Forty Years of Service as Sacristan

On June 21st, 2026, at the 11:00 Sunday service, I was greatly surprised and deeply honoured to receive recognition for 40 years of service as the Sacristan at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s.

The Cathedral has been my family’s parish church for generations. Like many other parishioners and members of my family, I have been fortunate to participate in many aspects of Church life over the years. My own involvement with the Cathedral’s Guild of Servers began in 1967, when I became a member of the Servers’ Guild. In 1974, at the invitation of Mr. Edward Rowe, who was then Sacristan, I was appointed Deputy-Sacristan. Following Edward’s passing in 1986, I took on the role of Sacristan of the Guild of Servers.

Over the years, the Guild has had the privilege and responsibility of supporting a great many services at the Cathedral. At its peak, we were scheduling servers for four services every Sunday, in addition to the many extra services held during the great seasons of the Church, particularly at Easter and Christmas.

The work of a cathedral server is carried out with dignity and reverence. Servers light, carry, and extinguish candles; they handle the cruets, bowls, and towels used during Holy Communion; they lead processions and carry banners; receive the collection; and, in countless other ways, help enable the clergy to lead the congregation in worship. The Guild assists at the majority of services held at the Cathedral, including regular weekday and Sunday services as well as many special occasions. Over the years, we have served at ordinations, provincial synods, and a national synod. I have also had the great honour of scheduling servers and serving myself at the installation of seven bishops.

Looking back over these many years, I am aware that no one person carries out this kind of volunteer work alone. Every church depends upon the volunteer work, loyalty, and faithfulness of its members. I have been blessed to serve alongside many dedicated people who have given their time and talents to the life of this Guild and this cathedral parish. Many fellow parishioners, including every member of my family, have contributed to our church in their own ways, and their service is just as deserving of recognition.

For that reason, the recognition I received on June 21st was both humbling and deeply meaningful. I am grateful to the Cathedral community for acknowledging my small contribution to the life of this parish, and I am thankful for the many friendships, memories, and opportunities to serve that these 40 years have brought. It has been a privilege to serve at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a place that has been part of my family’s life for generations. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside so many others whose faithfulness and generosity make the life of our Cathedral possible.

To all who have supported the Guild, served alongside me, encouraged me, and contributed to the life of our parish over the years: thank
you.