Category Archives: Cathedral Faces

Cathedral Faces – Elaine Lucas

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A native of Sackville, New Brunswick, our own Canon Elaine Lucas, is a well travelled lady with a sense of adventure, and wonderful stories to tell.

She says she got used to moving about because her father was with the CN railway, and the family lived in Sackville, Blackville, Moncton and Aulac, New Brunswick. Her mother died when she was only seven years old, so she was raised with the help of a father, stepmother, and both sets of grandparents.

Elaine was educated in public schools in NB, graduating in 1941.  A diploma from Mount Allison Commercial College in 1941, was eventually followed by a Bachelor of Arts from the same university in 1951, a Licentiate in Theology from Wycliffe College in 1954, and an Honour Diploma from the Anglican Women’s Training College in 1954.

She had visions of becoming a missionary in India.  However, permission to go to India was denied and she ended up in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, in the diocese of Caledonia from 1958-1962. There she travelled in an old second hand car between Prince Rupert and Prince George to work with young women and the poor, setting up programs such as Junior Auxiliary, (JA) and Girls’ Auxiliary (GA), became Leader of Diocesan Church camps (with tents) for young people. A stint as a Canadian Indian Worker in Toronto followed for a year.

Then she was ready for a sabbatical! That took her to Christ Church College at the University of Oxford in England. While at Oxford she had the opportunity to sit in on classes that interested her, for three terms, and to travel extensively throughout England, and Europe. She mentions spending Christmas with her Bulmer relatives in France and visiting Holland to see the tulip bulbs in bloom. Her Aunt travelled some of the time with her, and together they came back to Canada via ship.

The transition back to Canada was difficult, with no job. She had a fellow classmate from college days,  Gordon Baker, rector of a busy church in London, Ontario and became very active in that congregation. While in London, she worked as an assistant Executive Director with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and employee and then Advertising Manager at Zip-Penn Co. Ltd. Elaine also worked as a volunteer in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital, as member and past president of Warner Place Seniors’ Residence, past president and member of the Board of Directors, LIFT Non Profit Housing of London Inc., member and later Chair of the London Innercity Faith Council, and member of various committees of the Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church.

This busy lady became self-employed, with Elaine Lucas Associates, and was a CASE Counsellor with the Federal Business Development Bank, in London.

There is still an apartment building in downtown London, Ontario, named the Elaine Lucas Place.

Elaine was married briefly (for five years), but unfortunately it did not last, and Elaine still has difficulty talking about it and its rarely discussed.

While in London, she was ordained Deacon and Priest in 1996, and became Assistant Priest at Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church, 1996-1998.

She then felt the need to return to her roots in New Brunswick. Her first choice would have been Sackville, but she tells of sitting in a chair and asking “Where should I go?” Then she says a voice, just as clear as anything, told her to “go to Fredericton,” so she did!  With a friend, she drove the long drive from London to Fredericton, to find a place to live.  Interestingly, her contact here was our former Cathedral office secretary, Mary Jarratt, who had been at Mount Allison with her. They had taken courses together, and so she stayed with her friend while she decided on where to live. She moved here in the Spring of 1998, when Bill Hockin was Dean of Fredericton. Elaine became Honorary Assistant at the Cathedral, assisting in many ways, often presiding at  Wednesday morning Eucharist.  She was appointed  Canon of Christ Church Cathedral in 2003, and continued as Pastoral Assistant.

Due to health issues with the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, Elaine moved to Farraline Home on Queen Street, where she made many friends. She loved the gardens, and we would often see her walking in the neighbourhood as well as across the Bill Thorpe walking bridge. She was not one to sit idly.

More recently, as symptoms of Parkinson’s have progressed, it became necessary to move to Pine Grove Nursing Home, where she is at present. Elaine  participates in the many activities there. One day she was observed decorating a gingerbread house and doing a splendid job! On another, she was participating in a handbell choir, directed by Verna Hayward. She really enjoys that.

Elaine continues to take an active interest in Cathedral activities and asks about various people in the congregation, and how they are.

