Afternoon Tea

On 06 May, the Cathedral was the setting for a lovely afternoon Tea prepared, hosted and served by ACW and Health Ministry members. Ten tables were set and elegantly adorned with spring-like flowers and soft pastel colored napkins. Delicate sandwiches (crustless, of course) and mouth-watering sweets accompanied by bottomless cups of freshly brewed tea were on offer. And the offer was taken up by approximately 40 people. Gentlemen and ladies alike.

The Blue Drawing Room where the Duchess of Bedford entertained guests for Afternoon Tea.

We have all heard of “high tea” and “afternoon tea” and probably all recognize both as typically British customs. Indeed, a little excursion into Google will tell you that we have the very British Anna, the Duchess of Bedford to thank for coming up with the idea of “afternoon tea” sometime in the 19th century. Whereas we now tend to view it as a special and often quite elaborate treat, for the peckish Duchess it started out as simply a snack between meals. She would request tea accompanied by finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and cakes just for her. No simple apple or peanut butter sandwich to tide Anna over!

Anna so enjoyed her afternoon snacks that she soon began inviting her friends and relatives to join her and as news spread of these afternoon occasions (which sometimes included entertainment), others started hosting their own tea parties and before they knew it, the entire country was on to Anna’s invention and a tradition was born.

So what distinguishes “afternoon tea” from “high tea”? Well believe it or not, it seems to have been the type of chair one sits in, along with one’s class. Anna’s wealthy friends and relatives dined seated on low, comfortable and well-padded chairs and sofas. Whilst the working class folks whose jobs didn’t allow for a lengthy afternoon tea, such as enjoyed by the Royals and rich, took their tea after 5:00 pm and sitting in high backed chairs (no doubt not well-padded) and high tables. Thus was born “high tea”! Needless to say, it isn’t only the chairs that differentiate the two. Crustless sandwiches and delicate sweets weren’t exactly the nectar of working class men and women. “High tea” is what is now known as supper or dinner and is the substantial evening meal. Although some folks in Britain still refer to that meal as “tea”, the use of the word high has largely been dropped.

What hasn’t changed, is the appeal of an afternoon tea! It’s an opportunity to slow down and savour a cup of tea and delicious finger food whilst enjoying the company of new and old friends in perhaps much the same way that Anna did. It’s a treat in this busy life allowing us to put our lives on hold and just relax. It can also be an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion.

This Medley Tea in the Cathedral was both. Time to chat and enjoy friends and time to celebrate the milestone 100th birthday of Mary Alwood! Congratulations and best wishes to Mary and we look forward to sharing more Medley Teas with Mary and everyone!

A special thank you to our verger and historian, Hank Williams, for putting together a special selection of historical pieces and being on hand to answer questions. These pieces and the accompanying write-ups were quite extraordinary.

Many thanks to all involved in making this such a lovely occasion, and thanks to Duchess Anna for her tendency to be peckish in the afternoon!

- by Gail MacGillivray

 

AEDs in Cathedral and Hall

AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for emergency use are accessible in both of our buildings.

In the Cathedral, the AED is hung on the back wall, near the refreshment area. In Memorial Hall, an AED has been placed in the kitchen, on top of the First Aid box on the wall near the dishwasher.

Always call 911 in an emergency.

Using an AED offers someone with a sudden cardiac arrest the best chance for survival. The machines are designed to be easy for the public to use, and give audible directions. An AED will not shock a person unless it detects a shockable rhythm.

All models of AEDs work similarly. Below, you'll find two short videos demonstrating how to use the type of AEDs we have in the Cathedral and Memorial Hall. Please spend a few minutes watching them - it could help you save a life!

If an AED is used, please contact the Cathedral Office, so that we can replace materials used in the resuscitation effort. Thank you to our Health Ministry team for procuring these tools and keeping our First Aid kits stocked.

Learn more about what to do in case of a sudden cardiac arrest: Visit the Call Push Shock website.

