Volume 13, Number 9
THE MESSENGER
November 2015
C HRIST CHURCH C ATHEDRAL M OBILE, A LABAMA
A Message from the Dean Dear Cathedral Family,
THANKSGIVING ECUMENICAL SERVICE First Baptist Church 806 Government Street
Monday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m.
ALL SAINTS’ DAY Sunday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. Don’t forget to fall back one hour.
FESTIVAL EUCHARIST STEWARDSHIP 2016 INGATHERING CELEBRATION
FOLLOWING
New life comes, not in spring, but in fall’s turning toward winter. This between-season of turning to new birth begins with All Saints’ Day, when we remember those who have gone before us into the light of new life. As we gather-in our stewardship for the next year on that day, we acknowledge the responsibility we carry as the heirs to the saints who loved and cared for Christ Church over the past 193 years, and we accept our responsibility for ensuring the continued health and growth of the mission carried out from this sacred place. In this Messenger you will find historical information about Christ Church’s presence in Mobile for almost 200 years. I hope this material will inspire you to think and pray about our future. I am thankful for the generous response to our annual stewardship effort in October. This has been a year of tremendous giving on the part of the Cathedral Family, and 2016 promises to be a year of continued growth. The Vestry Nominating Committee of retiring vestry members and dean’s appointees has done good and faithful work in assembling a slate of gifted nominees for vestry and convention delegates. You will find more information about the
individuals who are offering to serve and help lead us into our future in this Messenger. Our parish meeting for the purpose of electing these slates will take place on Sunday, December 6. Our final worship opportunity of this liturgical year will occur after Christ the King Sunday. This year’s Thanksgiving Day Service, a combined effort of the downtown churches, will take place on a different date and time: Monday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church. The preacher will be from Big Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. The new church year will begin on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29. This will be Year C in the Eucharistic Lectionary and Year Two for those of you who follow the Daily Office Lectionary. As the days grow shorter and we look toward the closing of this year, we remember that we are people of hope, who find new life beginning already in the turning toward the end. We have much to be thankful for in looking back to the year that has passed, and we have much to anticipate in the new life ahead. Faithfully, The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean
THE CATHEDRAL CHAPTER 2015 Robert Willis Israel Senior Warden
Hetty Cunningham Newell Charles Stephen McKay Junior Wardens
William Kennon Drew Treasurer
Harwell Ellis Coale, Jr. Chancellor
Ronald A. Snider Clerk
Class of 2015 John D. Davidson Mary Esther T. Elliott Banks C. Ladd Alison S. Mitchell Lucy F. Moore Henry R. Seawell IV Class of 2016 Sage M. Bolt Lewis H. Golden George B. Inge Robert W. Israel Charles S. McKay Hetty C. Newell Class of 2017 V. Lyn Bennett Cartledge W. Blackwell III Steven B. Hall Barbara L. Mitchell Margaret M. Thigpen Thomas B. Van Antwerp Chapter Members Mendy Henderson, 2016 St. Agatha’s, deFuniak Springs
Gary Moore, 2017 St. Paul’s, Daphne
The Rev. Aaron Smith, 2018 St. Paul’s, Magnolia Springs
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A Message from the Canon Dear Cathedral Family, In last month’s newsletter, I said I was looking forward to the upcoming youth confirmation class outreach project. The previous class had the memorable pancake breakfast while raising money for the Fuse Project, and this year’s youth confirmation class wanted to host a brunch, with the proceeds going to benefit the young men of the Kappa League. We set our goal at raising $3,000, the amount needed to pay for the young men’s preparation for and taking of college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT.
and made them feel at home. I enjoyed hearing one of the Kappas reading our New Testament lesson and having all of them join us in receiving Christ’s holy presence. Carl Cunningham relayed that several of the young men do not have a church home, but felt at home at the Cathedral. They could see our Cathedral as their spiritual home. What a powerful response to our worship, fellowship, and hospitality. In other words, what a response to the Cathedral family being itself. In this season of giving thanks, I am thankful for those involved with this endeavor: our youth, our youth confirmands, our great cooks, those who purchased tickets, those who were our sponsors, and those who prayed for us. I am thankful to report that after our expenses, we raised $3,366.67 for the men of the Kappa League. Your donations will go a long way to help the young men of the Kappa League be ready for college entrance exams, thus opening up to them a whole new world of wonder, adventure, and academic challenge – college. Thank you for helping to open doors of opportunity for them. Thank you for being the awesome Cathedral family that you are.
Would we make our goal? Would our youth confirmands, and indeed our youth (grades 6-12), be able to sell enough tickets and secure enough sponsors to make this happen? My mind was swirling with questions and concerns, but thanks be to God, things started to fall into place. First, our cooks came forward – Preston Bolt, David Brady, and Al Chow. Next, our youth swung into action. It took a little inspiration, but they started selling tickets and seeking sponsors, and you all, our parish family, joyfully responded. Then it was our big day and the youth (and even some Fun Clubbers) worked very hard serving food, bussing tables, Have a great November everyone, and showing our guests wonderful and I hope to see you at church! hospitality. Our cooks were busy in God’s Peace, the kitchen, but loving every minute of it.
