Dear St. Paul’s family,
Next year we will celebrate a big birthday: on December 18, 2019, this congregation will complete 150 years of ministry in San Diego. A group of parishioners has come together under the leadership of Susan Jester to plan a year of celebration, starting this December. The general approach is to focus on events that we regularly enjoy, building them up to be extra-festive with some bells and whistles.
Here’s a preview of some of the main events and activities for your calendar.
- Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 5 pm: The Kickoff. Festive Evensong followed by a Victorian reception (sherry and cake, anyone?). Contact for this and other worship events is Brooks Mason.
- Sunday January 27, 2019: Cathedral Day with annual meeting, parish lunch, and a group tour of San Diego locations with significance in our history.
- February 2019: visiting Gospel Choir concert in observance of Black History month.
- Tuesday, March 5 at 6 pm: Zydeco Mass and dinner.
- Sunday, May 5 at 5 pm: St George’s Day Evensong with reception and special guests.
- July 12-14 (tentative): Pride Parade with cathedral float, nationally known preacher, festive reception. Contact Susan Jester.
- November 10 at 5 pm: Armed Forces Evensong with distinguished guest preacher and reception.
- Saturday December 14, 2019: The Culmination. Gala Anniversary Celebration with distinguished keynote speaker. Contact Martin Nace Hall or Susan Jester.
In addition to these special events, Robert Heylmun has written a revised history of St Paul’s, and the book will be launched early in the year and available for purchase throughout the year. Archivist John Will is working on exhibits of historic materials. The Arts committee under Ric Todd’s leadership is looking at various performing and visual arts opportunities. Our Friends of Cathedral Music are planning to ramp up the fundraising to rebuild our good but well-worn Steinway piano. And there are plans afoot to celebrate the Latino portion of our congregation and our service to our homeless neighbors too.
The Sesquicentennial Committee is working hard on all these possibilities, but they can’t pull this off without lots of help in the shape of time, talent, and treasure. If you’d like to help in any way, please contact Susan Jester or the relevant individual named above.
The marking of our first 150 years of loving ministry will help to keep us solidly rooted in our history as we launch into the construction period and see our future taking shape. I hope you will join in the celebrations!
Your sister in Christ,
Penny
Outstanding! Old San Diego Lives..
A BANNER YEAR ! REJOICE !