On Sunday February 26, members of the parish of Christ Church Cathedral celebrated the 90th birthday of longtime parishioner Phyllis Barlow ODNW.
Family members brought Phyllis from her Richmond care home to the Cathedral on the Skytrain, on what was a slushy and snowy morning. She arrived with a birthday balloon attached to her wheelchair.
After the 10:30am Celebration of the Eucharist, Phyllis was surrounded in the chancel by friends, along with the Cathedral’s director of music and organist, Rupert Lang and members of Cathedral Choir. Phyllis’ dear friend Lesley Godwin served as MC at the commemorative gathering, and the choir sang Happy Birthday to Phyllis, as well as “690 on Burrard”. Birthday cake was served in the narthex.
FOR PHYLLIS BARLOW ON HER 90TH
At 690 on Burrard
We all were young and very full of vigour
At 690 on Burrard
The circle of our friends grew even bigger.
But now that many years have passed ‘tis very good to know
That we who danced til midnight and its music may be slow,
But love and friendship never end,
They only grow and grow
At 690 on Burrard.
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Photos: Jane Dittrich