Canons installed, archdeacon collated in Cathedral service

A choral evensong at Christ Church Cathedral was the backdrop for a service of the installation of canons and collation of an archdeacon on Nov. 16.

The Rev. Maria Shepherdson, the Rev. David Peer, chancellor David Bell and mission and ministry director Shawn Branch were made canons. Maria was also collated as the archdeacon of Woodstock.

The service was led by Dean Geoffrey Hall and Archbishop David Edwards. The music and choir were under the direction of music director Thomas Gonder. The readers were Philip Shepherdson and Eva Morton.

At the beginning of his homily, Bishop David introduced the four who were the subject of the service.

DAVID BELL
“David Bell has served as chancellor for the last 12 years and a bit,” he said. “He’s given tremendous service for us as a diocese and particularly for me as bishop. David has also drafted a number of pieces of legislation for us.”

SHAWN BRANCH
“Shawn and I go back a long way — at least 20 years,” he said. “I was first introduced to him as a student. Shawn has served in a number of ways and continues to serve as the mission and ministry director in the diocese.”

David noted Shawn previously served in the Diocese of Saskatchewan, and at Threshold Ministries. 

“He is a person to whom I am grateful. He is able to put ideas in action and also turn around and say ‘that’s not a good idea.’”

DAVID PEER
“David has the dubious distinction of being the executive officer during the pandemic,” said the bishop. “He was eight months in when the pandemic hit. Part of his role was to devise protocols for the diocese.”

The bishop described David’s leadership and ability to adapt as welcome gifts during a time of great flux.

David, recently retired from the Diocesan Synod office, is also a retired naval commander in the Royal Canadian Navy.

MARIA SHEPHERDSON
“Maria answered an ad in the Church Times,” said David. “I went to her and Phil’s home in Avebury (UK) and spent the afternoon. Maria and I and Phil prayed.

“Maria told me. ‘I think I’ve got one more adventure in me.’ She is an experienced priest, and experienced former teacher, and I am delighted for her.”

Maria is rector of the parishes of Richmond and Woodstock. Her husband, Philip, is the diocesan comptroller. 

HOMILY
Bishop David referenced the reading from Habakkuk, saying “he is concerned God isn’t really up to the job. God appears to have left them behind. ‘Where are you in the midst of all this?’”

“There was no answer at this point. It can be like that for us.”

There is no end to the crises all around us, with no rhyme or reason why things are happening.

“We learn from Habakkuk to cry out to God, to lament. ‘God, where are you? What’s going on?’ Even if at times it feels like we’re speaking into the void.”

Habakkuk decided to keep watch and wait to see what God might say to him, even though he didn’t understand what was happening.

“Yes, it’s OK to complain, to say ‘I don’t understand.’ It’s not OK to walk away,” said David. “God has proven time and again that he is trustworthy, even though we aren’t.”

David also referenced the reading of the Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16.

“God calls on us to be faithful, even in the midst of uncertainty,” he said.

“Tonight, remembering these four who serve God, we’re reminded that we are also called to serve God and remain faithful.”

 David and Geoffrey led the ceremonies to collate the archdeacon and install the canons. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed refreshments and fellowship at the back of the Cathedral. 

FROM BISHOP DAVID:
The choices for canon are based on service to the diocese. Each of the three has demonstrated service to the diocese and to our corporate life.

In the case of Maria, I believe she has excellent leadership skills that will make her an excellent archdeacon of Woodstock.

FROM DAVID BELL:
Appointment as a Cathedral canon is the best type of honour, for really it comes without special duties. 

When it’s a lay person being made a canon, the distinction is also an unusual one. Until now there have been only three lay canons: chancellors Ronald Stevenson and Charles Ferris, and the legendary Synod treasurer, the late Fred Scott.

In that high company I am rather a work in progress. I accepted the honour in the spirit in which it was offered: as recognition of a decade and more of service as diocesan chancellor (legal officer).

A chancellor’s work is visible to few, so the bishop’s mention of late-night calls and early morning emails was apt. All of us are called to serve our vocation with a glad heart, and it does gladden to know one’s work is appreciated.

FROM DAVID PEER:
I never thought too much about being a Canon; that honour was for senior clerics. It makes me realize I am not so young anymore. 

This ceremony comes at the end of my time in paid ministry, so for me, I also see it as affirmation for my time as a bi-vocational priest and the work that I was able to do for the Diocese. 

I am grateful for the opportunity that God has placed in my life to be able to minister as a priest and for the work I will continue to be called to do.

FROM MARIA SHEPHERDSON:
I should have known better than to say to God: ‘Nope! Never looking to be an archdeacon.’ What we say we won’t do because it takes us out of our comfort zone is often what God requires of us to serve God better. 

I thought long and hard before saying yes to the Bishop, and my first commitment is to my parishes. However, Woodstock Archdeaconry is served by faithful lay and ordained friends in Christ and I want to do everything I can to help look after them an ensure the mission and ministry thrive.

The weight of that calling landed during the very moving service — as it should do. Now the work begins. 

I was very moved to see so many people come out on such a miserable evening and know many more were praying and watching online. May God give me grace to serve well.

FROM SHAWN BRANCH:
It's a pleasure and honour to serve God in this diocese, and alongside our gifted leaders and people.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
1. The Ven. Maria Shepherdson, Canon David Peer, Archbishop David Edwards, Canon David Bell and Canon Shawn Branch.
2. Canons of the Cathedral read the instruments of appointment. Here Canon Wandlyn Snelgrove speaks, with Canons Keith Osborne, Bonnie LeBlanc and Paul Ranson, and Archbishop David Edwards at left.
3. Dean Geoffrey Hall leads the procession at the beginning of the service.
4.  Maria Shepherdson, David Peer, Shawn Branch and David Bell during the service Nov. 16 at Christ Church Cathedral.
McKnight photos