

• Annual Meeting 16 March 2025

ARISING

Chapter By-Law - dated 25 February 2025

Diocesan Consolidated Investment Fund - the Lay Chair reported having reviewed history and details of Cathedral invested funds

Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles with many committees reporting completion

Committee report status - the 2025 Annual Report (for 2024) has been completed with thanks to all who providing reporting

DISCUSSION

Chapter Orientation - dates were discussed for a half day orientation of Chapter to further understanding of routines and processes. 02 April or 08 May possible

Appointments - discussed the need to attend to appointments: Bishop’s Advisory Committee and Chapter Secretary at the brief meeting following the Annual

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - nothing additional to report beyond what was shared at the February meeting of Chapter

Nominating - one Chapter position remains vacant (Bishop’s appointment). Minimum of 5 nominees (2 youth) needed for election by the annual meeting

Finance and Administration - proposal under consideration re office photocopier contract. Planning required for upcoming orientation

Communications - continue to work through safe church documents

Welcome and Hospitality - aware of Mothers’ Union desire to host a luncheon following worship on Mothering Sunday. Nametag Sunday and newcomer package on-going projects. Safe Church complete

Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic External Defibrillator installed in the Hall, training complete (video). Medley Tea May 6th. Bulletin notices being prepared. First Aid training targeted for Fall 25.

Property - committee continues to track a lengthy list of items needing attention on the timeline

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach programme served 81 in February. Several have expressed interest in a 26 or 27 mission trip to Belize. Working through Safe Church risk assessment and profiles

Christian Formation - committee continues to be convened by the Director of Formation. Lenten lineup of opportunities underway

Treasurer - February financials: Revenue - $35,180 Expenses - $48,895 To 28 February expense exceeds income (-$13,316) Draft financials for 2024 included in the Annual Report. Some adjustments are needed prior to acceptance. Continue to pursue change in VISAS

UPCOMING

• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025

GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – February 2025

Bishop and Chapter met on 18 February 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. An article from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership by Ken Sloane - “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” was discussed. Examples of each of the ways were considered and a follow-up next to identify some positive steps that could be taken towards change. Minutes of 22 January 2025 were adopted as circulated.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

  • a usual summary was provided. Highlighted were attendance at a pastor’s luncheon hosted by JoyFM; Conference of North American Deans in May; staff breakfast on 03 February; stewardship learning group continues on selected Wednesdays with completion by early April; submission of Cathedral statistical return to Synod completed. An invitation to Kathleen’s Snow’s installation as Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union has been received

Up-coming

  • Annual Meeting 16 March 2025

ARISING

  • Chapter By-Law revision re Secretary - one last signature and Bishop’s approval before coming into force
  • Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles
  • Annual reports - waiting on budget and financials

DECISION

  • 2025 Draft Budget - adoption of the current draft to be presented to the Annual Meeting: Revenue $690,008 / Expenses $689,734
  • 2025 Conference of North American Deans - a decision to provide funds necessary for attendance. (Note: not included in the current 2025 draft budget)

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - City Council virtual Cathedral tour held 10 February. Next steps will include decisions by the City and Diocese, appointment of the Board, visioning and negotiated agreements

Nominating - one nomination of a needed 6 for Synod delegates; one Chapter position open for nomination; two offers for nomination for a second Chapter term

Finance and Administration - recent meetings unsuccessful with conflicting schedules. Monitoring safe church deadlines

Communications - “Not just on Sundays“ article. Welcome package

Welcome and Hospitality - current projects: welcome package, name tag Sunday, safe church training completed by all but two

Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic Electronic Defibrilator purchased and being installed in the Hall. First Aid training being considered

Worship - sacristy guild has replaced communion cruets due to a crack in the handle of one

Property - progress on to do’s continues. Considerable adjustments needed on Cathedral new furnace setup, so far cost covered by installation. New heating circulation pump failed/replaced

Mission / Outreach - Monday programme reached 86 individuals served in January. $1000 from New Maryland United. 120 bus tickets from Fredericton Transit ($300). Invitation to express interest in a future mission trip to Belize made on 16 February

Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair

Treasurer - Process of replacing current VISA cards for online access continues with difficulty. January financials: Revenue: $47,767 Expenses: $46,098. Awaiting review by LeBlanc Scott CPA

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 11 March 2025
• Pancake Supper - 04 March 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025                                                  GMH

 

 

Relics of the Fire of 1911 – Christ Church Cathedral

Relics of fire, July 3, 1911, Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Post on Flickr by Bill Jarvis.