Everyone enjoyed the food and The Reverend Daniel A. Wagner fellowship. You all welcomed the Canon Pastor young men from the Kappa League dwagner@christchurchcathedralmobile.org
A nno u n c i n g t h e Ve s t r y N o m i n e e s — P r o p o s e d C l a s s o f 2 0 1 8 The Vestry and Convention Delegate nominees will be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting to be held on Sunday, December 6, during Coffee Hour. Jill Showers Chow Jill Showers Chow, native Mobilian, is a graduate of McGill-Toolen High School and the University of South Alabama. She is married to Alan Chow, and they have two lovely young ladies as daughters, Janie and Jordan. She is currently employed at the University of South Alabama as a PC Application Specialist. She enjoys playing tennis, power walking, and traveling. She has served in various capacities in the churches she has attended: Stone Street Baptist Church; Church of the Good Shepard Episcopal; and Christ Church Cathedral where she is a hospitality team leader, acolyte parent, and assists with youth activities. Jill is a member of the Junior League of Mobile; serves as Chair of Outreach youth program at Strickland Center, is a 15 Place volunteer, served as Chair for the McKemie Place clothing drive, is a United Way volunteer, and an AIDS Alabama volunteer. Her vision is for all youth of Christ Church Cathedral to develop a firm foundation in Christian Education by attending church, Sunday School, acolyte training and participating in youth activities to strengthen their belief in faith, God, and Church.
Gretchen Van Brackle Cooper Gretchen was reared in Richmond, Virginia where she attended Trinity Lutheran Church. She is graduated from the University of Alabama. In 1998 she married Angus Cooper III. She was received at All Saints’, and the family moved to Christ Church in 2005. Gretchen and Angus have four children; Angus, Harris, Mary Lynn and Darden. She is looking forward to being a part of the growth of Christ Church Cathedral as a member of the downtown community. She is excited about the energy surrounding the next steps in our growth in mission.
Bernard Herbert (Bert) Eichold II Dr. Bert Eichold is the Health Officer for Mobile County. He is responsible for safeguarding the public’s health for all of Mobile County, a position he has held since May 1990. FYI: The Mobile County Health Department was established in 1816, six years prior to the start of Christ Church and three years before Alabama became a state. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Bert graduated from high school in Rome, Georgia, where he won the selective service lottery in 1970 and chased Russian nuclear submarines as an enlisted member of USNR. Dr. Eichold is married to Carolyn, is the father of three sons and has one daughter-in-law. He is a graduate of Tulane University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master of Public Health Degree, Doctor of Medicine Degree, and Doctorate of Public Health Degree. He is an Alumnus of Leadership Mobile and Leadership Alabama and he has an academic appointment with the University of South Alabama as an Adjunct Professor. Dr. Eichold is a member of numerous local, state and national organizations and is a Retired Captain of the United States Navy. He looks forward to being a servant leader, preserving our Historic Structure and implementing the vision for Christ Church in a cost effective/timely manner. “Only through service one can make the world a better place.”
Jennifer Simpson Grehan Jennifer Simpson Grehan moved from New Orleans to Mobile in 2007 with her husband, Brooke, daughter Ellie, and son Yates. The Grehans attended Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans. She majored in graphic design at the University of Tennessee and has worked in London, New York and New Orleans in editorial, advertising and college/high school publications. Since moving to Mobile she has designed Mobile Toile and Mardi Gras Toile New Orleans. Brooke works for International Shipholding Corporation; Ellie is a freshman at Auburn University, and Yates is a freshman at St. Paul’s. Jennifer serves on the Altar Guild; Brooke serves as an usher, and both Ellie and Yates have served as acolytes while at Christ Church. Jennifer has also recently completed the Christ Church Toile.
William Christian Hines III (bio Jex Ransom Luce (bio on page 11)
on page 11)
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Music Ministry Dear Friends in Christ, November is here, and we enter into a month full of symbols. As a person drawn to iconography, I love to think of the liturgical year as a progression of images. On All Saints’ Sunday, we remember the dead as we also contemplate our own mortality. Our celebration will be enhanced by a string trio composed of members of the Mobile Symphony, Enen Yu, Gosia Leska, and Guo-Sheng Huang. They will accompany our choir in a beautiful setting of Pie Jesu (Faithful Jesus) from Requiem by Malcolm Archer. Also, I have written a couple of pieces for them to play at the prelude and communion times. All of these pieces have a common theme: the Requiem Mass. Historically, it is important to remember that the Requiem Mass, or Missa pro Defunctis, wasn’t just a funeral service, but it was a service for all the “faithfully departed.” It is designed not just to remember the dead but to intercede with God on their behalf. Many of the texts also point out our own mortality and pray that the living be preserved from eternal damnation. Famous texts, like the Dies irae, “ Day of wrath and doom impending . . .” give the Requiem Mass its solemn and even fearsome reputation. However, there are other texts that express beautiful faith and light! Consider the introit text, “Grant them rest eternal,” the Pie Jesu, “Faithful Jesus, grant them eternal rest,” and the In Paradisum, “Into paradise may the angels lead you,” and you will come away with a different depiction of death. These prayers have been set to music by countless composers. Of course, we don’t just think of death on All Saints’ Day, but we celebrate the transitioning of souls to everlasting life! During the prelude and communion times, you will hear my own arrangements using the introit and In Paradisum chants as their themes. I hope this music will bring a sense of memorial but also a joy in the reality of life beyond our mortal bodies. These ancient chants have guided the prayer of countless generations for over one thousand years! As we move past All Saints’ Day, we continue to focus on endings and transitions to new beginnings. November 22 celebrates the Last Sunday after Pentecost—also known as the feast of Christ the King. We see images of Christ enthroned as ruler over all time—as the conqueror of death, adversity, our hearts,
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and our own struggles. These images very much “bookend” the season of Pentecost, the first bookend being that of Ascension (Christ ascending to the right hand of God). After much triumphant music celebrating the eternal triumph of love, we move into the season of Advent on November 29. Advent is a kind of triptych. We remember the coming of Christ as a human. We prepare our hearts for Christ’s arrival in the here and now. We contemplate the end of time. A vivid image during Advent is the one of the end of days: “Clouds and thick darkness surround him” (Psalm 97). Expect to hear all three images in our music. A great way to connect with the season of Advent is attending our December 6 celebration of Advent Lessons and Carols. Our choir has been working quite hard to make this event special for you. Hear Advent readings and glorious music reflecting the many moods and meanings of this season. The full gamut of Advent is felt in this service, and you will definitely feel the drama this year. Let this service, one of my very favorites, start you on a true journey through this season and the ideas it brings. We also will have two concerts that will help guide your Advent meditations. Wednesday, December 9, we welcome The Mithril Duo, Mobile’s own Celtic/World Music ensemble. Wednesday, December 16, our own Katherine Powell and Gosia Leska will present a program of music for soprano and violin drawn from a rich variety of themes. Both of these concerts start at noon. In conclusion, we have exciting plans for the 2015 Children’s Pageant on December 20 Childr en in Kindergarten through grade 5 will begin rehearsing after the morning service (in place of Sunday School) starting on November 29 and continuing December 6 and 13. We can have a great pageant if we have a good level of participation from our children. I’m looking forward to celebrating all of these coming events with you here at the Cathedral. Peace in Christ, Christopher W. Powell Organist and Choir Master
U p c o m i n g 2 0 1 5 M u s i c S e a s o n E ve n t s Sunday, November 1 Sunday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. at 4:00 p.m.
ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY & CATHEDRAL CELEBRATION
LESSONS AND CAROLS
This moving service on All Saints Day, will feature special music by Cathedral musicians and a string trio: Enen Yu, Gosia Leska, violinists; and Guo-Sheng Huang, cellist. As we remember those gone before us, come celebrate and
Come be part of a service rich with light as we celebrate the season of Advent. This service will contain Advent anthems, solos, and carols interspersed between readings illustrating the first and second comings of Christ.
ADVENT MUSIC AT NOON Advent noon-day concerts last 30 minutes, followed by a luncheon in the Chapter House. 11:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II in the Chapel 12:00 p.m. Meditation and Music in the Church 12:30 p.m. Luncheon in Chapter House
Wednesday, December 9
Wednesday, December 16
The Mithril Duo
Gosia Leska & Katherine Powell
The Mithril Duo will present a In this program of music for soprano and Celtic-inspired Advent themed violin you will hear beautiful music concert not to be missed. Their appropriate for the Advent season. repertoire combines Celtic and This refreshing other World music with classically combination of trained sensibility, combining artists will present intimacy, virtuosity, and an infinite music new and old. The Mithril Duo variety of colors with their array of instruments including flutes, fiddle, harp, guitar, whistles, Gosia Leska bouzouki, mandolin, smallpipes and nykelharpa.
Sunday, December 20
2015 Children’s Christmas Pageant The pageant takes place during 10:00 a.m. worship on the Sunday before Christmas. We will be doing something a little different this year which requires practice for our children in grades K through Grade 5.
Katherine Powell
Pageant Rehearsal Schedule Sunday, November 29 in the Church Sunday, December 6 in the Chapel Sunday, December 13 in the Church Page 5
A Structural History of Christ Church, Mobile In 1937 the architect H. B. Witherell, hired by the Historical American Buildings Survey project of the Works Progress Administration, prepared drawings of Christ Church, Mobile. To accompany these, he wrote “Structural History of Christ Church, Mobile, Alabama,” compiled from the records of the Vestry and other sources. Selections from this document are printed below. The line drawing of the front (east) elevation of Christ Church is one of Mr. Witherell’s six drawings of Christ Church. The lithograph of Christ Church appearing to the right is from Edward King, 18481896 with James Wells Champney, 1843-1903, illustrations “The Great South; A Record of Journeys in Louisiana, Texas, the Indian Territory, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.” Hartford, Conn.: American Publishing Co., 1875. Thanks to Mr. N.H. Holmes, Jr. for sharing this information with us. [“Other Existing Records” of the 1937 Historic Building Survey concerning Christ Episcopal Church, Mobile contains the following remarks. When Bienville established Mobile on its present site in 1711, ‘the church’ was built just beyond the southwest edge of Fort Louis de la Mobile. In front of this church was a broad promenade, known as ‘Promenade Iglese.’ This location was at the present intersection of Northwest St. Emanuel and Church Streets. This original church was used for about ten years; in the next decade we find the new church at the corner of Conti and Royal Streets. Then in 1822—111 years after the erection of the original church—the first Protestant Church was constructed on the site of the old ‘Promenade Iglese’—the site being donated for a Church of England congregation. It was used as a place of worship by all Protestant denominations for a number of years. In 1840 a new church—the Christ Episcopal of today—was completed on this same location, construction of the church having been started in 1838. And so we find that although the present Christ Church is only 94 years old, it stands almost on the very site of Mobile’s first church, erected 223 years ago.”] In 1840 services were held in the unfinished new church. In 1841 the church was completed with the exception of the stucco finish to be applied to the outer brick walls, and on June 9, a committee reported to the Vestry that they had made a thorough inspection of the building, with the assistance of a local architect, and found that Barnes had completed his contract for work amounting to $30,173 leaving a balance of $1,817.50 to cover the uncompleted work of stuccoing the outer walls. Barnes was released from his contract for the remaining work. From this action of the committee, it is clearly evident that no architect was employed
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for the supervision of the building work. During the erection of the new church, a bell was purchased for $362 and this was placed in the steeple, but in 1842 it was found that the bell had become cracked and it was removed from the steeple. In July of 1847 an order for a new bell of 1400 pounds weight was ordered from Andrew Meneely of West Troy, New York. This is the same bell now resting in silence (sic) on the north buttress of the Church steps. In 1840 a contract was made with Henry Erben of New York for an organ to cost $2,500, with an
allowance of $2,500 for the old organ. Although the contractor was so slow with the work of completing the organ that at one time the church was desirous of cancelling his contract, the organ was finally finished and installed by the end of the year 1859. To support the weight of the organ, brick piers with deep foundations were built under the two center pillars of the gallery, and iron pillars resting on these piers were inserted in the wooden pillars. The gallery was lowered in the center, short beams being inserted in the outer walls. It is said that Erben, with the desire of enhancing his reputation as an organ builder, gave the church an instrument
worth several thousand dollars more than the one contracted for. Whether this was true or not, it was generally considered the finest organ in the South. Although as early as 1845 consideration had been given to finishing of the outside of the church with stucco as called for in the original plans, this work done was not completed until June, 1852, at a cost of $1,444.
