On Sunday, January 24, 2010, the Cathedral will install two new canons. (A “canon” is an honorary title, associated with a cathedral and is conferred upon clergy or lay persons, who have demonstrated certain skills and ministries.)
The Rev Anne B Chisham
I am a native San Diegan and a cradle Episcopalian baptized, confirmed and married at All Saints, Hillcrest.
My husband and I moved to Northern California. When my children were young we returned to San Diego and settled in Point Loma. We joined All Souls’ parish in 1976 and I have a long history there as a lay leader and a Deacon.
In 1980 I cashed in on my lifelong passion for Anglican Church history and tradition and my years as a Travel Agent by forming my own tour company. The tours are designed to introduce interested Episcopalians throughout the US. to our remarkable Anglican heritage by visiting the great cathedrals, abbeys and holy places of England. Out of this experience my call to the diaconate was realized. I attended Episcopal School of Theology at Claremont (Bloy House) and was ordained in December 1992.
I spent my first year as the Deacon at St. Timothy’s, Penasquitos and then returned to All Souls’ in 1994. For the next 13 years I managed and trained the lay liturgy teams, taught classes in Anglican history, served on the Pastoral Care commission and served otherwise where needed. During my years there I also mentored four different EFM groups and served on Diocesan Council.
In September 2007 I joined the staff at the cathedral where I am actively involved in the Pastoral Care committee and offer the occasional forum. As a resident of St. Paul’s Manor I assist the chaplain in the weekly Eucharist services, memorial services, Bible studies and offer pastoral care as directed.
The Rev. Michael Kaehr
Michael was born in 1942 in Decatur, Indiana. He started his “Music Ministry” at age 11 when he started playing organ for his home Evangelical and Reformed Church. He taught Sunday school, and sang in both the youth and senior choirs, as well as being “pres” of the youth group.
After graduating from Heidelberg College with a music major, he began teaching music in high school. He then continued with a master’s degree in music from the University of Wisconsin specializing in voice with secondary interests in organ and piano. He continued teaching in Wisconsin primarily at the Junior and Senior High School levels although he taught in every level from kindergarten through college. He primarily taught classical music voice and choir.
While teaching he was asked as “Mr. Music” to recommend an organist for Easter for a small Episcopal Church. Others were busy so he volunteered. He continued as organist and invited his students to sing. Soon the church had grown to a choir of 40 and the parents joined the church increasing the size from 16 to 100. As part of a life long interest in building, Michael instigated the men and together they built the first restrooms for the 1910 church and a parish hail, and reassembled an 18 rank pipe organ for the church. As time continued he began to feel the call for ministry and when he asked his priest, he was told “The congregation and I were wondering when you would figure it out. We have known for a long time.” Michael says that he kept running from the call but eventually God caught him.
Michael attended Seminary at Nashotah House in Wisconsin and graduated in 1983. He then worked for two years as Assistant to the Dean and was made a Residentiary Canon. In 1985 he became Assistant to the Rector at St. James By The Sea. Then in 1987 he became Rector of St. John’s, Chula Vista: the church and the school. In 199-, the church was arsoned and burned completely. Michael’s experience in building enabled him to work with parishioners in building a temporary church in 40 days. That building later became offices for church and school. Michael’s architectural vision is very present in the building of the neo-gothic church for the parish with an emphasis on beauty, liturgical function, and acoustics. As the new church was being dedicated he had a heart attack that led to his retirement.
Michael served on various diocesan committees, including the diocesan council. Cursillo occupied him for many weekends where he particularly enjoyed being kitchen priest. He also gave a few choral workshops.
In 1997 he married Nancy Olmsted, retired and moved to La Jolla. He was an honorary assistant at St. James By the Sea, La Jolla moving to St. Paul’s cathedral in 2008. In retirement, he has been very active with The Mankind Project attending numerous weekend as a staff member as well as National and International gatherings. Many MKP events also occur at his house. In addition, he keeps quite busy singing in the La Jolla Symphony chorus. Finally, for just fun, he gives a number of weekly voice lessons
You made a wise choice in the Rev. Chisham. She does quite a ministry at the church, in her residence, and around the world. I am of course biased, but I think she is also the best mom in the world also.
Michael is an outstanding member of the community. The abstract briefly touched on his generosity, compassion and huge heart of love. He has touched the lives of so many people and always has time for a kind word followed by a warm, firm and loving hug.