On July 3, 1911, lightning struck the south-west cormer of Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton. The resulting fire spread through the roof to the steeple which was also destroyed, along with the chancel. The Cathedral bells fell, and were also destroyed.

The remains of the bells were melted down, and made into dinner bells, which were sold to help raise funds for repairing the damage. These bells have an exceptionally clear and pleasant tone.

Shown here are two of them. They have differences in the cross which serves as the handle. The one on the left is cast in one piece, with the date stamped vertically. The one on the right is cast in two pieces, with the date stamped horizontally. The bells are 53 mm in diameter, and are 80 mm tall.

The bell on the right has been handed down through my family. I believe it was purchased originally by my great grandfather, William Munson Jarvis of Saint John NB. He was prominent in church and diocesan affairs for many years.

Gerry Curry commented:
I have one of these bells too, like the one on the left. It was handed down through my mother's family. My grandmother was born and raised in River John, NS. She married an Anglican minister, but they would have still been teenagers in 1911, so I'm not sure how they got the bell unless there was a general fundraising campaign throughout Maritime churches.

From Fredericton Heritage Trust - Christ Church Cathedral

When Anglican Bishop John Medley (1804-1892) arrived from Exeter, England in 1845, he immediately set upon construction of Christ Church Cathedral. Along with his devotion to the Medieval Gothic style, he brought with him the young English architect, Frank Wills, who modeled the Cathedral as a virtual likeness of the late Medieval Church of St. Mary at Snettisham, Norfolk. The Cathedral was the first Canadian building to follow closely the ideals of the Ecclesiological Society, a reformist Anglican movement that sought a return to the architecture of the Middle Ages. Wills left Fredericton for New York in 1849, so the task of final design was given to the celebrated English Architect, William Butterfield (1814-1900). The tower of the Cathedral was the last major part to be constructed, original plans calling for twin towers, but soaring costs led to the choice of a single tower. The building was completed in 1853, and is universally regarded as the most important Gothic Revival building in North America. On July 3, 1911, lightning struck the Cathedral and the resulting fire gutted the spire and destroyed the choir when the bells melted and fell to earth. It took over a year and $100,000 to rebuild the Cathedral, which was administered by New York City architect Cass Gilbert (of Woolworth Building fame). Christ Church Cathedral was declared a National Historic Site in 1983.

Visit Fredericton Heritage Trust on Facebook

Bishop and Chapter News – January 2025

Bishop and Chapter met on 22 January 2025 with 9 of 12 members present. A brief study on reflections on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 by Charisse R Tucker (Christian Century) entitled “Group Work: How to serve faithfully and for the long term?” The Dean provided some questions to help focus a discussion on the issue that “groups tend to function such that a few people do the bulk of the work.” Minutes of 17 December 2024 were adopted.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral
• summary of ministry over the previous month included: Christmas worship [Eve 4:00 (238) 8:00 (80) 11:00 (87) Day 10:00 (57)], 1 funeral, communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place, conclusion of Advent study. Certificate in Stewardship begins soon. One meeting of Synod Finance Committee

Up-coming
• Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception preparation continues, Annual Reports will be due on 03 February

DECISION

• Automatic Electronic Defibrillator - purchase for Memorial Hall at a cost of $3006 (updated cost)

National Trust Next Great Save - information was received

• Chapter Secretary - motions to cover member status of secretary

DISCUSSION

2025 Budget - discussion of the current draft. Offering revenue in 2024 was at 85.85% of budget, an impact of about $82,000 making budgeting for 2025 a significant challenge

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - progress is being made on consultation with proposed partners and appointments to the board of directors

Nominating - no progress on a nomination for Chapter (Christian Formation). In addition, nominations will be needed for delegates to Diocesan Synod

Finance and Administration - January meeting was cancelled due to unavailability of members. Two Safe Church December deadlines (training and risk assessments) for Chapter. Follow-up on completion

Welcome and Hospitality - chair plans to meet with Communications to discuss a welcome package for newcomers. Safe Church training (awaiting certificates) and risk assessment completed

Health / Pastoral Care - “Listen, Love Pray” grief and loss support continues. Blood pressure clinic served 19 on 19 January

Worship - thanks to Sarah Petite for repair of frontals. Gift of 25 BCP’s from the Parish of Grand Manan with thanks

Property - Plan for 2025 with progress made setting timing delegating responsibilities for action on solid list of about 25 active items including new additions: Cathedral outside lighting; miscellaneous items from new furnace installation. Scope to be determined on much of the list in the coming months

Mission / Outreach - Monday morning Outreach (last Monday of the month beginning 9:30 a.m.) guests and costs still on the rise. Thanks to Carriage Place Dental for generous donation of dental items

Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair

Treasurer - Investigation on current VISA card situation and current needs. Expecting payout on ACW shares. December total Revenue $85,729, but expense and deficit waiting on a print VISA statement by mail

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 18 February 2025
• Annual reports - due 03 February 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025

GMH

 

 

An Account of the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Cathedral

An Account of the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Cathedral in Fredericton,
October 15, 1845

Church in the Colonies. No. XI.
Diocese of Fredericton.
London: The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, February, 1846.

