The Dean of Fredericton, Geoffrey Hall, wrote to members of the Cathedral congregation on 12 October 2016 to communicate the news about vandalism that had taken place over the Thanksgiving weekend. The note, with the subject line “Some unfortunate news” follows:
Members of Christ Church Cathedral Congregation,
I write with somewhat upsetting news that during the evening of Sunday, 09 October or the early morning of Monday, 10 October 2016, someone gained entrance to the Cathedral and subjected much of the interior to vandalism. A piece of outside furniture was taken from O’Dell House the evening before and there were reports of break-ins at other points along Brunswick Street. Unfortunately, the uncounted offering from Sunday was taken. E-offerings, of course are safe, cheques made out to the Cathedral will be unable to be cashed, but cash offerings were lost and the total amount is unknown. Monday morning is the usual time for counting and the bank deposit.
The Fredericton Police were on the scene early Monday morning and continue to process evidence obtained. The investigation is on-going and we await its outcome.
The good news is, there was a considerable mess created but no real damage. Thanks to members of the Sanctuary and St. Joseph’s guilds and others for helping to put things mostly to right again on Tuesday.
Needless to say, as with any act of vandalism or intrusion, the violation of our space creates a myriad of emotional reactions. Thankfully, this could have easily been far worse. The Cathedral and O’Dell House door locks have been changed, and the exterior and office doors inside the Memorial Hall will be completed on Wednesday.
Regards,
Geoffrey Dean of Fredericton
Photo: Dalton London
The Dean provided an update for the Sunday bulletin of 16 October to communicate additional details. Locks have been changed as indicated.
Since informing the congregation, it has been discovered that three items were also lost: two electric guitars owned by Paul and Catherine MacDonald and a harmonica owned by Tom Fetter, all members of the 11:45 Music Group.
As the note says, the investigation is on-going.
We can again reiterate our thanks to all those who have helped to right the wrong. While cash given on Sunday, 09 October is gone, those who made offerings by way of cheques are encourage to reissue them, as the perpetrators will not be able to cash them. E-offerings remain the safest, most secure way to give. E-offerings also provide a way to assure a regularity of financial support for Cathedral ministry for those who have chosen to make it a priority.
Lucy’s Sewing Group meets Fridays to carry on an embroidery tradition. From left: Rita Cyr-Bonga, Jean Davies, Diane Radford, Ann Dalzell and Flo Harvey. ~ McKnight photos
By Gisele McKnight
Every Friday morning, between three and seven women gather at Cathedral Memorial Hall to keep alive the art of ecclesiastical embroidery.
They range in age from their early 60s to late 80s and they call themselves Lucy’s Sewing Group, based out of Christ Church Cathedral.
Together they have a few hundred years of sewing experience. Without them, and others like them, our Anglican church services would be hard pressed to function.
Their ministry is the embroidery of altar linens — corporals, credence cloths, fair linen, purificators and so on. Without purificators, for example, how would a priest celebrate Holy Eucharist?
“It’s definitely a ministry,” said Rita Cyr-Bonga. “It’s very important. I can’t put it into words.”
“From my point of view, I can sew, so I regard that as a gift. Therefore I should use it,” said Ann Dalzell, another of the members.
Production
The process of producing an embroidered cloth begins in Ireland at Ulster Weavers. Lucy’s buys it in a 10-metre roll. They tried the locally available linen, but it didn’t measure up, so they stick with the Irish.
Rita Cyr-Bonga rolls up a measuring tape after working with a bolt of Irish linen. Lucy’s Sewing Group doesn’t use the cathedral kitchen for eating, only for laying out and cutting metres and metres of linen.
Once it arrives in Fredericton, Rita takes it home for preparation.
“It has to be laundered, washed and ironed, before we use it,” said Jean Davies, who acts as the organizer of the group. “Imagine washing your tablecloth, but 10 metres of it. It’s not a job I would say ‘let me do it!’”
Laundering is to prevent shrinkage later on. Measurements for their products are precise, so this step is crucial.
Then it’s time for cutting the linen into the pieces for which they have orders. Once that’s done, the pieces are hemmed with mitred corners. Then finally, the embroidery can begin.
Flo Harvey explains the process: Fold the cloth in half to find the centre line. Stitch a blue line along it. Fold it the other way and repeat.