Elaine’s Christian witness is as effective as ever continuing to be a most caring individual. We all wish her well.

Marilyn Lewell

Cathedral Faces – Ann Deveau and Doug Milander

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Ann and Doug are well known around the Cathedral for their many hours of volunteer work.

Ann is from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Doug is from Norfolk, Nebraska. They began attending the Cathedral in 1997 as a middle way between her Roman Catholic upbringing and his background in the United Methodist church. The route to Fredericton taken by this busy, caring couple is interesting.

Devea and Milander

Ann Deveau and Doug Milander

Doug received a journalism degree in Nebraska and, immediately after graduation, he received his military draft notice. It was during the Vietnam War which he opposed. He made the life-altering decision to move to Canada, knowing he faced prison for draft evasion if he returned to the USA where his parents and family remained.

He worked at a weekly newspaper in Morris, Manitoba, as editor, photographer, reporter, and it was a seven day per week effort. He reported for a daily newspaper in Winnipeg before he moved to Saint John, N.B., to work for the TELEGRAPH JOURNAL, often covering the court circuit. He comments that although it is cold in the winter on the prairies, he felt the damp cold even more in Saint John!

He proudly became a Canadian citizen but was not allowed into the USA until President Jimmy Carter declared an amnesty for draft evaders in 1977. Following a long backpacking trip overland from England to Nepal, he got a job as a legislative reporter for the DAILY GLEANER. One of his new colleagues at that newspaper was Ann Deveau who had earned a journalism degree at Carleton University in Ottawa.

They married in 1978 in St. Mark's chapel at Kings Landing. By this time, Doug had switched from newspapers to radio and worked in Moncton and Fredericton as a reporter and news reader. Many of us remember him as such. Ann worked as a television reporter, then opted to try government communications. She had a number of interesting responsibilities including speech writing for whichever government was in power, press announcements, interacting with reporters, and preparing government officials for news conferences. She had to be very versatile!

Ann has been retired for five years, and Doug for 12 years. At that time, they stepped up the volunteer work they had always done during their careers. For example, Doug had coached sports and Ann has been a top fund-raiser for a Run for the Cure team and served four times as a judge for the National Newspaper Awards.

Help as many people as much as you can. So many people are in need.

Retirement was the beginning of a very active life for them, centred on the Cathedral and people in need.

Ann was secretary of the Missions Committee for eight years, and both have been on three mission trips to work at St. Hilda's School in Belize. They volunteer every Monday morning with the Outreach program, a weekly drop-in for people in need. They deliver weekly Food Bank donations, organize the Christmas Angels program, and volunteer monthly at the soup kitchen. Both are longtime regulars as ushers/greeters and recently became readers and prayer leaders at services.

A time-consuming but rewarding assignment recently was their service on the archdeaconry’s refugee sponsorship committee and their efforts to help a Liberian refugee family settle into Canada.

One wonders how they would have time for anything else! However, they love to travel and have seen many places in North America, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Europe. They recently returned from a tour of Italy. They love to read, work in their lovely gardens, go hiking and camping with their tent trailer, and help wherever they can. The neighbours all know them for their ‘dog stop’ on the corner by their house. They provide fresh water for the many dogs who walk past with their owners and offer a means to dispose of the “doggie doo.”

It is not hard to guess what “Words of Wisdom” this couple has to offer:

“Help as many people as much as you can. So many people are in need.” They certainly live up to their advice!

Cathedral Faces – Mary Allwood

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Cathedral Faces - Mary Allwood

Mary Allwood lives in a comfortable Fredericton home and approaching (October 2017) it is decorated for Fall with beautiful wreaths on the doors, flowers and bunches of Autumn leaves in a container.

Mary is well known at the Cathedral as she is often the one who organizes or helps to cater the many receptions held in the hall for clergy, funerals, or special events. Mary is famous for her roast beef and Yorkshire pudding which she has served the Cathedral Guild of St. Joseph (Holy Joes) and guests for many years. One can always depend of having crustless sandwiches at receptions, especially rolled asparagus ones, when Mary is involved!

