Dear Friends,

Not long ago the year 2012, the bicentennial year of Trinity’s founding, seemed very far away.  We began our ministry together at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in the fall of 1999 and we have accomplished much, often in difficult times, for the mission and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Today we are faced with perhaps our most exciting and significant challenge as we work together for the restoration of our beautiful, historic and holy Cathedral.

I remember the first time that Ellen and I were taken into the cathedral for a tour—I was one of the four final candidates for dean.  I was immediately struck by the awesome beauty and holiness of the church.  I never thought that God would call me to serve in such a magnificent place of worship!  God was gracious and I believe that part of my call is, with you, to restore Trinity Cathedral to both her former beauty and physical soundness and to prepare her for worship and ministry for generations to come.

We cannot approach the altar of God at Trinity without giving great thanks for the countless faithful men and women that have gone before us, the saints of God who served and gave generously in their day to our beloved Trinity.  Take time to look at our magnificent stained glass windows; kneel in reverence and thanksgiving before the same altar that many in generations past have knelt before; walk the aisles and imagine the faithful parishioners and visitors who have sat in the pews at worship; look up to the strong and mighty arches that reach toward heaven; and give thanks to God for our spiritual home.

Together we can leave a legacy for the next 100 years of faithful worship and ministry at Trinity Cathedral, not for ourselves but for the glory of Almighty God.  A generous financial pledge for our Bicentennial Restoration Campaign will be your opportunity to join the faithful leaders who assure for generations to come that Trinity Cathedral will continue to stand proudly as a beacon of the light of Jesus Christ—an enduring community of faith for all who come through her doors.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Philip C. Linder

Dean