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“Be Welcoming” Sculpture Dedication

Archbishop John will be joining us on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 8:30 AM to officially dedicate and bless the Be Welcoming sculpture. Everyone is warmly invited to join us for the 7:30 AM Eucharist and breakfast beforehand and stay for the blessing, or simply drop by for the dedication itself!

Installed on Burrard Street outside of the Park Room, the sculpture is by renowned Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. The work is a visual interpretation of Hebrews 13:2: “Be welcoming to strangers; many have entertained angels unawares.”

Assistant Director of Music

I look forward to welcoming Sharon Chu as our Assistant Director of Music on November 12. Sharon brings a deep love of Anglican worship and experience as a conductor, organist, and chorister in Hong Kong and Canada. She holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from UBC, where she also studied Music and Psychology, and has worked with university ensembles and community choirs across Vancouver. I am particularly pleased by the gifts she brings in helping singers grow and bringing people together through music. Please join me in welcoming Sharon as she begins her ministry among us.

Associate Organist

Neil Robertson began his ministry as our Associate Organist on November 1, and I am delighted to welcome him into this fuller role at the Cathedral. Many of you already know Neil through his playing here as a substitute organist. An organist and flautist, he studied at the University of Cape Town and the University of Michigan and brings experience in church music, teaching, and orchestral performance. He also serves as Head Librarian for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. We are fortunate to have his breadth of experience and musical gifts supporting our worship, and I hope you will take an opportunity to welcome him personally.

Transition in Director of Music Position

As we prepare to say farewell to Dr. Neil Cockburn, I remain deeply grateful for the beauty, care, and exceptional musicianship he has brought to our worship. His dedication to our choir and his thoughtful musical leadership have enriched our prayer and our life together. Neil has accepted the prestigious position of University Organist at the University of Glasgow, a wonderful opportunity that also brings him closer to his parents and wider family. His final Sunday with us will be December 6, the Second Sunday of Advent, when we will celebrate his ministry with cake during coffee hour. Please join us in thanking him and sending him on his way with our affection and blessing.

I have appointed a Search Advisory Committee chaired by Rector’s Warden Mark Halyk, with People’s Warden Holly McMillan, choir members Dr. Michael Law and Killian Benson, and Jane Osler. We anticipate an expedited search, drawing on the substantial work of our previous search, including materials and candidate lists that remain current and useful. During the interim, Sharon will conduct the choir and Neil Robertson will serve as organist and accompanist. Together with me, they will guide our music ministry under my oversight as Dean and Rector. I am grateful for the people who are helping us move forward with care and confidence, and I will keep you informed as the search progresses.

Live Translation

Our Live Translation service continues to be used each Sunday and is proving to be a valuable part of making Cathedral worship more accessible to the increasingly diverse community that gathers here.

Recent Sundays have seen people accessing translation in Persian, French, Korean, Mandarin, and English, among other languages. It is encouraging to see this technology helping people participate more fully in our worship across language barriers, and we will continue to monitor its use and development.

Park Place Arbitration

The final arguments in the Park Place arbitration concluded on Thursday October 29, 2026, wrapping up what has been a lengthy process. The Arbitrators will now consider the submissions and render their decision.  This could happen in 3 weeks or three months.  Once that decision is made, Park Place will need to pay the balance of the difference between what they have paid us each year plus interest.  Moving forward the new payment set by the arbitrators will be valid for another 17 years. Many thanks to our team from the Cathedral who gave their time to oversee the work and directed our Counsel on behalf of the Trustees: Kevin Smith, Ted Chiasson, Terrence Clark and Ian Birtwell,

We will continue to keep you informed.