Fall 2017 Newsletter Dear Friends of Lincoln Cathedral, Brantley Knowles, President of the Society of American Friends of Lincoln Cathedral, and I write to send our warmest greetings to our supporters in the United States. We would like to share what has happened and what will be happening in the coming months within the Lincoln Cathedral Foundation and the Society of American Friends. • On October 22, 2016, The Venerable Christine Wilson, the previous Archdeacon of Chesterfield, was installed as the 84th Dean of Lincoln at a service in the cathedral. She is now The Very Revd Christine Wilson. Dean Christine is the first female Dean in the now 925-year history of Lincoln Cathedral. • The Society of American Friends of Lincoln Cathedral had a successful fundraiser this past April. The event was held at the Sulgrave Club in Washington, DC with over 70 in attendance. Levels of support ranged from $100 to $5,000. The Very Revd Christine Wilson was our guest speaker and was accompanied by her husband Alan Wilson. Chapter member and Lay Canon, Judith Lockwood and her husband John were also in attendance from Lincoln. Dean Wilson and Alan attended many other important events during hereditary week and ended their visit by presenting the gifts at the Sunday service at the Washington National Cathedral. • This year, long-time supporter of Lincoln Cathedral, The Rev Dr. Lynne A. Kogel was appointed to the board of The Lincoln Cathedral Foundation. • Please Save the Date for The Society of American Friends of Lincoln Cathedral luncheon event, Thursday, April 12, 2018, The Sulgrave Club, Washington DC. Our speaker will be Dr. Jane Howells. • Anytime is a great time to visit Lincoln. If you are interested in traveling to Lincoln or planning to be in the area, please contact Darci. Remember to please contact Darci by email or phone if your contact information has changed. Thank you all for your continued support of Lincoln Cathedral! Sincerely,
Brantey Knowles President The Society of American Friends of Lincoln Cathedral
Darci Knowles Development Officer The Lincoln Cathedral Foundation
L to R - Darci Knowles, Alan Wilson, Dean Christine Wilson, Judith Lockwood, John Lockwood, Brantley Knowles
Mr. Meade Whitaker, Mr. Grayson Harding, Mr. Peter I.C. Knowles, II
Visit to Washington, The law Library of Congress. Pictured from left to right: Robert Newlen, Dean Wilson, Darci Knowles, Alan Wilson.
Mr. Douglas R. Weimer, Mrs. Sharon Vaino, Mr. Jaan E. Vaino
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Dear Friends, I send warm greetings to you all from Lincoln Cathedral. I hold such fond memories of our time with you back in April when I shared in so much wonderful hospitality and forged fresh relationships with you all as the incoming Dean. Life here has been full of exciting events and celebrations. In the past few months we have enjoyed welcoming a number of visitors from the US Lincoln Cathedral Foundation. During the Spring Caroline and Carter Furr and friends came to the Deanery and my husband Alan gave them a guided tour of Katherine Swynford’s former home and private chapel.
Our new Trustee, Lynne Kogel, preached an inspiring sermon at Choral Evensong during her visit with her husband Ross in May. She also undertook some photography of the medieval stained glass windows as part of a piece of conservation data for our archives. Chris Shelbourne our new Finance Chairman joined our Chapter in July and has recently been appointed as your new treasurer. It was also lovely to welcome George Eatman with his colleagues Devon Hill and Paul McKee in July.
A major highlight of the year was the Heritage Skills Festival which took place in June. This showcased the master crafts of the London Livery Companies. Stone masons from both English and some international cathedrals took part in the stone carving competition. A wide range of exquisite artistry was on display with numerous stalls providing opportunities for visitors to try out a vast array of skills including embroidery, basketwork, leadwork, carpentry, bellringing, calligraphy and much more besides. 3
On 20 May 2017- a wonderful pageant marked the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln. This was a very significant moment in English History when the famous knight William Marshall defeated Compte de Perche in front of the Cathedral, thus defeating French attempts to take the throne from King John. One outcome was the reissuing of Magna Carta in September 1217.
The Heritage Festival Evensong was a very colourful and prestigious affair with the Lord Mayor of London and the Livery Companies of London processing from the Castle to the Cathedral.
We are busy making preparations for the Charter of the Forest commemorative dinner which is due to take place on the 22nd September 2017. I am delighted that 22 friends from the US Foundation will be attending and Alan and I look forward to hosting you at the Deanery during your stay. There will be an opportunity to meet our new Precentor Sal McDougall who will be installed on the 10th September. One final piece of news is that following our successful award of Heritage Lottery Funding for the Cathedral Connected Project, work is now underway and the archaeological survey begins in preparation for the building of the interpretation and education centre. The restoration of the Romanesque Frieze on the West Front also gets underway. May I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of Lincoln Cathedral.
Wishing you every Blessing
The Very Reverend Christine Wilson Dean of Lincoln 4