have the lamp post in front of the church be removed to the corner of Church and St. Emanuel Streets in case the city failed to place one there, and it seems probable that the lamp was removed from the entrance to the church soon after the city street lights were installed. In 1900, Welsbach gas lights were installed for lighting the church, and remained in use until December, 1904, when electric lights were introduced.
In 1853 the flagging for the front side walk was laid at a cost of $500.00, and regret expressed that a fence could not be erected at this time. However, two years later this iron fence was erected.
In 1879 Mr. B.A. Schroeder purchased the building on the northeast corner of Church and Conception Streets, adjacent to the church, and presented it to the church to be used as a Rectory.
In June of 1855, a lot immediately adjoining the church on the west, and measuring 211/2 feet in width, was purchased at a cost of $2,500 including an old frame building, the lot being considered large enough for the contemplated extension of the church. In March, 1857, a meeting was called to consider plans submitted by John Netman of Philadelphia, for the proposed extension of the church, and a committee was appointed to suggest changes in the plans to the architect. In April, 1858, an estimate was received from the gas company for placing six additional lights in the church and a lamp in the street in front of the church for $118. This lamp was in all probability the old lamp discovered under the church by Mr. E.W. Russell while he was in company with the Writer examining the old foundations of the church. This lamp is now in place again in front of the entrance to the church, having been restored and erected by the Rubira family as a memorial offering to the church. On January 5, 1859, it was resolved to
enabled the Building Chapter to contract for the Chapter House, which was built adjoining the church and vestry room with entrances from both. The cost of this building, with the interior finishing completed, was $10,650. It was fortunate that the Chapter House was completed in the spring of 1888, so that it could be used just as the impending collapse of the church ceiling compelled the church to be vacated on May 1, and remain closed until the following February. The falling of the plaster ceiling was caused by the inadequate nailing of the planks by which the boxed ceiling beams were hung from the wood roof trusses. Plans for a handsome wood ceiling were obtained, but the cost being prohibitive, a galvanized iron celling was purchased. In the tearing out of the old ceiling, the organ, which had been built close up into its recess, was seriously damaged and had to be rebuilt, at a cost of $500, including the cost of a water motor for its operation.
In 1883, the Building Chapter of the guilds of Christ Church was organized, having for its object the building of a wing to the church, to be used as a Sunday School classroom, library, and Chapters’ meeting place. Late in the year 1885, the Building Chapter purchased the property adjacent to the Rectory on the North for $2,100. This lot was 38 feet wide and opened into the church lot by the Vestry Room. In the following year the old house was moved from the lot. Early in 1887, a gift of $5,000 from Mr. Schroeder
Still another source of trouble developed at this time. Two adventurous boys obtained permission to climb as far as they could in the steeple, the upper portions of which were accessible only with the greatest difficulty. These boys, who, so far as known, were the only persons to enter the steeple for twenty years, reported that may of its timbers were badly decayed. Extensive repairs were made and the steeple made more easily accessible. In 1892, serious trouble was again discovered in the steeple, as leaks in the roof had allowed water to drip through the interior of the steeple and ceiling of the church into the pipe organ. Repairs were again made, and
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much decayed timber replaced. In the following year, the steeple was damaged by storms, and again in 1905. While the church was closed and the work on the ceiling progressing, the Altar Guild, which as early as 1852 looked longingly forward to the time when they could furnish a recessed chancel for the church, obtained permission to cut an arched opening through the west wall of the church, thus converting the vestry Room into a recessed chancel, a space at the back being curtained off as a robing room. A new floor was laid and walnut steps to the chancel built. In 1892 an iron fence was built enclosing the rectory and the Chapter House. In 1900 it was decided to use a part of the Mrs. William Barnewell bequest for the building of a new rectory on the side of the old one. This was done at a cost of $11,000.
In 1905 the window in the chancel was obliterated and the wainscoting extended over it and the whole paneled like the church. In common with the other churches and buildings of Mobile, Christ Church suffered severely from the
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tropical storm of September 1906. The steeple, which seems to have been an ever-recurring source of trouble and expense, “was lifted bodily from its base and hurled upon the roof of the church, breaking through same and destroying the north gallery, damaging the organ and breaking the reading desk, pulpit, and litany desk, but doing no harm to the recessed chancel.� In October (1906) it was decided to rebuild the church to its original condition except that the steeple would not be replaced, and in January 1907, a contract was let for the building of a new roof with the addition of some ornamentation by the introduction of triglyphs. The contract also included the removal of the side galleries. In February, 1907, a contract was let for $5,716. for the addition of the small choir room at the southwest dormer of the church and for the deepening of the recess chancel. The work of refinishing the interior of the church was contracted for at cost of nearly $15,000. At
the
time
when
these
large
expenditures taxed the resources of the church, the women of the congregation, with the same unselfish
devotion and untiring efforts that the women of Christ Church have always given to its welfare, raised the funds necessary for the purchase so a new organ costing $9,000. No written records of the vestry are available covering the period from 1908 to 1916 inclusive as these records, which were kept in a desk drawer in the office of Mr. H.D. Lesesne on Royal Street, were destroyed by the same storm of 1916, which flooded the office with four feet of water. The roof of Christ Church was damaged by this storm and new roofing was put on. No structural changes have been made to the church since the rebuilding of 1907. In September 1919, an architects’ sketch for a bell tower, now hanging in the vestibule of the church, was discussed by the vestry, and it was decided to have architects submit sketches of the belfry. It has been the wish of the congregation that the old bell might again be heard ringing out its summons on the Sabbath air, and a fund was started for the purpose replacing it either in a belfry or separate bell tower.