Mary comes from Woodstock, NB. After four years at Mount Allison University, Mary studied to be a Medical Technologist in Saint John, and worked at the Saint John General Hospital. While there she met Bill while playing badminton, and they were married in 1951. Together, they have lived in Fredericton (with a period of seven years in Moncton), and raised a daughter. Mary is now the proud grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren, and one great granddaughter, Zoe, now three years old. Fortunately, all live in Fredericton, and they get together once a week for a family dinner.

Mary assists at the Cathedral in more than the kitchen – she is a member of the Cathedral Matters, and has beautiful handwork to show for it. For many years, Mary led a group of Brownies at the Cathedral Hall, and happily recalls some of the group who have now grown up.

This charming, remarkable lady was also inducted into the City of Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame last year at the Delta Hotel. Her photo still graces the walls there. This special honour recognizes Mary’s contribution to the game of Curling over 64 years. At the age of 92, Mary continues to curl. Now she calls it ‘stick curling’ where one pushes the rock with a stick, but it is tricky, because no brooms are used. She has represented NB many years at the National Senior Curling Championships and twice brought home the bronze medal. She was a Charter member of the Capital Winter Club and acted for several years as President of the Ladies section. In 2003, her rink won an “eight ender,” something not many curlers can boast about.

Mary has owned a beautiful cottage at Maquapit Lake in New Brunswick for many years, and annually helps to host a BBQ breakfast and also an auction to raise money for the local fire department. She frequently entertains large numbers both at her cottage and in her home.

Mary is always ‘on the go,’ works in her garden, plays bridge, does some travelling with the Cathedral Rug Hooking group and enjoys her family. When asked if she has ‘words of wisdom,’ she says, “Just keep busy.” She certainly takes her own advice.

Marilyn Lewell

Cathedral Faces – Sandra and Harry Palmer

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When entering the living spaces of Cathedral faces Sandra and Harry Palmer, its impossible not to immediately notice the beautiful and well-kept gardens surrounding their home. Clearly, gardening is a passion. They have many.

They are a couple who have discerned a call to keep us on track with volunteering for readings and serving in various ways in worship at the Cathedral.

Sandra and Harry came to the Cathedral in 2005, and say they found it a very welcoming place, and have remained. Prior to that, they lived and worked for many years in Perth-Andover NB. Harry was a principal of several schools, and Sandra a laboratory technologist in charge of the lab at the hospital there.

Flowers at the Palmer’s

Harry grew up mainly in Fredericton Junction, living with his Grandmother. His Father had died when he was only ten. His Mother worked full-time. He has many fond memories of the place and the people there. He went to Teachers’ College in Fredericton, and immediately upon graduation, was appointed principal of Perth-Andover Elementary School. Since that time he gradually took courses at the University of New Brunswick, and St. Thomas University. He holds a degree of master of education from the University of Maine. They moved about, Harry working in various positions and eventually retired from the same school where he began teaching. After retirement, Sandra and Harry moved to Fredericton.

Sandra was born in Quebec, growing up mainly in Saint John, NB.  She graduated from Saint John High School, and then from the School of Medical Technology.

Sandra and Harry in the 2017 Photo Directory

Sandra and Harry met on a blind date, and were married 50 years go this September, by Canon Walter Bockus in St. George’s Anglican Church in west Saint John. They have three children – Andrew and Kara are twins, are both married and living in Nova Scotia, and Quispamsis, NB, respectively. Their youngest is Katherine, married to Andy Rogers, and also members of the congregation at the Cathedral. Three grandchildren in their family are all girls!

A candid shot

Harry has delved into his family history and has amusing stories to tell about his British ancestry and how they came to settle in Maugerville NB, after living abroad in India, with the military.

Their interests are many having participated in Alpha twice, and minister in several ways from the Cathedral. Harry recently became part of the Bishop and Chapter Christian Formation Committee and still teaches a course at UNB when asked. The garden stands out as evidence of a care and attention to what God has made.