“When you’re finished, you have a cross in the centre,” said Flo, adding that’s where the embroidery will go.
A design is selected — either from their catalogue or one the customer provides — and the linen is placed over the pattern for tracing. Flo uses a light table at home and a washable ink pen to do the tracing. Then it’s ready for embroidery, once those blue stitch lines are removed.
When the embroidery is complete, it’s time for another laundering and ironing, and delivery to the customer.
While the group meets and sews each week, much of the work is done at home.
White-on-white embroidery design
Output
Lucy’s produces altar linens for the diocese, and as time and hands permit, they take on projects from elsewhere, even from as far away as the United States on occasion. They made four altar cloths for the Cathedral’s mission to a church in Belize, for example.
In an average year, the group will produce 40-50 purificators, five corporals, five fair linens, two credence cloths and two stiff palls. Turn around time is two months to several months, depending on the workload.
“We have a waiting list and we just do it as we go,” said Jean.
White-on-white embroidery design
Their price list hasn’t changed in a long time. A purificator is $12.50; a fair linen (altar cloth) is about $250. The latest roll of linen cost $306 Cdn, and fortunately, church linens are duty-free.
Their profits are donated to a variety of charitable causes.
Just a spark
Repair of altar linens is a tricky business. If a stitch is loose on a hem, it can be mended. But if it’s a hole in the cloth, its usefulness has ended.
“Traditionally we don’t mend altar linens,” said Ann. “There can be no broken threads on the altar. The only exception is hems.”
That’s why it’s important to snuff a candle, not blow it out. A spark can make a hole, and the only method of disposal is to burn it.
Lucy McNeill in an undated magazine article
Lucy’s origins
In an earlier era, ecclesiastical embroidery involved silk and gold threads on silk cloth. Some churches in the diocese still have these treasures. Now, however, the work of Lucy’s is white on white — white thread on white linen.
Ann, though, had the privilege of restoring Margaret Medley’s colourful embroidered frontals at Trinity Church in Dorchester about five years ago.
“The whole tradition started with Margaret Medley,” said Ann. “By the time she was in the country 12 months, she had started an altar guild.”
Photos of Margaret Medley’s embroidery
Margaret was the wife of Bishop John Medley.
Lucy’s Sewing Group, though, is not part of an altar guild. The roots of this group lie with Lucy McNeill, a somewhat stern but gifted embroiderer who lived next door to Cathedral Memorial Hall.
“Lucy was a rather formidable person,” said Ann. “People don’t realize she was very keen to get small group sewers going in our parishes. Lucy has had a terrific impact.”
Lucy once wrote a front-page article for Embroidery Canada, after which the magazine asked her to continue contributing.
Her answer: ‘I am not at all interested in domestic embroidery.’
She did, however, author a 32-page book called Sanctuary Linens, Choosing, Making and Embroidering, published by the Anglican Book Centre in Toronto in 1975. Two editions were published, but it’s rare to find one these days.
Some in the current group worked with Lucy.
“We were doing this work under her helpful hand and met at her house once a week,” said Ann. “We just kept on afterwards.”
Lucy died several years ago.
New members welcome
Jean was recruited about 15 years ago by the dean’s wife.
“She said, ‘You sew. Why don’t you join Lucy’s group?’ I didn’t know what Lucy’s group was.”
Diane Radford is one of the group’s younger members. She has a unique perspective as a member of the sanctuary guild.
“I find it interesting to see the other side of it,” she said. “You have no idea of the work that goes into it until you see this.”
While some might think the embroidery is too intricate or difficult, it’s a craft that can be learned, and the women at Lucy’s are eager to share it. They eagerly welcome new members. And because this group is senior in age, they understand the importance of recruitment.
To contact the group, call Cathedral Memorial Hall: 450-8500.
Many will remember the 2005 Cathedral Photo Directory. A directory is a useful tool to bring the family of God together as we come to know one another more fully. In 2005, Universal Studios was chosen to facilitate its creation. Once again, Universal will help us become closer. Its a win/win as they have the opportunity to market portraits to those who wish to purchase them while every participant receives a free directory.
Update Our 27 September – 01 October booking times have been filled. Additional sittings will be available at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 603 Union Street, (Northside) Fredericton, NB. Book online or contact Universal Portrait Studios to make an appointment.