O ut re a c h
FIT (Family Intervention Team)
The Christ Church Cathedral family supports many Christmas Outreach Project local, national and international outreach agencies, local, national and international throughout the year. W e wi l l set -up t he F IT An gel Tr ee i n t he Those who are making special efforts during the C hapt er House on S unda y, Novem b er 22 . holidays are listed on this page. You may give by Gi ft s wi l l be gi v en t o t he st udent s on Thursda y D ecem b er 17. placing a check in the alms basin with the agency noted, or you may give directly using the addresses To part i ci pat e, t ake a t a g off t h e t re e or yo u m a y s end c ash gi ft s t o t he C at hedral of fi ce provided. m arked FIT C hri st m as Out re ach.
Thanksgiving Opportunities
The Salvation Army offer s Thanksgiving Meal Tickets. A donation of $19.95 provides Thanksgiving meals for five people. To give go on-line to give.SalArmy-CoastalAlabama.org Bay Area Food Bank asks you to give hungr y families something to be thankful for—the cost $1 per meal. To give go to: www.bayareafoodbank.org. On January 1, 2016, Bay Area Food Bank will become Feeding the Gulf Coast.
Your deadline for giving is Monday, December 14 UNITED THANK OFFERING INGATHERING SUNDAY November 22
Mobile Rescue Mission asks for gifts beginning at $22.30 to feed 10 people. To give send a check made payable to Mobile Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1095, Filling the UTO box gives us the opportunity to practice the spiritual discipline of thanksgiving. It allows each Mobile 36633-1095. one of us the opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude for: Christmas Opportunities Little things—beautiful weather, a phone call Episcopal Relief and Development Gifts for Life is from a friend, a delicious meal celebrating their 75th year of giving. To become a Big things—recovery from illness, a job part of the legacy go to www.episcopalrelief.org/gifts. opportunity, for forgiveness and reconciliation Gifts range from $35 for Clean Water to $80 for a We are never too young or too old to count our blessings. Let’s begin the daily practice of sharing our goat. ERD Sunday is February 14, 2016. grateful spirits. The little things we are thankful for can The Salvation Army is asking for Chr istmas become big blessings to others in need. Visit the UTO volunteers to help with the Angel Tree or to be a bell webpage at www.episcopalchurch.org. ringer. To help call: (251) 438-1625.
Lillian Vallely School, uses the season for its THE ARPILLERAS ARE COMING! annual giving campaign. To give, please go to Sunday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 14 www.lillianvallelyschool.com. The Lillian Vallely School, a fully accredited, Episcopal elementary day school, serves Native American children who live on the Fort Hall Reservation in Southeastern Idaho. We have a very special surprise ready to unveil during the sale! Your ECW, working with graphic artist and This is also the time for the Annual Fund Drive for parishioner Jennifer Grehan, will have new Christ Church Our Little Roses, Foreign Mission Society, which supports girls in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. To make Cathedral items ready for purchase. Quantities are limited. a gift directly to Our Little Roses Ministry go to: If you would like to help staff the table, please contact www.ourlittleroses.org Betty Reniewicz at betren@bellsouth.net.
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Sunday, December 6 Annual Parish Meeting with Vestry and Convention Delegate Elections
We wish to thank the members of the Nominating Committee: John D. Davidson, Mary Esther T. Elliott, Banks C. Ladd, Alison S. Mitchell, Lucy F. Moore, Henry R. Seawell IV, Lucy B. Brady, Ginny M. Behlen, W. Kennon Drew, Tom F. Garth, Lucy R. Lyons, Robby C. McClure, Jr. for their prayerful deliberations for our leadership.
The meeting will take place during Coffee Hour.
Floor Nomination Procedure for Vestry Members
A name may be placed in nomination as follows: The nominee has agreed to be placed in nomination. Before a name is offered on the floor the nominator will approach the Parish Officers, Chancellor, and Treasurer, who will certify that the nominee meets the requirements outlined in the Resolution of Christ Church Cathedral titled “Requirements and Responsibilities of Vestry Members” approved on October 10, 2005.
Requirement of Vestry Members To be a confirmed communicant of Christ Church Cathedral, 18 years of age or older. To demonstrate meaningful and sacrificial financial support of the church, including making and fulfilling an annual pledge of support; to consider that Christ Church Cathedral Vestry upholds the tithe as the standard of giving; to encourage the parish to consider proportionate giving; and to work personally toward the tithe.
Responsibilities of Vestry Members To live a daily life reflecting the Christian faith; to strive to grow spiritually through worship, prayer, and
educational opportunities. To participate faithfully in the worship of the church. To attend vestry and chapter meetings and retreats. To work for unity among the clergy, vestry and congregation through open communication; to accept the position of vestry member as an opportunity to serve our Lord. To demonstrate meaningful and sacrificial financial support of the church including making and fulfilling an annual pledge of support; to consider that the Christ Church Cathedral vestry upholds the tithe as the standard of giving and encourages the parish to consider proportionate giving; and to be working toward the tithe. To accept the role of leadership, work diligently and congenially at assigned tasks, and seek out ways to improve the Cathedral Church including: ~ To make new and regular members and visitors feel welcome through personal greetings, visits, and an invitation to participate in activities of interest to them, and ~ To encourage all members of the congregation to become a part of activities and ministries of the church and to attend parish meetings.