When asked if they had any “Words of Wisdom,” they both chuckled. However, in their experience, they feel strongly that it is important to tell anyone who has had a strong influence on one’s life or career, to tell that person how they have affected them. It just might make their day (or be the encouragement needed to keep making a difference).

Marilyn Lewell

Cathedral Faces – Carolyn and Bill Turney

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Bill and Carolyn Turney are a happy couple who have a long association with Christ Church Cathedral. Bill was born in Fredericton, and grew up at 829 George Street. He was baptized at the Cathedral by Dean Holmes and even remembers the funeral of Bishop Richardson, and how the steeple bells tolled. Bill was only 6 years old then. He said it was an impressive sight.

J.H.A. Holmes Dean of Fredericton 1932-1936

After a test by the School Board Chairman, he was “banished” to Halifax to the School for the Blind! It was a very difficult three years for him – homesick, ill with rheumatic fever, and other maladies. In spite of this rocky start to education, Bill has never let his lack of sight deter him from accomplishments beyond all expectations. Thanks to the intervention of Dean Gray, and Dr. Ross Wright, Bill was accepted into Rothesay Collegiate School in Grade 4, still unable to read. This amazing man went on to participate in all the activities (he was manager of sports teams in which he could not fully participate due to his vision problems), played in the band and sang in the choir. While a choir boy at the Cathedral, he was paid three cents for each rehearsal attended and two cents for each service sung! He went on to graduate, to attend Mound Allison University, the University of Toronto, Royal Conservatory of Music, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and LRCT and ARCT in Music Education and Performance!

Bill attended the first Diocesan School of Church Music (Choir Camp) held in Rothesay in 1958, with Gerald Wheeler as clinician. Bill was his assistant, and has attended many years since, including this year, the 60th anniversary. The final Evensong was at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, July 9, at 3:30 pm.

Bill began his ‘career’ with Boy Scouts at RCS, and he has very high praise for all the assistance and direction he received there. In 1959, He took the Canadian Scouters’ Training in Guelph, and later the Gilwell, in Toronto, and became Commissioner of Scouts for Carleton County during the 1960’s. He has attended many Jamborees all over Canada and the USA. He has co-authored a book of Boy Scout Songs. In an overheard conversation at the Boy Scout Store in Fredericton North, one individual asked another what was the highlight of his scouting career. The other answered without hesitation – it was when Bill Turney sang ‘THE LORD’S PRAYER on a cliff overlooking a lake at a camp. (Bill had no knowledge that it had made such an impression until today.)

Woodstock High School was fortunate to have him as a music educator for 10 years, followed by 10 years as Music Professor at Ricker College in Houlton, Maine, during which time he was also director of church choirs in the Anglican Parish of Woodstock.

In Woodstock Bill met his wife, Carolyn. She was a student of his! She was active in theatre, Glee Club, band, etc. Her Mother, who was a nurse, was said to have “served Carolyn up to Bill on a platter”! In any case, they were married soon after her graduation, just after Christmas in 1959, and have been together ever since! They are proud of their four children, three girls – one adopted – and one boy. They in turn, have given them four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Carolyn attended Teachers’ College and taught for two years until demands of her young family caused her to ‘retire’. Not really! Carolyn has had many careers – as a Mother, an actress with Theatre NB, as an administrator – for Theatre NB, ten years with the Alzheimers Society and recently retired from St. Anne’s Lodge. While a faculty wife, when Bill was at Ricker College, Carolyn studied Spanish, Arabic, and French, and received a degree in Theatre, with a minor in languages.

Together, they are very active in their community. They wrote many supplements in both the TELEGRAPH JOURNAL and THE DAILY GLEANER for specific areas, such as Woodstock, Grand Falls, Edmundston, Tobique and Hartland. These supplements were stuffed in the regular daily papers. This enabled them to visit many fairs, concerts, and special events. Their reviews were anxiously awaited by readers, and are missed by many today.