In ancient times the Cathedrals of Old England, which are still the glory and ornament of that country, and are now more visited and admired than ever, were built by the Bishops of the respective Sees, assisted by the multitude of the faithful, who rejoiced to pour their offerings into the treasury of God. In faith the work was begun; the builders died, and left their work unfinished, but others took it up, and by God's help brought it to an end. But the Colonies of England, though every where dispersed, knew no such glory; and for a long season the gathering in of the "unrighteous mammon" seemed to be the sole end of colonization. At length, the note of preparation is heard, and in more than one Colony God's servants "think upon the stones" of his Church, and "it pitieth them to see her in the dust." New Brunswick is one of the first Colonies in which the foundation stone has been actually laid: an event the more remarkable, when we reflect, that no such work has been begun since the Norman Conquest, that is, for the last 700 years; a work in which the goodness of God is manifestly made known towards us.

As many persons are interested in the success of the undertaking, the following account may not be unacceptable.

On Wednesday the 15th of October, pursuant to a notice signed by the Lord Bishop, a procession was formed at the Province Hall, a short time before three o'clock in the afternoon, and the whole body proceeded to the ground in the following order:--

The Band of the 33d Regiment of Foot.
The Officers of the Regiment.
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor in Military Uniform.
The Members of the Legislative Council.
His Honour the Chief Justice, the Master of the Rolls.
Mr. Justice Carter. Mr. Justice Parker.
Members of the House of Assembly, and Members of the Bar.
The Lord Bishop, bearing his Pastoral Staff.
The Archdeacon, The Bishop's Chaplain,
And 19 other Clergy in their Robes.
Inhabitants of Fredericton and other parts of the Province.

A large multitude accompanied the procession on either side, and when it reached the ground, every place was occupied, the number of spectators being probably between two and three thousand.

The Bishop, presenting His Excellency with a silver trowel, (the gift of Mr. Spahn, of Fredericton,) requested him to lay the foundation stone of the new Cathedral, and, previous to the ceremony, offered up the following Prayer:--

O LORD, mighty and glorious, who fillest all things with thy presence, and canst not be contained within the bounds of heaven and earth, much less within these narrow walls, yet dost vouchsafe to accept the poor endeavours of thy humble servants allotting special places for thy worship; we humbly beseech thee to accept this day's service of separating this place from worldly uses, and marking it out to be hereafter wholly dedicated to thy glorious name. Accept, O Lord, the offering of this spot at the hands of those who have faithfully given it unto thee. Prosper the work, and those who build in it. Make it thy holy dwelling place for evermore. Let it be hereafter consecrated and made wholly thine by the ministry of thine appointed Pastor. Here may prayers, supplications, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men: here may thy sacred word be read, preached, heard, and blessed. And be present with us, O Lord, at this time, and with all who shall hereafter minister or worship in this place; and consecrate us unto an Holy Temple unto thyself, dwelling in our hearts by faith, and thoroughly cleansing us from all worldly and carnal affections, that we may be devoutly given to serve thee in all good works. Thus may we ever continue in the mystical body of thy blessed Son our Lord; and united in the bonds of a true faith, a lively hope, and a never-failing charity, may we, after this short life ended, enter with joy thy everlasting kingdom, and be built up as pillars in the temple of our God, to go no more out for evermore.--Amen.

The prayer ended, the Stone was raised, and His Excellency proceeded to deposit the bottle containing a few coins, with an inscription written on parchment, in a cavity of the large block of granite selected for the Foundation Stone.

The following is a copy of the Inscription:--

In Honorem Dei Opt: Max:
Patris, Filii, et Spiritus Sancti,
Ecclesia¦ hujus Cathedralis
Fundamenta jecit
GULIELMUS G.M. COLEBROOKE, Eques Hanovensis,
Provincial Nova-Brunsvicensis, pro hac vice Legatus,
Res divinas peragente JOANNE MEDLEY,
Episcopo Frederico-politano.
Anno Episcopatus Primo.
Idibus Octob: MDCCCXLV.