Requirements of Convention Delegates To be a confirmed communicant of Christ Church Cathedral, 18 years of age or older. To demonstrate meaningful and sacrificial financial support of the church, including making and fulfilling an annual pledge of support; to consider that Christ Church Cathedral Vestry upholds the tithe as the standard of giving; to encourage the parish to consider proportionate giving; and to work personally toward the tithe.
Resolution Concerning Convention Delegates Rather than electing a new slate of four (4) persons to serve in this capacity each year, the terms of service will be staggered among the delegates. One (1) person will be elected each year to rotate onto our delegation for a 4-year term. This will allow for both continuity of experience and service within the delegation, while allowing more people to participate in this important ministry.
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A nno u n c i n g t h e Ve s t r y N o m i n e e s — P r o p o s e d C l a s s o f 2 0 1 8
continued
Jex Ransom Luce, Jr. Jex was born and raised in Mobile. He attended UMS, and graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Business Administration. He is a partner in Courtney & Morris Appraisals, Inc. In 1975 he married Ann Hawkins Luce, and they have two grown daughters, Emily Hayden Scott, and Harriet Herndon Alley, as well as three grandchildren, John Paul, Henry, and Charlie. Jex was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and served as a altar boy at St. Joseph’s Chapel. He joined Christ Church in the early 1980’s and serves as an usher. He is on the Board for the Senior Bowl, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Learning Tree Center. He is a member of Rotary, and serves on the Board for Century Bank.
William Christian Hines III Christian grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, attending college at Wake Forest, followed by law school at the University of Alabama. Both of his parents were from small towns in Alabama, and he knew he wanted to live in Alabama. After practicing law for four years in the Birmingham office of Starnes Davis Florie, he moved to Mobile in 2001 to open the firm's Mobile office. He grew up Catholic, and his wife, Valerie, grew up Methodist. After their marriage in the summer of 2007, he and Valerie attended several churches. They say once they found Christ Church, however, they ”never looked back." They were immediately drawn to the welcoming atmosphere of Christ Church, particularly the time spent as a church community after the service. As a vestry member, Christian wants to promote that welcoming atmosphere, as they truly felt a part of Christ Church from the moment they stepped through the door. Also, as a father of two young children, Christian wants to encourage other young families to join our community.
C o nve n t i o n D e l e g a t e s The Diocesan Convention will be held Thursday, February 18 to Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Paul’s, Daphne. Carolyn Delchamps Eichold
Jubal Lee Hamil (2019)
Carolyn served as a leader for events at Christ Church Cathedral for the Consecration last summer, and as Co-Chair of the 2012 Diocesan Convention. She served as a delegate to the diocesan conventions in 2012, 2013, 2014, and the electing convention in 2015. Carolyn was confirmed in 1989, and she and her family transferred to Christ Church in 2006. She served on the vestry from 2009-2011. She served as ECW Co-Chair in 20102011, and Chair in 2011-2012. Carolyn has served on the Gardens and Grounds and Columbarium committees. She is a chalice bearer and vested lay reader.
Robert Willis Israel (2018) Bob was reared in Wedowee, Alabama. His undergraduate degree is from Vanderbilt University, and his MD is from the University of Alabama. Bob was baptized in the Presbyterian Church, reared in the Methodist Church and confirmed as an Episcopalian after having married the former Cammie Dunson, a cradle Episcopalian, in 1974. They attended Christ Church in the 1990s, exiled to All Saints’, and returned to Christ Church in 2004. Bob served on the vestry from 2008 to 2011, and was elected for a second term of 2014-2017. He was a delegate to the
electing convention in 2015. He is the Senior Warden, serves on the Finance Committee, and serves as a lay reader and chalice bearer.
Richard Mitchell Rick moved letter his to Christ Church in 1979. He has served two terms on the vestry and one term as Senior Warden. He has served on the Finance Committee for the past seven years, and has attended the past four Diocesan Conventions, including the electing convention, as a delegate. He also serves as chalice bearer.
Harwell
Ellis
Coale,
Jr.
(Alternate)
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C hr i s t i a n F o r m a t i o n
Kappa League Success
November Christian Formation
The Youth Confirmation Class outreach project in support of the Kappa League was a huge success. All Saints’ Sunday and Cathedral Celebration—no classes The members of the confirmation class give a Sunday, November 8 special thanks to David Brady, Preston Bolt, and Curriculum for all children and youth classes Al Chow for cooking the delicious food. They also wish to thank the 30 sponsors and those who Sunday, November 15 purchased the 114 brunch tickets to make this Curriculum for all children and youth classes project a success. Thanks also goes to all the Confirmation: Session III— Resist, Repent, and Return Cathedral youth who came early and stayed late to Sunday, November 22 lend support for this worthwhile endeavor. The check to the Kappa League was for $3,366.67! Group Sunday School—Decorating Advent Wreaths Here is what Carl Cunningham, Kappa League Sunday, November 29 Advisor, had to say to each of you, “I want to Christmas pageant music practice for Elementary and Fun thank all of you for making Kappa League Sunday Club classes a huge success.[…] The contributions will surely Curriculum for Middle and High School classes assist with providing opportunity for all the young men in the Mobile Kappa League to attend an November Episcopal Youth Community institution of higher education with hard work and The goal of EYC is to provide our youth with a safe, joyful dedication.” environment where they can explore their faith and build “Thank you for supporting the Guide Right friendships. Join the EYC this month for two great Program of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, better opportunities for fun, fellowship, and faith. For more know locally as the “Mobile Kappa League”. Your information on EYC and Youth events, please contact support will impact eighty-five young men and Canon Wagner or Sarah Bolt. advanced programs in education and leadership
Sunday, November 1
Saturday, November 7 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
We will visit Church of the Good Shepherd for their annual Fall Festival. The approximate cost is $10. More information to follow on where to meet.
