The Thirteenth after Pentecost is a Sunday surrounded by Feast Days, but for Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, this particular September 7th in “ordinary time” was a very special day. It was the day that the downtown Vancouver faith community marked 20 years of sacramental ministry and pastoral leadership of their rector, the Very Reverend Dr. Peter Elliott. Dean Peter’s ministry has not just been confined to the fulsome operation which is the mission, ministry and property of Christ Church Cathedral, for as Dean of the Diocese he has also been a huge part of diocesan ministry and leadership since 1994.
Dean Peter began his ministry in 1994, following the departure of the previous Dean, the Right Reverend Michael Ingham who had earlier that year been elected Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster. The Canonical Committee of Christ Church Cathedral wanted a committed and inspirational leader who would be there for the long haul and they received that and more. As the pastor for several hundred parishioners, Peter’s role as the ordained leader of shared ministry was clear cut, however the Cathedral parish and leadership had some big plans brewing so the Dean’s role outside of traditional leadership could be described as somewhat amorphous. That didn’t faze Peter as he rolled up his sleeves and energetically took on the Cathedral’s 11 year, three part renovation project while at the same time making himself available to the greater community of downtown Vancouver with great enthusiasm, not only as a spiritual leader but as a civic leader as well.
Peter’s accomplishments are well documented. His Wikipedia entry is quite accurate so you are encouraged to click the link for more information.
Following the Eucharist on September 7th, the Reverend Dr. Ellen Clark-King, Peter’s colleague in ministry for the past seven years took on the role of emcee and introduced People’s Warden, Dr. Jack Forbes who read a message from longtime parishioner and member of the 1994 canonical committee, Jeannie Birtwell. In that message she recounted some details of the search and the grueling job interview that Peter experienced. But he remained composed and good-humoured which was a sign to the committee that they had found the right person. To punctuate the canonical committee reminiscence, Dr. Forbes introduced parishioners, Clare Morgan and Randy Murray who performed a special tribute song with lyrics written by Ellen Clark-King to the tune of the “Nanny Song” from Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins. In the text, the singers are advertising for a new Dean who seems to have many of the attributes possessed by Peter Elliott:
Said: Wanted a Dean for one adorable cathedral
Sung: If you want this choice position
Be a star at exposition
Lovely smile, eyes keen,
Make jokes, most clean!
You must be kind, you must be witty
Very bright and love our city
Teach us new wisdom, build our place
Sing songs, teach grace.
Never preach fire, brimstone
Never sing a preface to the wrong tone
Love us as your sons and daughters
Baptize us in holy waters
If you will teach and be our pray-er
We’ll love you more as you lose your ha-ir
We will love dear Thomas too
So you will know
That twenty years on
Our hearts will all glow.
Hurry, Deany!
Find your people!
Sincerely Christ Church Cathedral.
Next, Rector’s Warden Amy Francis said a few words and introduced the children of the parish who were the hit of the tribute event performing the song PETER! written by four younger members of the parish to the tune of Michael Jackson’s Beat It (Peter = Beat it) complete with a full instrumental backing track.
Song for Peter’s 20th Anniversary
by Henry, Rachel, Sophie and Charlotte
We told you that we really want you around here
We want to see your face, please never disappear
The sparkle’s in our eyes and our words are very clear
You’re Peter, just Peter
You better stay, you better do what you can
Nobody else could have so many Facebook fans
And we’ve never in our lives met such a funny man
You’re Peter, and you’ll never be bad
Chorus:
You’re Peter, Peter, Peter, Peter
You are such a brilliant leader
Every sermon you give is always so right
You’re so laid back, you’re never uptight
You’re Peter
Just Peter
Just Peter
Just Peter
After the kids brought the house down, it was time for Ellen Clark-King to speak about her colleague and close friend and introduce Director of Music, Rupert Lang, members of Cathedral Choir and again parishioner Randy Murray to perform a song selected for this event. The song performed was one of Peter’s favourites, Leslie Bricusse’s, Fill the World With Love most notably recorded by another of Peter’s favourites, Petula Clark, CBE. Lyric sheets had been handed out at the conclusion of worship in order that the congregation could sing along. It all went quite well and finished with a sustained standing ovation for Peter.
The formal part of the celebration concluded with Peter addressing the community that he has led and loved for 20 years. He thanked everyone for the experience and with emotion welling up he shared his deep appreciation for his husband, Thomas Roach and his incredible commitment to the ministry of the parish. Peter numbered the staff that he had worked with for 20 years: seven curates, three building administrators, five priest associates etc., and finished up by saying “and one Director of Music, Rupert Lang!” This prompted another sustained ovation from the congregation.
Peter is well-known for choosing appropriate and thought-provoking quotes to augment his sermon texts and this address was no exception as he closed with what’s commonly referred to as the “Missing” verse of Simon and Garfunkel’s 1969 tune, The Boxer written by Paul Simon. The verse was not included in the version available on the album Bridge Over Troubled Water but is regularly performed by the duo and by Paul Simon solo most notably during their 1981 reunion concert.
Now the Years are Rolling by me
They are Rocking evenly
And, I'm older than I once was
And younger than I'll be
That's not unusual
Nor is it strange
After changes after changes
We are more or less the same
After changes, we are more or less the same.
Images: Top, Peter beams at the congregation as he began his address on the occasion of his 20th Annviversary as Dean and Rector. Upper right, Clare Morgan and Randy Murray sing the Reverend Dr. Ellen Clark-King’s lyrics advertising for the perfect Dean, Middle, the children of the parish led by Heather Jessup sing PETER to the tune of Beat It. Lower left, the congregation stands and applauds. Bottom right and homepage, Peter stands and with a slight smile acknowledges the appreciation of the community that he has led for 20 years. PHOTOS: John Paul Henry