This message was sent to the congregation outlining the details:
Universal Portrait Studios has been engaged to produce a Church Directory for Christ Church Cathedral. Over the next two weeks, if they haven’t heard from you first, they will contact the congregation to set up photo appointments beginning September 27th and running through to October 1st.
It has been several years since our last directory was published and based on feedback from that time, we have decided to include contact information for those who wish. You will be given the option to have photo, name(s) and contact information or just photo and name(s). Many members felt that the Directory would prove a more useful tool if contact information was included. All congregation members will receive a copy of the Directory. And, of course, portraits will be available for purchase if desired.
A sample of photos and Directory content has been placed at the back of the Cathedral. In addition, the Sunday Bulletin for September 11th will include a bookmark from Universal which provides some relevant information, including convenient ways to make an appointment by toll free phone: 1-888-769-7339 or by BOOKING ONLINE.
We encourage you to participate and look forward to having this updated communication tool available to everyone!
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday evening, 19 September with ten of thirteen members present. Minutes of the June meeting were adopted. The Dean shared a reflection on leadership culture.
Business Arising
• Employment – David Drinkell began as Director of Music (half-time) on 17 July. Adam Lewis began as Sexton (full-time) on 25 July. Kathleen Snow began as Parish Nurse (half-time) on 01 September.
• Lay Administrators – Permission received from the Bishop for lay administrators of the chalice during worship and the reserved sacrament at home
• Hall Front Steps – Repair requirements have been considered and should begin this week.
• Chapter vacancies – Christian Formation: Bonnie Greenwood is nominated. Buildings and Property: vacancy created by the resignation of Bob Garland – nomination is in progress
• Piano – The Baldwin piano at the Cathedral has been purchased
• Offering Counting Procedures – a new process was initiated on 18 September which better follows diocesan recommended procedures and controls
From the Dean
• Worship and prayer leadership – the daily office is being said Monday – Friday 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.. Administrators of home communion are functioning in their role
• Pastoral – Farraline Place and Windsor Court communion in September. Visits to hospitals, home visits and home communions. One funeral.
• To do’s – Server Guild startup and training; baptism preparation during October for November baptisms
Items for Decision
• Chapter membership – Bonnie Greenwood elected to fill the chair of Christian Formation with the Chapter’s thanks and appreciation.
Items for Discussion
• Leadership Culture – leadership “culture” is the habits, practices and assumptions made regarding how an organization operates. The Cathedral is currently operating with a “puppeteer leadership model,” with the assumption that the dean is the puppeteer. Leadership is facilitating the contributions of others. The Dean shared his frustration that he cannot change the culture single-handedly but that it does need to change if we are to become more spiritually mature both individually and corporately. Chapter members having a group with which to work in their particular area of ministry is critical – things happen when people get together. The Chapter will read “Divine Renovation” by James Mallon.
Reports
• Financial – the Treasurer sent income and expenses report for information. Expenses will return to normal monthly levels and as budgeted for the period September – December.
• Mission / Outreach – brief update on the challenges of refugee sponsorship project and Belize Mission support. Visit the missions committee website for information.
• Communications – gift items sold during August at the Cathedral. Photo directory project underway. (Universal Portrait Studios)
• Administration and Finance – Several policies have been drafted and await consideration and adoption
• Hospitality – some changes to a fall supper (30 October) being recommended.
Next meetings
17 October; 21 November; 19 December
What does it take for you to go somewhere you have never ever been before? For some people they become filled with fear and never want to go, others they just need the money and they are already on the plane, and others still just need to hear the voice of God and they will be there no matter what the barrier.
I had the privilege of going down to French Guiana at the end of July to celebrate the 20th anniversary of having an Inter-Varsity group (GBU) in French Guiana. In 1996 there was a group of university students from Martinique who came to French Guiana to plant a GBU in the second largest city, Kourou, and there were a bunch of bumps along the way but they knew that they were called their so they faithfully followed. Since then GBU in French Guiana has expanded to the other university in Cayenne and onto 3 different High schools. All of this has happened by the initiative of volunteers and students because there are currently no staff workers there.
For me it was also my first time in French Guiana and it was a mixture of exciting and scary to go to a place where I did not really know anyone but I had heard so many good things about. For me, seeing the teaching that was there, the way in which they celebrated and my time interacting with students it was a strong confirmation that I am being told to go somewhere I haven’t really ever been before. I am stepping out in faith and I hoping and praying that my contributions can have the same impact as those first students had when they first got off the plane and started ministering on the University campus. But so far what I have seen is so encouraging.