The Stone having been lowered with the accustomed formalities, His Excellency proceeded to address those present as follows:--

"My Lord Bishop, Reverend Gentlemen, and Gentlemen,

"Called by your indulgence, and at the special request of you, my Lord, our respected and esteemed diocesan, to take a prominent part in laying the Foundation Stone of this Cathedral about to be erected, I cannot but regard it as an occasion for solemn thankfulness that I should thus be associated.

"To any one who has beheld the noble structures which by the piety of our ancestors have been raised to the honour of God in our Mother Country, I can appeal for an acknowledgment of those feelings which their contemplation awakens. I have ever considered that the elevation of our Gothic spires--contrasted as they are in this respect with the temples of heathen antiquity--are calculated to inspire those lofty and sublime emotions which are the peculiar attributes of our Christian faith.

"To our worthy Bishop, Gentlemen, we are indebted for the pains he has taken in obtaining for us a fine model for the Edifice we are about to raise, and which I may be permitted devoutly to anticipate will long endure after we shall have passed away, though not, as I hope, to be obliterated from the pious remembrances of those who may succeed us and witness its completion.

"There is something at once solemn, impressive, and consoling in the reflection, amidst the perishing elements around us, and the cares and vicissitudes of our brief existence, that we are contributing to rear a solid and imposing structure, to be dedicated to the worship of that Being who has ever existed and will ever exist, and 'whose service is perfect freedom;' and as Englishmen we must feel grateful, that it has pleased Him to put it into the hearts of our fellow-countrymen at home to assist our slender resources in such an undertaking.

"Till this hour, and for more than forty years, we may consider that we have been wanderers in the Wilderness, though not, as I trust, without the Ark being with us in our wanderings, which is henceforth to find a habitation and a resting place.

"It is pleasing also to reflect that--as in the erection of the first Temple, and in the more memorable foundation of the Christian Church--the period chosen for our solemn dedication is one of universal peace--our country, in the full career of her high and honourable destiny, respected amongst the nations of the world for her piety and her charity, as she has been in the day of trial, with the blessing of God, in her martial achievements.

"It has been said, that the sun never rises nor sets upon Englishmen; and wherever it shines upon them, whether in the temperate or the torrid zone, by sea or by land, may they never forget the hand that has hitherto conducted them through perils; or, that they are engaged in the service of Him, who has promised to those who faithfully serve Him, to be with and sustain them always, and to build his temple in their hearts.

"It has been my lot to visit many regions where Englishmen have lived and died, far remote from the sepulchres of their country; and from the sense of desolation to which the impression has often given rise, it is to me an especial consolation to witness in the latter part of my life, the growing expansion in the East and in the West, of our ancient and venerable Church, destined, as I believe, by the Providence which watches over us, and sanctifies our labours, to sustain her part in the spread of the Gospel, the herald of 'peace on earth, and good will towards men.'

"The occasion may not inappropriately suggest to our minds the words of the Prophet--

'Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.
'Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet.'--Isa. xxviii. 16, 17.

The Lord Bishop then spoke to the following effect:--

"Sir William Colebrooke and Gentlemen,

"It affords me the greatest gratification to hear from your Excellency, sentiments to which every Christian heart must respond, and to find myself, on this eventful day, surrounded by the Judges and Law Officers of the Province, by Members of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, and by men high in station in the Province, and distinguished for their talents, who have, with a unanimity worthy of the occasion, come forward to support this great undertaking. The building a Cathedral in this Province may in some sense be called a National work: for whatever reflects the genius, the piety, and the glory of England, adds lustre to the nation from which the original idea is derived. It is in many other respects important; not only as a national type of the unity of the Church, but as a consecration to God on the part of man of all those gifts which God has been pleased to vouchsafe to him. For when do we glorify God so much as when we consider nothing to be properly our own, when we look upon all as His, lent to us for our use, but to be given back to Him, the great and glorious giver, and employed in His peculiar worship and service. Thus whatever our gifts be, whether they be gold and silver, whether they be wood or stone, whether they be skill in carving, force and eloquence in utterance, sweetness in music, taste in decoration, all are well used and employed, in the material expression of our inward thanks and praise, of our love and devotion to His glorious name.