Sunday, November 22 After Christian formation, our youth will have fun doing a scavenger hunt and playing hide and seek on the grounds of the Cathedral. Lunch will be provided.
Fun Club Sunday, November Formation
22
following
Christian
This month the Fun Club will deliver Advent wreaths to Murray House and then enjoy some fun time at Dairy Queen. The approximate cost is $10. For more information, please contact Canon Wagner or Banks Ladd.
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development,” said Kappa League Advisor Carl Cunningham. He continued, “Many of the young men do not have a church home. Having them to experience the Episcopal Church is a great opportunity for them to explore and to connect with a church that is about the ‘Jesus Movement.’” Above: Members of our Youth Confirmation Class serving brunch on October 18.
Let’s Wrap Stewardship! As we go to print, we have received more pledges for this time of year than at any time in the recent past. We are about halfway to our goal of an increase in pledges of at least 1%, and a pledge from 100% of our parish family. If you have already pledged, thank you. If you have not done so, please send your pledge today—or a donation marked as a pledge.
MORNING CIRCLE Monday, November 9 10:30 a.m. at the home of Marolyn Kruse 1052 Cross Gates Place Leader: Sara Phillips
A dve n t M at e r i a l s Enclosed in this Messenger is a copy of the Daily Advent Meditations and Prayers—Unto us a Child is Born by Henri J.M. Nouwen. The Advent season calls us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. This booklet, which contains select excerpts from Nouwen’s works by the same title, again shows us his ability to speak to the hearts of Christians with simplicity and sincerity.
For information or directions, call Carolyn Stephenson at 342-5637.
CATHEDRAL READ
Additional Nouwen booklets, plus Advent materials for our youth will be on the credenza in the Chapter House beginning November 22. The first Sunday of Advent is November 29. For our youth we will again have the posters, Slow Down. Quiet. It’s Advent! For the younger children we have a booklet that is a companion to our Christmas Pageant: Sing a Song of Christmas!, Daily Devotions for Children. The book comes with a sheet for making a paper chain.
P re s i d i n g B i s h o p Tr a n s i t i o n The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Right Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, will occur on Sunday, November 1 at noon Eastern at Washington National Cathedral. All of the events surrounding the installation are available to view by going to The Episcopal Church website : www.episcopal church.org. At the site is also a note of thanks written by The Right Reverend Katherine Jefferts Schori.
Ep i s c o p al Ch u rc h Q a nd A ’s What is Tradition? The tradition of the church is the record of what the church believes, that is formed over time. Important traditions in the Episcopal Church are the use of the Book of Common Prayer and the sacraments, particularly the sacraments of Baptism, and the Eucharist. Tradition also refers to how we worship, our liturgy, and the music in our hymnals, and to the creeds we say as a part of our worship. In these ways, the important truths of our faith are kept alive and handed down through generations. ~from a Forward Movement booklet written by The Rev. Catherine Anne Caimano
The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography by Alan Jacobs The group will meet Sundays, November 8 and 15 during Christian Education time in the library. Books are available in the Cathedral office.
YOUNG ADULT SUPPER CLUB Wednesday, November 11 6:30 p.m. at the home of Valerie and Christian Hines 300 East Durham Drive B.Y.O.B. RSVP to Valerie at vgertrude@gmail.com or 508-7544.
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Diocesan News You are invited by Clawed Boudreaux & All Saints’ Episcopal Church to attend the
Eleventh Annual Bayou Bash Friday, November 6 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Corner of Government and Ann Streets
Celebrating the 40th Birthday of the Kney Organ
Music at Christ Church, Pensacola Sunday, November 15 4:00 p.m. Ken Cowan, Rice University
Holiday Gala at St. Paul's, Daphne Friday evening, November 20 6:00 p.m. The $20 tickets are limited. To buy a ticket, stop by the St. Paul's Thrift Shop in Daphne or call (251) 626-6102.
Music, Food, Fun , Silent and Live Auctions Tickets are $30 & are available by calling 438-2492 All proceeds directly benefit
St. Francis, Dauphin Island Annual Fall Bazaar Saturday, November 21 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A variety of homemade delights for the holidays will be for sale. The bazaar will also include a white elephant sale. If you have items to sell, you are welcome to set up shop on the St. Francis lawn for $15.00. For further information, contact Joan Smith at joandsmith313@gmail.com.
ď ˜ DIRECTORY UPDATES Drane, Megan and Car ter 4320 Lakewood Drive North, Mobile, Alabama 36608
Hatcher, Spencer 108 C Du Rhu Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36608 251-656-5395
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St. Paul's Holiday Shoppe Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free.