Funding report
This past little while I have been back in Winnipeg and I have been able to fundraise the first 30% of my budget so in the next month I am aiming to get to 100% of my fundraising. I want to thank all of those people that have already supported me. If you or anyone you know would like to support the ministry of Inter-Varsity I would love to come and meet with you and tell you how that might be possible.
This summer we are pleased to have two young people in the congregation serve as our summer tour guides for July and August – Isabelle Gaudet and Keely Rutter.
Isabelle and Keely began their work at the beginning of July after having been trained by the Cathedral Verger, Hank Williams. They will be in at the Cathedral, Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for guided tours until August 31. Tours are offered in both official languages (no small feat!). Comments by our visitors indicate they are doing more than just an outstanding job.
Besides the tours of the Christ Church Cathedral , they are also there to help tourists with information about other things to see in Fredericton, other historically significant features, great restaurants to visit, etc. They also help out with hospitality at the Friday noon-hour recital series.
We are indeed fortunate to have such talented young women as guides this year.
When asked for their opinion of their job, comments ranged from “It’s very interesting and fun,” to “I enjoy so much meeting people from all over the world.” We are indeed fortunate to have such talented young women as guides this year.
While some tourists arrive at the the Cathedral door with at least some knowledge of New Brunswick history and maybe even knowledge of the religious history of the Province, others enter into an entirely new and unknown world of our local past. Christ Church Cathedral and the influence of Bishop John Medley, who envisioned it, is “a profound and foundational component of our NB heritage,” said Dean Geoffrey Hall.
“As the Christian Church would seem to be losing its place and prominence in contemporary society, it is an even more important ministry of the proclamation of the Good News to maintain this visible sign of the place of God in our human story. And even more importantly, that we have these doors open to all: the faithful, the inquisitive, the seeker and the curious.”
With a violent civil war and years in a refugee camp behind them, Phillip, Esther, Arene and Catherine flew more than 10,000 kilometres from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to Brussels to Montreal to Fredericton this week. The long trip is only the start of their challenging journey.
FIRST CANADIAN PICNIC – The Rev’d Rick Robinson and his wife Nancy took the refugee family from Liberia swimming and for a picnic at Woolastook Park on July 31. Pictured with them are Arene, Catherine, Esther and Phillip. The young people also enjoyed dancing to music at the event which was celebrating Black heritage in New Brunswick.
A smiling welcoming committee waved balloons, welcome signs and Canadian flags at the airport. Parishioners came from the cathedral, Christ Church Parish Church, St. Margaret’s, St. Mary (York), All Saints in Marysville and Anglican parishes around Gagetown. Four exhausted people who hadn’t slept for two nights looked bewildered by all the attention.
“They were overwhelmed, probably feeling as if they had landed on another planet, but we made them feel as welcome, safe and comfortable as we could,” said committee member Doug Milander from the cathedral. “When we drove up to the door of the apartment building and I said, “this is your home,” Phillip began to sob.
“I don’t know what he had expected, but he could not believe what was happening. By the time he saw the spacious rooms, homey furnishings, and all the food, he cried harder. He thanked us and shook our hands many times.”
Phillip’s wife Esther deplaned in an airline wheelchair and walks very haltingly with a cane. The teenaged children look healthy and were curious. Everything is new for them: 24/7 electricity, potable running water, modern bathrooms and appliances.
Representatives of the Archdeaconry of Fredericton await Phillip, Esther, Arene and Catherine at Fredericton Airport on Wednesday.
“This is an incredible and emotional experience for everyone,” said Kelly Humber-Kelly from St. Margaret’s who completed much of the paperwork related to the refugee sponsorship. “Everyone on the committee thanks you for the prayers, funds, and donated items you have given to this project in the past several months.
“But it’s no longer a project. These are people with hopes and dreams, a family who needs our help and loving care to regain their independence and transition to a new life in Canada.”
Updates will be provided as events unfold for the family. Ongoing prayers are appreciated.
On July 26th a family of four Liberians, who fled a civil war and who have been living in a refugee camp for six years, will board an airplane in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, and start winging their way toward Canada.