Demo of AED model available in Memorial Hall kitchen:

Demo of AED model available at the back of the Cathedral:

What should you do in case of sudden cardiac arrest? Call - Push - Shock

Deacon Debbie appointed hospital chaplain

Archbishop David Edwards has appointed the Rev. Debbie Edmondson as chaplain at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton for a one-year period, with the possibility of renewal, beginning 01 February, 2025.

Our congratulations to Deacon Debbie!


Debbie's bio from our Clergy and Staff page:

The Rev'd Debbie Edmondson, Deacon

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Debbie grew up in Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick, where she still makes her home with Phillip, her husband of 45+ years. They have two sons and daughters-in-law and four grandchildren, who are a tremendous source of joy.

She is a life-long Anglican, with, as she describes, “a well rounded Ecumenical background.” Drawing on her rural roots, she leads workshops and retreats with humour and a down to earth sense of the sacred. Debbie was ordained as a Vocational Deacon on 01 February 2009. She completed training in Spiritual Direction with the Haden Institute in conjunction with Mount Carmel Spiritual Center in Niagara Falls in 2014.

Debbie has always been involved with her church community through groups and activities from teaching Sunday School to serving on Vestry to being a Layreader and then being called to Ordained Ministry, which she feels is an ongoing learning and awakening experience. On 01 February, 2025, Debbie was appointed as chaplain at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton by Archbishop David Edwards. Debbie is also the Cathedral Hospital Visitors Coordinator, the Diocesan Representative for the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer and a member of the Diocesan Spiritual Development Team.

 

Trees and treats at Christmas Luncheon

The Anglican Church Women, in partnership with Health Ministry, served 30+ guests at a Christmas Luncheon held 11 December.

The theme was ‘Trees’. Members of the congregation loaned items for a display, and the variety of decorative Christmas trees added to the festive lunch enjoyment.

Personal care items and donations were collected for Grace House women's shelter.

Listen, Love and Pray: Grief and Loss Support

Join Deacons Isabel Cutler and Debbie Edmondson for Listen, Love and Pray: Grief and Loss Support.

Growing in faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love - holding space for being together with loss. People feeling grief and loss of all types gather to reflect and support each other’s experiences.

Held 7:00-9:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Cathedral Memorial Hall, Lounge, 168 Church Street, Fredericton.

Anyone from the community is welcome to attend.

Things we grieve:

  • the loss of a loved one
  • the loss of a pet
  • a breakup or divorce
  • major life transitions
  • being unable to achieve a goal or fulfill a dream
  • a diagnosis
  • not living the life we hoped we would live
  • the effects of big decisions (even when those decisions are ultimately good for us)
  • losing a jobe or switching careers
  • a friendship breakup
  • the person we were before something traumatic or life-altering occurred
  • moving to a new location
  • a faith transition or a shift in our beliefs

 

 

A note from Health Ministry

The Fall season is here and it is beautiful!

Along with this weather comes the flu, increasing numbers of COVID cases, and various viruses and colds. Flu vaccines and COVID vaccines, if not available now, will be very soon. Health care providers and pharmacies will be able to advise us and administer the vaccines.

Hand washing frequently, masking to protect yourself and others, and staying home when ill, are ways to protect ourselves and others.

Thank you for your care.

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Cathedral's Prayer Shawl Ministry began in 2006 during the early stages of the Parish Nurse and Health Ministry. It was under the leadership of the late Wendy Brien, and she soon invited Marilyn Lewell to join her in making the shawls.

Prayer Shawl Ministries exist worldwide, and provide shawls free of charge to anyone who requests one. We make them primarily for those who are undergoing stress in their lives, usually for health reasons, but we have made them for happy occasions as well, such as weddings and births. Since these are for the women, our team decided to make soft fleece blankets for men. They are washable and cozy, and provide much comfort.

Since the Cathedral Prayer Shawl Ministry began, we have made almost 300 shawls, and 82 blankets for all ages and genders. They are wrapped in tissue and presented in a gift bag, accompanied by appropriate, beautiful prayers. Some families have even buried them with their loved ones or wrapped the shawl around the urn during a funeral service.

If you know of anyone who would benefit from a shawl or blanket, please contact the Cathedral Office or the Dean.

