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Dear Friends in Christ,

We are aware there has been some confusion and concern about whether the recently announced organizational restructuring will impact music at the Cathedral, and the ongoing search process to find a new Director of Music.

The answer is no. To be clear: the organizational restructuring is entirely separate from, and will have no impact whatsoever on, Rupert’s decision to retire, our search for his successor, or how we do music at the Cathedral generally.

By way of background: some years ago, when  Dean Peter had determined to retire, but prior to the date of his retirement being announced, Dean Peter and Ted Chiasson met with Rupert twice to discuss the transition process. An idea that had been mooted was that Rupert might retire simultaneously with Dean Peter. Ultimately, Dean Peter and Ted encouraged Rupert not to do that, and Rupert agreed.

When Dean Chris arrived at the Cathedral in mid-2020, he told Rupert that he had heard Rupert was thinking about retirement, but that he hoped Rupert would delay doing so and Rupert agreed. In or around late 2021, Rupert revisited the matter and informed Dean Chris that he was considering retiring. It was left to Rupert to discern whether, and when, he wished to retire, but in May 2022, Rupert gave formal notice to Dean Chris that he would retire as of August 5, 2024.

Rupert’s letter announcing his intention to retire was communicated to the congregation on June 19, 2022. Rupert reflected on his decision to retire in subsequent communications, including his music notes in the July 22, 2022 Chronicle.

Rupert’s retirement date was subsequently extended to December 31, 2024. For the past 18 months or so, Rupert has been working with a small committee to consider matters relating to his retirement, including how the Cathedral will be able to honour his long service and preserve his legacy of music at the Cathedral for future generations.


All of this is to say that although Rupert’s decision to retire pre-dated considerations of the Cathedral’s organizational restructuring, the Trustees recognize that music must remain at the core of our communal life of worship. For that reason, the budget for music is undiminished, notwithstanding the Cathedral’s challenging current financial outlook. The Trustees and search committee remain committed to providing Rupert’s successor with the resources and platform necessary to allow music at the Cathedral to continue to flourish.


In gratitude and thanksgiving for Rupert, the choir, and the joy that they bring to our community,

The Very Rev. Christopher A. Pappas, Dean and Rector
Kevin Smith, Rector’s Warden
Jane Hope, People’s Warden