Carolyn and Bill Turney

Carolyn and Bill were leaders in the Young Voyageur program, which was in honour of Canada’s Centennial. They were sometimes called Centennial Travellers. They went to Melville, Saskatchewan in 1966, Ladner, BC in 1967 and Calgary Alberta in 1968. Each year they took 24 students from across the province in trips by train where they spent a full week billeted in the homes of other grade 11 students from those areas.

In the seventies, Bill was president of the NB Youth Orchestra, and Carolyn was their secretary. Bill traveled with them to Aberdeen Scotland for a World Youth Orchestra event, as a scribe for the TELEGRAPH JOURNAL.

When Don Noseworthy was Dean, Bill directed the Treble Choir at the Cathedral. He had quite a large group of interested youth.

For eight years, Carolyn coordinated the mailing the Cathedral sent out for special occasions. Bill often helps with the monthly Cathedral Saturday breakfasts, as dish washer, and Carolyn helps at the door. Bill is very active with the Canada Trail Coalition, and directs a choir in the Golden Club. Carolyn is a fantastic cook and is famous for her banana bread! (One should add cranberry muffins to the list!)

Both Carolyn and Bill have sung in the Cathedral Choir for many years. Unfortunately, Carolyn has had to redefine her life since she was diagnosed with Idiopathic subglottis stenosis in 2002. Just in time, she had surgery in Toronto to correct this and her surgeon told her that her airway had been obstructed so that it was the diameter of a pin! She returned to Fredericton with a tracheotomy in place – since removed – and as a result, has had to work to regain her voice. With speech therapy and determination, she now speaks clearly, with just a little hoarseness. She has helped to establish a help group online for those with a similar diagnosis. Plagued with arthritis, she has had two knee replacements and fusion of several finger joints but still keeps very busy.

In spite of all their challenges, one rarely sees a couple more cheerful, and active helping others. When asked what ‘words of wisdom’ they would give, they did not hesitate to impress how important it is to NOT take things for granted. Both Bill and Carolyn are outgoing and friendly and have a wealth of fantastic anecdotes to tell about Fredericton and the Cathedral.

– by Marilyn Lewell

Welcome to our Director of Christian Formation – Kurt Schmidt

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On July 1st we officially welcomed Kurt Schmidt to the role of half-time Director of Christian Formation at Christ Church Cathedral. Please pray for Kurt as he begins his work. Kurt brings a wealth of experience in education, spiritual formation and family life to us. Married to Catherine and father to Rachel, Kurt lectures as an instructor in Mathematics at the University of New Brunswick in the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre.

The appointment of a Director of Christian Formation is a turning point for the Cathedral congregation. Kurt’s title is not “youth leader,” “teacher,” or “Sunday School Superintendent.” First and foremost Kurt’s role will be to facilitate, using an intergenerational approach to ministry, opportunities for us to learn from one another. Together, we will help to form, shape, mould and conform one another in Christian faith. Kurt’s job is to help make that happen in our midst.

Yes, something may be asked of you! Ultimately, the responsibility for forming Christians belongs to the whole Christian community. At baptism, the community stands and accepts the challenge: “Will you who witnesses these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?” The difficulty is that most of us haven’t the foggiest idea of where that starts. What we intend to attempt to create at the Cathedral is the best possible model of that actually happening!

A Cathedral Church is a leader in an Anglican Diocese. That doesn’t mean that we are better than anyone else. What it does mean is that what we are a model, and help set a standard, for the Anglican Church, in our case, in the Diocese of Fredericton. Our Diocese happens to be coterminous with the boundaries of the Province of New Brunswick with its 70 plus parishes and more than 150 churches.

Kurt’s biography reads:

The Schmidts

Kurt, Catherine and Rachel Schmidt from the 2017 Cathedral Photo Directory

Born in Illinois but raised in Littleton, Colorado, Kurt has lived in Fredericton since 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College (1997—major in Mathematics, minor in African Studies) and an MEd from the Institute for Humane Education in Surry, Maine (2011).