Unfortunately, we have lost our team of crafters, and Marilyn Lewell is currently the sole maker of blankets and shawls. If you wish to become a knitter, crocheter, or blanket maker for the Prayer Shawl Ministry, or donate to the cost of the yarn and/or fleece, please let the Office know.

- by Marilyn Lewell

Who was Elizabeth Scovill?

Many Anglicans in the Diocese will know the name Pickett-Scovil, but did you ever wonder who these people were?

In our Diocese, the Pickett-Scovil Memorial Fund, administered by the Anglican Church Women (ACW), assists retired clergy and widow(ers) with dental and medical expenses not covered by medical plans and Medicare.

Elizabeth Scovil, a nurse, started the fund in 1910 with friend and fellow nurse Lucy Vail Pickett, and...

* * *

Read the full article, written by Gisele McKnight and published on the NB Anglican website on July 9, 2024.

Volunteers needed for hospital worship services

Worship services will soon resume at the Dr. Everett Chalmers hospital in Fredericton, and volunteers from multiple parishes are sought for the following ministry options:

  • Lead in the Service of the Word
  • Lead in music ministry
  • Offer a brief reflection

Members of the Hospital Worship team will become members of the Spiritual Care Department at the hospital. This requires a yearly renewal by completing a series of e-learning modules from Horizon Health Network which are the basic requirements of all Horizon Health employees. Each module takes about 15 minutes to complete. Members are also required to have an updated criminal record check and sign a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Members of the Spiritual Care Department receive free parking, access to the employee entrance, and access to the Hospital Library and any educational offerings that are relevant (and/or of interest).

Anyone interested in assisting with worship services at the hospital should contact:

The Rev'd Debbie Edmondson, Deacon <debbie.edmondson at anglican.nb.ca>
Eva Morton <eva.moron at gmail.com>

Spring Tea provides treats, treasures, and outreach support

Cathedral Health Ministries with help from the Anglican Church Women (ACW), hosted a 'Spring Awakes' Tea in the Cathedral on the afternoon of April 23. This all-inclusive gathering was in keeping with the Medley Tea of former years that celebrated the arrival of spring.

The Reverend Isabel Cutler and the Reverend Debbie Edmondson, Deacons, opened the afternoon “celebration” with prayer and poetry readings.

Hank Williams, a Cathedral Verger (and Cathedral lay historian) displayed historical tapestries, sacramental and decorative items, and shared stories associated with the items. Attendees were pleased to see three tables of treasures; some of which are typically stored in the Cathedral vault. Items included:

  • The Royal Bible, given to the Cathedral by H.R.H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales on his visit in 1860. It was subsequently signed by many royals when visiting Fredericton, including Queen Elizabeth (as Queen, and when she was Princess), Prince Phillip, and King Charles (when he was Prince of Wales).
  • A Traveling Altar, used by Bishop Tully Kingdon, third Bishop of Fredericton (1892-1907) in his travels around the diocese.
  • Small bells made from molten metal from the original cathedral bells of 1853, following the fire in 1911. They were created to raise funds for restoration.
  • A silver communion set, said to have been given to St. Paul's Church, Public Landing, NB by George III.
  • Hangings for the high altar, designed and sewn by Lucy McNeill.
  • The Queen Victoria pulpit fall, said to be made from cloth from the coronation robes of Queen Victoria (unconfirmed).
  • An altar frontal with a label on the back which says it was hanging on an altar in Westminister Abbey on the day of the coronation of King William IV in 1830.

The Cathedral Outreach Committee was pleased and grateful to receive a large quantity and a wide variety of toiletries for the outreach program, which were donated by attendees of the Tea. These items will be offered to people in need, along with non-perishable groceries, supermarket gift cards, a bag lunch, used clothing and small housewares, during monthly gatherings held in Cathedral Memorial Hall.

Everyone enjoyed the afternoon gathering of conversation, tea, treats, and viewing the vault treasures. It is so important to continue to host gatherings, as these events strengthen the bonds of our church community - spiritually, physically and emotionally.