LEVEES BRING INTIMATE TOUCH WITH HISTORY It most likely wasn’t planned this way, but one could hardly miss the sense of history as the reception line moved through the hallway and into Cronyn Hall at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The occasion was the first of three Levees on January 1st to usher in the calendar year of the celebration of the Sesquicentennial, or 150th, anniversary of the Anglican Diocese of Huron. As those attending the levee waited for the opportunity to greet the Bishop of Huron, The Rt. Rev. Bruce Howe and the Bishop of Norfolk, The Rt. Rev. Robert Bennett; one found right at eye level a stunning portrait of the history of the Diocese. From the charming smile of the current Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Rev. Terry Dance, through the stately portrait of the man at the centre of the creation of Huron, the first Rector of St. Pauls, The Rt. Rev. Benjamin Cronyn, we passed by a virtual history of the church in this Diocese. Just before entering the hall, we paused for just a moment at the wall photos of all those who have served Huron in Episcopal ministry; and again Cronyn’s picture was first in line. Joining the Bishops and the Dean in the receiving line was Madam Justice Mary Marshman, Co-Chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee and the Wardens of St. Pauls The Rev. Canon Dr Douglas Leighton, Professor of History at Huron University College and a member of the Committee overseeing the Sesquicentennial celebrations, said it was nice to see the return of the Levee. “Levees, which are literally stand up receptions, have long been popular in this country, with many surrounding military service. The Commanding Officer would invite the community on New Years day and this tradition was also carried on in many towns and cities. In fact the Levee was an annual event in the Diocese of Huron, which for some reason, drifted out of fashion. With the attendance at today’s function, it would seem that the Levee is ready to make a come back, and I for one think that is a great idea.” Mrs. Jane Howe, wife of Bishop Bruce Howe, said it was an honor to take part in this wonderful event. “The whole Sesqui year will be a wonderful celebration and I think it is marvelous that so many people have the opportunity to take part.” Mrs. Howe is anxiously awaiting the unveiling of the commissioned painting of the election of Bishop Cronyn which is to take place at Synod in May of this year as she has been part of the group overseeing that project. “It should be simply spectacular” she beamed as she talked about the painting being created by artist Cliff Kerins. Framed history also provided the focus for the New Years Levee at St. John’s in Cambridge. Church Rector, the Rev. Canon David Bowyer, procured a set of oil paintings of the first five Bishops of the Diocese of Huron to give flavor to the event. Benjamin Cronyn, Issac Hellmuth, Maurice Scollard Baldwin, David Williams and Charles Allen Seager became the subject of much of the discussion says Bowyer. “It really triggered connections for people as they remember Baptisms involving past Bishops, or that a Bishop had married their parents. It gave people a wonderful sense of connection to our history.” Bowyer was also proud to note the range of ages in attendance, from children and youth adults, through long time members of the church. “They all seemed to be very keen on the Sesquicentennial and this was a good way to get people into the spirit of the year long celebration.” Bishop Howe traveled from London to Cambridge to greet the many people who attended and was joined in the receiving line by Canon Bowyer and by Canon Christopher Pratt, the other Co-Chair of the Sesqui Committee. While Bishop Howe was headed east, Bishop Bennett went west, arriving for a Levee at history St. John’s (Sandwich) Windsor, which drew a strong turnout from many different congregations in the Archdeaconry of Essex. St. John’s Rector William Bradley was glowing as he watched the event unfold. “The Parish Hall was beautifully decorated and all the arrangements turned out just perfect as we welcomed so many people to this celebration of our history.” And wait, we aren’t done yet. With the concern of less than favorable weather and the fact even Bishops can travel only so many kilometers in one day, a fourth reception for the Saugeens, has been scheduled for May 31st at St. George’s in Owen Sound. Canon Pratt says there is a real sense of excitement growing in the Diocese. “Even as we were standing in Cambridge, people were already looking forward to the Owen Sound gathering and also talking about the many events to come this year. It is wonderful to see this project coming together in such a timely fashion.” The highlight of the year takes place on October 28th, exactly 150 years to the day of Benjamin Cronyn’s consecration as Bishop of Huron, as some ten thousand people, including all of the Bishops in the Anglican Church of Canada, are expected to gather in London’s John Labatt Centre for worship and celebration. |
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