1st Advent, 2007
Sisters and Brothers of the Trinity Cathedral Community, dearly Beloved:
The purpose of this letter is to share with you my excitement over the restoration of our beloved cathedral. The reasons for restoration are both practical and spiritual.
The practical justification is obvious. We want our cathedral to be a place which serves its primary purpose—that is, conducive for the worship of Almighty God. We desire a place where we can worship in comfort, in safety, and in a space which is inviting to our families, to our friends, and to those who do not yet belong to the Cathedral family.
The spiritual reason is also obvious. A beautiful and well-maintained “physical plant” is one of the factors of a healthy Christian community. Why? Because it is an outward and visible sign of the inward regard that its people have for God—and therefore for God’s House. A beautiful and well-maintained church also increases a sense of awe which enhances prayer and worship—worship being the central factor of a healthy Christian community.
There is another reason: because our cathedral is just that—a cathedral! A cathedral (that is, the place of the cathedra—the bishop’s chair) is not just another parish church. Because it is the bishop’s church, the cathedral is the center of worship and Christian education for the entire diocese—and for mission and outreach as well. Still another role of a cathedral is to be a house of prayer for all people, regardless of religion, regardless of denomination.
Beloved, Trinity Cathedral—our Cathedral and God’s House—is 160 years old. Let us join together to insure the continuation of its practical and spiritual role—central to the diocese, central to Episcopalians, central to all people of faith in our city, in our state, and beyond. I’ve made my pledge—and I pray that you will support this endeavor in whatever way you can.
Faithfully in our Lord,
Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr.
The Right Rev’d, the Bishop