Kurt considers himself an educator at heart, and has spent the last 15 years working as a teacher in diverse contexts and at various levels. Kurt’s own spiritual journey includes formative periods among his Jesuit teachers and mentors in high school, with monastic friends during university, and alongside members of L’Arche communities in both Canada and the United States.

A lover of music, dogs, poetry and soccer (the real football!), Kurt lives in downtown Fredericton with his wife Catherine (an occupational therapist) and daughter Rachel (launching into her second decade).

Kurt says he is honoured and blessed to be part of the Staff Team as Director of Christian Formation, serving God and the dynamic Cathedral congregation.

The position description for the Director of Christian Formation:

Accountability
Day to day supervision will be by the Dean. The Christian Formation Committee of Bishop and Chapter will function as a support group for the Christian Formation Director. This group will work with the Director to develop yearly outcomes.

Scope
The Director of Christian Formation will see as a foundation of this ministry the facilitation of several formation and discipleship activities, working with other leadership towards an increased number of mission-minded followers of Jesus Christ within the Cathedral congregation.

Qualifications include having a living, maturing Christian faith, commitment and experience working with children, youth and families, and seniors having knowledge of and/or are supportive of the Anglican expression of the Christian faith.

Key Responsibilities
• co-ordination and teacher development for the children’s Christian education program, while looking to expand this to all ages;
• scheduling, co-ordination, publicity and recruitment of leaders and mentors for baptism, first communion and confirmation preparation;
• organization of intergenerational activities and learning events to recognize special times and seasons in the church calendar year;
• encouraging the organization of home-based study and prayer groups;
• training and support of leaders when required;
• support for families in both community and home-based Christian formation;
• support of Alpha Course leadership;
• development and support of a regular seeker/ new member/ new Christian learning programme(s);
• particular focus initially on families with children, including engaging with them to determine needs and expectations

Cathedral Faces – Janet Mahar

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England, Scotland, Indonesia, Bali, Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines, and a Bible Study tour of the Middle East. That’s a list of a few of the places that Janet Mahar, the secretary of Bishop and Chapter, has visited and/or worked in over the past 34 years!

Janet grew up in Lincoln NB and graduated from the Devon Park Christian School. She was raised in the Baptist faith. After graduating from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in biology and worked for 2 summers at the Huntsman Marine Station in St. Andrews. Janet spent some time working in a lab in Liverpool, England and visiting Scotland.

Shortly after leaving the UK, Janet accepted a position teaching biology in an international school in Indonesia. In this environment, Janet found herself overwhelmed by the work and found it difficult to find the time or energy for church, or a Christian Church that didn’t follow what is known as the “Health and Wealth Gospel.” She taught in Indonesia for 3 1/2 years.

Janet in 2010, wearing a traditional costume from the Indonesian province of Sulawesi for Cultural Night

In 2011, Janet returned to NB and, seeking a new career, enrolled in a Pharmacy Technician course in Moncton in 2014. She attended a Baptist Church there until, wanting to try a different denomination, she attended the Palm Sunday service at an Anglican Church in Moncton where Bishop David Edwards was speaking. Coincidentally, it seemed, when Janet returned to Fredericton for Easter and attended the Good Friday service at Christ Church Cathedral, who should be there but Bishop David Edwards. Janet says that seeing Bishop David at the 2 services in 2 cities in 1 week was a connection for her, and it seemed to be a confirmation of where she should be.

She has been a part of the Cathedral congregation since graduating in June 2015. While participating in a Lenten Study last year, Dean Geoffrey Hall asked if she would be interested in taking on the role of secretary for Bishop & Chapter. Janet saw this as an opportunity to serve and gain more knowledge and experience of the Anglican faith. She is also a member of the Adult Choir and the Server’s Guild. Janet prefers the traditional 10 AM Eucharist. She says she “loves the words that have stood the test of time” in the liturgy.