The family will find a clean, fully furnished, comfortable, bright, three-bedroom apartment waiting for them when they arrive in Fredericton July 27th. The cathedral and 10 Anglican parishes have been collecting funds, furniture and food for the family, comprised of Phillip Weah, Esther Gmah and teenaged children Arene and Catherine Gmah. A team from the cathedral, Christ Church Parish Church, St. Margaret’s, St. Mary’s York and All Saints (Marysville) has been working hard to move furniture and supplies, clean and set up the apartment. Congregations have been enormously generous in donating items. The refugee sponsorship committee expresses gratitude for the help and asks for ongoing prayer for the Liberian family.
When they arive they will be nervously stepping into a whole new world. They will receive a warm welcome from members of the Greater Fredericton Area Anglican Parishes, a refugee sponsorship committee representing 10 parishes and the cathedral.
“We have been praying, preparing and raising funds for many months in anticipation of the family’s arrival, but we have been given only two and a half weeks notice of the specific date,” said Archdeacon Patricia Drummond who speaks for the committee.
“We have a LOT to do before that time, the most urgent being to find a convenient, three-bedroom apartment for a reasonable rent into which we can move the many furniture items and supplies we have accumulated,” she said. “We also need to stock the apartment with groceries. And there is considerable paperwork to do and meetings to set up related to banking, documentation, language assessments, health care, and so on.”
She added that it will be helpful for the African newcomers because it is not the dead of winter, but it will be hectic for the organizers because it is summer when some volunteers are away on holidays.
“In speaking over a scratchy telephone line with the father of the family, I discovered that the family is Christian. We would have happily accepted any faith, but this does make things easier in a number of ways.”
In speaking over a scratchy telephone line with the father of the family, I discovered that the family is Christian …
Liberia is on the west coast of Africa
The archdeacon sincerely thanked everyone for their donations and moral support. Prayers for the family will be very much appreciated.
“Some people have asked if they can still contribute financially, and the answer is yes because we must support this family for an entire year,” she noted. “People in the various parishes have been generous, but we do not yet have enough money to cover the whole year. Cheques can be made payable to Christ Church Parish Church, marking Refugee Fund on the memo line. Any contribution is welcome.”
The only remaining item needed on our 10-page list of furniture and supplies is a chair suitable to use at a computer desk. It does not have to be new but it does have to function.
“God has been very good to us as we prepare for the family, and we know He will watch over them on their long journey here,” Archdeacon Drummond concluded.
NotaBle Acts is a theatre company dedicated to the development and production of new plays by aspiring and established New Brunswick dramatists. This focus can be seen even in their name; yes, the capital N and B in NotaBle Acts stand for New Brunswick! The Cathedral is pleased to host “First Sight” written by our very own John Ball on July 24, 26 & 27 at 7:30 p.m. Read more about NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre Festival.
Street Scenes: Three Site-Specific Plays
The three winners of NotaBle Acts’ 2016 call for site-specific plays will be performed promenade-style, with the audience viewing three short plays that take them on a walking tour of scenic locations in downtown Fredericton, starting at Christ Church Cathedral and ending in the historic Garrison district. Each play runs approximately 15-25 minutes. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on if you like, and dress for the weather and bring a raincoat or umbrella if threat of rain.
John Ball
First Sight by John Ball. Audience members taking a tour of historic Christ Church Cathedral will get more than they bargained for when a romantic comedy springs into life around them.
Directed by Len Falkenstein and starring Melissa McMichael, Miguel Roy, Judy Lavigne, and Lucas Gutierrez-Robert.
Ralph and Laura and the River Valley Promo by Gordon Mihan.Serial failed entrepreneur Ralph Lawrence and his sister, Laura, decide to give it once last shot, filming a commercial for his new venture, Lawrence of Arugula Boat Tours on the beautiful St. John.
Directed by Jesse LaPointe and starring Jean-Michel Cliche, Arianna Martinez, and Lee Thomas.
Fort Faith by Jean-Michel Cliche. In a neglected corner of a colonial empire, two soldiers, one English, one French, continue to play out their historic grudge, long after their armies have forgotten and abandoned them.
Directed by Alexa Higgins and starring Ian Goff and Jesse LaPointe.
Street Scenes
Starting at Christ Church Cathedral, 168 Church Street July 24, 26 & 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 Regular, $10 Senior/Underage, $7 Student
available at the door.