"A Cathedral Church is also the common home of all; for as it is the Mother of all the Churches in the Diocese, so every one has a right to resort to it without payment, without that exclusive property in seats, alike forbidden in Scripture, and unsanction by the custom of the purest ages of the Church. And I joyfully anticipate the day, whether I live to see it or no, when the full importance of this great principle will be felt, that all men are sinful creatures, desirous to abase themselves in God's sight, and that therefore none should be excluded for want of money, and that there should be no distinction, but between those who serve the people, and those who are served by them. And possibly many who do not yet enjoy the full blessing and privileges of our Church, may yet feel inclined occasionally to enter a building so founded and built up.

"I am well aware that to the foundation of a Cathedral in this Province some persons may object that the money might be better expended than in what appears to them to be a lavish and wasteful expenditure, and needless display of ornament on the house of God. I for one fearlessly appeal to the laity of this country, and plainly ask them, whether the foundation of a Cathedral is not accompanied by a simultaneous movement on the part of the Church, to extend and improver her Missions, and to diffuse the glad tidings of the Gospel to the remotest corners of the Province, and whether there be not an anxiety on the part of the founders of the Cathedral, to promote the welfare of the poorest Church, and of the most uneducated and needy settlers.

"But let us join issue with such objectors on the footing of Scripture; let us ask them, whether they recollect that on a single building, 90 feet long by 30 wide, every part of which was built by express direction from the Almighty, vouchsafed in writing, no less a sum than three or four millions of our money was expended?

"And if under any dispensation whatever, Almighty God would never have sanctioned any thing morally wrong, why should we object to what has the direct sanction of the Old Testament, and is no where forbidden in the New? And when this so much praised plainness is carried out into the houses of the objectors themselves, when, in proportion to their increased means, men cease to ornament and fill with splendid furniture their own 'ceiled houses,' it will be time to let God's house lie waste, and to strip it of the ornaments which a grateful heart may bestow upon it. Such parts, however, of every such building, are probably better bestowed as gifts, than taken from the general fund appropriated for the fabric.

"Having disposed, as it seems to me, of this objection, it remains that I endeavour to impress upon this large assembly the duty of united and zealous co-operation. This Cathedral Church will best be built by our adopting the excellent Cornish motto "One and all;" by our reflecting that if we have little, "we should do our diligence to give of that little;" but if we have ample means, an abundant contribution will alone ensure its acceptance from the Almighty.

"Would to God, indeed, that every one who hears me this day could have worshipped within the walls of one of our glorious Cathedrals in Old England! Then I am sure I should not need to urge on you this duty, but your own zeal would outrun my desires. Recollect, that though built in Fredericton, it belongs to the Province; the design was conceived, and the first contributions were raised in the Mother Country, and it would indeed be a disgrace to New Brunswick if the efforts of Englishmen were not seconded here. But I believe they will be seconded. The attendance here of so many from all parts of the Province, the zeal of all classes and conditions of men, the kind and generous feelings already exhibited, put it beyond a doubt, that if we be only true to ourselves and to God, and do not suffer ourselves to be disheartened by the cry of the desponding, the work will be done; and we, by God's grace, shall live, some of us, to see the topmost stone erected, and it will be a joy to some of the children whom I see around me to say, when they reach old age, My parents helped to rear the stones of that Cathedral Church, and my children's children will rise up and call the builders blessed.

"I have now only once more to return you all my sincere thanks for your kindness in attending, for your active support, and likewise to the Officers and Band of the 33d Regiment, who have so cheerfully rendered their assistance on this solemn occasion.

"Let us conclude, as we began, with prayer."

When His Lordship had concluded his Address, he proceeded to use the following Prayer:--

"O GOD, who hast built thy Church on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the Chief Corner Stone; we give thee humble thanks that thou hast called us to the clear knowledge and light of thy Gospel in thy most blessed Son by the Holy Spirit.

"We bless thee that thou hast at this time given us the opportunity to lay the foundation of this House of God. May it be raised in due season to be a most Holy Temple unto thee--'where our prayers may ascend up before thee as incense, and the lifting up of our hands as the evening sacrifice.'

"Finally, we give thee most high praise and hearty thanks for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear. Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, and all others, whom thou hast delivered from the miseries of this wretched world, from the body of death and all temptation, and who have committed their souls into thy holy hands, as into sure consolation and rest: whose examples teach us to follow.

"Grant, we beseech thee, that we with them may fully receive thy promises, and be made perfect altogether; and being set on thy right hand in the place where there is neither weeping, sorrow, nor heaviness, may hear those most sweet and comfortable words--'Come to me, ye blessed of my Father, possess the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.'"

The 100th Psalm was then sung by the assembled multitude, the Band taking the instrumental part: after which, the Lord Bishop gave the Blessing, and the Procession moved back to the Province Hall, and dispersed.

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