Janet currently works as a Pharmacy Assistant at the DECH and is working towards her registry as a Pharmacy Technician. She has an older brother in Fredericton, and her younger brother and Mom still live in Lincoln. Janet’s Dad, John W. Mahar, the owner of Topmar Building Supplies and a well-known Fredericton businessman, passed away 9 years ago as the result of an accident.

We are fortunate to have Janet as a member of our congregation and serving the Bishop & Chapter. As one who is so skilled in taking, as she was told, “minutes not hours,” she is appreciated for her excellent work!

Cathedral Communications

Cathedral Faces – Canon David Staples

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Father David Staples, an honorary assistant and Canon of Christ Church Cathedral is a regular attendee at the Sunday 8:00 am and Wednesday 10:00 am Eucharist. Many have often remarked how much they enjoy his occasional playing of the organ.

David requested that the interview be held in his home in downtown Fredericton, so that we could see “the real David Staples.” His condominium is filled with seven generations of antique furniture and paintings. He shares this “museum” as he playfully calls it, with his friendly Bombay cat, Lucifer.  Lucifer sports a sleek, totally black coat, peering at you with eyes that change colour with his mood. It is obvious who rules the roost!

Canon David Staples

Canon David Staples

Father David was born in Fredericton, and grew up in Nashwaaksis, attending The Church of St. John the Evangelist which was spiritually and lovingly cared for by the Reverend Canon C. Alvin Hawkes. In the 1960’s, Father David’s organ lessons began at the Cathedral under the competent instruction of Mrs. F. Lansdowne Belyea. Later, while attending Atlantic School of Theology, he was appointed organist of the University of King’s College, Halifax and continued organ and composition studies under Maitland Farmer, a former organist of All Saints Cathedral, Halifax. After receiving his Master of Divinity, David was awarded several scholarships which required the education must be continued outside the Atlantic Provinces. The subject matter was not restrictive, and so organ studies in performance under the internationally acclaimed organist Dagmar Kopecki, with composition, and theory with several other Toronto music professionals filled 1977. He was made a Deacon in 1976 in Fredericton and ordained a priest in 1977 by the Bishop of Toronto for the Diocese of Fredericton. Father Staples returned to the Diocese in 1977 and served as the Rector of the Parish of St. Peter’s, Fredericton, the Parish of New Maryland, and the Parish of Rothesay. Father Staples made many valuable contributions to the fiscal development of this Diocese, chairing several committees of the Board of Finance, and re-organizing and updating the investments of the Diocesan Trust Funds.

For those who know him, David has a remarkable sense of humour, and a ready twinkle in his eyes.  He says that has helped him accept the limitations brought on by the progressive advancement of the degenerative disease called Parkinson’s and the recovery from back surgeries which have curtailed many of his former activities.

For those who know him, David has a remarkable sense of humour, and a ready twinkle in his eyes.

In the past, Father Staples has been Chairman of the Friends of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, a Chairman of the Fredericton Chapter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Kings College, Halifax, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Artists.  Currently, he continues as an Honorary Assistant at the Cathedral and is a Chaplain of Jurisdiction in the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem.

When asked about what he feels was the highlight of his career, he movingly reflects on interaction with individuals whom he has helped to develop a deep faith.

David has many and varied interests: music, theology, history, visual art, the economy and yes, even medicine, to the horror of his doctors. We wish him well with his health struggles which he appears to be managing well.

Marilyn Lewell

Cathedral Faces – Betty Cluthé

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Betty Cluthé joined Christ Church Cathedral in 2011. She attends the 10am Holy Eucharist and currently volunteers with the Cathedral Visitors. She was born in Germany and raised in the Lutheran Church.

Surviving World War II and the collapse of Berlin, Betty emigrated from Germany and arrived in Canada in 1954, following in her sister’s footsteps. She was 25 years old, not afraid of adventure and with a passion to learn.

She began her first job on Canadian soil in Toronto as Mother’s Helper to a local doctor and his wife and two small children. Betty quickly began to conquer the English language and within 6 months was ready for more.