Ca t he d r a l P r aye r L i s t O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We Pray for: Members: Brink Brinkley, Butch Trawick, Alice Carwie, Katherine Deaton, Hank Cobb, Jordan Moore, Donna MoreĂŠ, Sam Ritchie, Martha Middleton
Friends & Family: Peggy Naughton, Gary Davis, Harrison Leff, Michael Cameron, Nancy & Don Cameron, Rob & Amy Archer Ellis, Joyce Lee, Davis Nelson, Michael Sumrall, Gwen Cook, Alfred Showers, Jim Elia, Anne Brown, Mark Brown, Harriett Lillich, Dave Carlyn Block, Rachel McClanahan, Tom Cunningham, Francis Grace Hirs, Norma Beazley, Curtis Bullock, Valerie Boatman, Ann Jones, Hank Wozniek, Lisa Thompson, Stella Phillips, James Thomas, Ted Fraiche, Mark Miles, Tot Swanson, Art Swanson, Hayden Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Betty Ruth Patek, Carolyn Pryor, Merle Findley, Louise Douglas, Shirley & Dunlap Peeples, Steve Harris, Marian Macpherson Currie, Kit & Roger Geil and the Geil family, Angel & Larry Torres, Kathy Boucvalt, Bill Stevens, Ginger Simpson, Karen Sentilles, Lila Fisk, Tracey Johnson, Joe Lowrey, Temple Webber, Betty Browder, Allan Tucker, Wyatt Ison, Kathy Sanders, Clarise Waters, Glenn Hill, Leslie Ellis Sharbel, Cora Lemmon, Marian Hall, Homer Kemp, Jane Behlen, Dan Jones, Betty Larison, Carolyn Graham, Ralph and Catherine Neal, Willie Thomas, Mark Mason, Anita Stead, Tim Fulton, Bennett Stenger, Gladys Crowson, Billy Yost, Noel Fell, the Ward Family, Sybil Willis Rodgers, Hap Myers, Jr., Paul Vickers, Sr., George Robison, Georgia
Dominick, Robin Wade, Randy Moore, Rick Nichols, Kate Heddrich, Julie Brinson, Ceaser Bryant, Moana Karstater, Dianne McCall, Icy Lee Neel, Frances Robison, Jim McCall, Emily Hubbard, Mike Dowers, Jason Lockwood, Ainsely McNeely, Pat Fisher, Bubba Murray, Bernice Vickers, Jerry Collins, Grady McMillan, Bobby Moss, Sade McCall, Kerry Goode, The Rev. John Rees, Dayton Lanford, Chris Schnieder, Liz Charbonnet Talmadge, John Day Peake, Jr., A. J. Villars, Billy May, Kay Koffler, Dorothy Fulton, Tay Morrissette, Robert L. Hatcher, Martha Collier, Bob Williams
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS November 1 November 3
November 4 November 5 November 6 November 7 November 8
November 9 November 10
November 11
Sara Phillips, Pastoral Leader, Mary’s, November 12 Coden November 13
Those Serving in the Military:
Brian Caselton, Louis Coggin, Jonathan Duralde, Tyler Gamble, Sam Garcia, Darrien Gibson, Parker Hollinghead, Kelley Hood, Brian Hudson, Abby Hutchins, Randy Johnson, Ron Lansong, Jean-Michael Lemieux, Chris Marslender, Zack Miller, Todd & Jordana Mouthaan, Keith Moss, Michael Nassar, Jerry Olin, Brian Pennell, Josh Power, Daniel White-Spunner Reed, Susan Reniewicz, Evan Sizemore, John Snyder, Conner Thigpen, Ryan Anthony Thomas, Ryan Walker, The Rev. Bowen Woodruff
Souls Departed: Betty Clark Weeks, grandmother of Leland Moore, Jr.; Joleen Haskins Patrick, mother of Bennett Griffith; Rodney Miles, brother of Winnie Nichols, Sally McNeely, Mike Phillips
Please contact the Cathedral Office to remove names of Friends and Family you have submitted for the prayer list.
Bradley Forster Ann Moody Mary Cassis Campbell Sindel Paula Watkins Mac Hall Anne Price Mitchell Gerry Phillips Holly Hall Maryann White Bill Butler Douglas Kearley Susan Youngblood Catherine Kelly Hayley Garth Tom Garth Lynn Ross Alice Carwie Gaye Formanek Lucy Moore Chris Ashcraft Wythe Whiting Sydney Adkins Chambliss Brister Lucky White-
Spunner November 14 Virginia Wilkins November 15 Bert Eichold Leland Moore, Jr. November 17 Angela Ashcraft Clark Forster Findley Reeves November 19 Russell Ladd Jack White J. P. Williamson November 20 Mary Cook November 21 Charlie Weeks November 22 Mary Dann Betbeze Laura Warren November 23 Hallie Forster Ken McElhaney Thomas Portacci November 25 Mary Jane Cobb Betsy McCafferty November 26 Catherine DeLaney Tray Hamil November 27 Frank Tait November 29 Jack Thurber November 30 Deanie Skinner Brenda Stanton
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CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 115 South Conception Street Mobile, Alabama 36602
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CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Corner of St. Emanuel and Church Streets 115 South Conception Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602 Established 1822 The Right Reverend J. Russell Kendrick, Bishop The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean The Reverend Daniel A. Wagner, Canon Pastor Carolyn S. Jeffers, Provost Christopher W. Powell, Organist and Choir Master Brenda J. Stanton, Financial Secretary Marla J. Reis, Cathedral Secretary Sarah S. Bolt, Youth Activities Coordinator Corinne R. Betbeze, Children’s Program Coordinator Judy J. Jones, Housekeeping ✠ Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday Website: www.christchurchcathedralmobile.org
The Cathedral Mission Statement The Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. The Cathedral is a dynamic and evolving church that serves as a liturgical, educational, and pastoral center for Diocesan life. It serves as a visible symbol of unity and promotes growth, hope, and a deepening trust in the Lord. The Cathedral is a place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be faithfully preached and responded to, and it will model new concepts and ideas for education, evangelism, and outreach to which the Gospel calls us.