She was hired by Fibreglas Canada Ltd. and worked in their accounting department for five years. Then she wanted to learn something else and got involved in the travel business. She speaks with great enthusiasm of her years in the travel business, booking domestic and foreign trips in an age before computer technology. It was during that time that Betty met her husband. Many enjoyable years followed on a farm they bought, where they raised Limousin cattle and established a cow/calf operation – another opportunity to learn which Betty embraced with a passion. After giving up the farm due to her husband’s declining health, Betty thought her brain needed some stimulation and enrolled in university courses. Before long, she was a full-time student working towards a Bachelor of Arts.

Out of Ruins and DreamsShe came to Fredericton in 1991 to be closer to her sister. As a new challenge, she wrote the Real Estate exam and worked in the business for a number of years until an opportunity to get involved in translating and interpreting for incoming German trade delegations came along. Over the next few years, as a freelance agent, she worked for the NB Department of Economic Development, the Provincial Court system, and provided translating services for a number of individuals connected with UNB faculties and other business establishments.

In her late 70’s, Betty decided to get more exercise and fresh air. A friend suggested a paper route. She called the Daily Gleaner and thus began yet another new venture since landing in Canada in 1954. Getting up at 3 am to fetch the papers between 4 and 5 am did not seem so bad for Betty since she had always been an early riser – although not that early! Once again, the enthusiasm comes shining through as she describes the joy of being the first one to walk on new fallen snow, the unique stillness of the early mornings and the friends she made along the way.

This month, after more than nine years, and much to the chagrin of her clients and her employer, Betty gave up her “motor route” with The Daily Gleaner. At the time of writing, she is 88 years old.

Now contemplating her next venture, Betty, who published a book, “Out of Ruins and Dreams” in 2013* and is still writing, indicated that she has an iron or two in the fire and just has to decide. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that she will do it with enthusiasm and will find joy in the new adventure.

“Out of Ruins and Dreams” by Betty E. Cluthé is available at Westminster Books or online at Amazon.ca.

Gail MacGillivary

Cathedral Faces – Lois Baker

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Lois Baker, a familiar face to the Cathedral family, has been an integral force in the Cathedral since she arrived here from Newcastle in 1956 as a student at Teachers’ College, living in the old Rosary Hall among the nuns. She met her husband, Gerald Baker, in Fredericton, and he wanted to marry her but he thought she was Roman Catholic, because she attended “the biggest church in Fredericton.” He was worried his family might have an issue with him marrying a Roman Catholic.  She soon set him straight!

She and Gerald had four children, two boys and two girls and now five grandchildren. All their children grew up in Fredericton and attended the Cathedral regularly, but only two are still local.

Over the years, Lois has held probably every office possible in the Cathedral.  She was a member of Bishop and Chapter, a Synod delegate for many years, Diocesan President of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) for four years, after being Vice-President for several, and then Past-President for another four – a “life sentence,” she laughs. Lois has also been a member of the Altar Guild, Kitchen and Catering, Friendship Guild and other groups.

She still works unceasingly for the Cathedral family, has many close friends in the congregation, recalls many “wonderful people” she has known and has lots of amusing anecdotes to tell.

Lois has been at the Cathedral since Dean Gray, and remembers many stories about all the Deans from that time to present. She is a fountain of information about every aspect of Cathedral life.

Life has not always been easy for her.  She lost her husband a few years ago, and soon afterwards underwent major surgery in Saint John for an aortic aneurysm — not a smooth time for her.  However, she is very thankful to have now made a full recovery. Lois is a very strong personality and comes from “good genes.”  Her mother is still living and is in an assisted living home in Moncton, after living in her own home until she was 89 years old. Lois learned to drive when she was 30 because, she had a young family considered it was necessary. Her husband worked for the government and was frequently travelling. She tells of him earning an extra ten cents per hour because he was bilingual!

Lois can frequently be seen at the Cathedral and the activities connected with it, but her favourite worship time is Holy Eucharist on Wednesday mornings.

We are thankful to have Lois as a very active and special part of our Cathedral family.

Marilyn Lewell