Retired Clergy Tea always a popular date on the calendar

The annual Retired Clergy Tea was held in Fredericton June 17 at the home of Archbishop David Edwards and his wife, Debbie. 

It was a perfect, sunny day for an outdoor gathering — not too hot, not too windy. Diocesan synod staff Cheryl Jacobs and Susan Hickey were on hand to help out with the refreshments.

This well-attended event is much looked forward to as a way to reconnect with fellow clergy who don’t have a great many opportunities to get together. Here is how they answered this question: Why did you come today?

The Rev. Bob LeBlanc: I’m here because of my wife, Bonnie, and also to see colleagues I don’t see on a regular basis anymore.

Valda McMullen: I enjoy seeing friends again and catching up, and seeing what they’re up to.
Albert Snelgrove: They’re my colleagues and friends — some almost life-long friends. It’s wonderful to see everyone.

Rosalie Brown: Pat Crowther and I have been friends since 1961. I’m here to catch up. Our husbands were in adjoining parishes twice — Westfield and Oak Point, and Moncton and Riverview.

Pat Crowther: I love parties! These friends have been part of my life for a long, long time.

Jon Lownds: I was invited. It’s definitely the food! I appreciate Bishop David and I like to support him.

Eva Morton:  I get to see all my friends. It’s a great way to catch up with people I haven’t seen in awhile. This is my spiritual family.

Lynne Corey:  I love to get together with retired clergy and see David and Debbie. These are lovely people and it’s lovely to have a chance to see them. It’s important to stay connected.

Richard McConnell:  I enjoy seeing people I haven’t seen in a long time.

Robert Barry:  My wife drove me here. We decided to go. My health is not always good and it’s a long trip from Bay du Vin.

Bill Hockin:  I enjoy seeing fellow retired clergy that I know. We were invited by the bishop and his dear wife. It’s definitely very kind of them to offer the hospitality.

Bill, a retired bishop in the diocese, started the retired clergy tea about 25 years ago as a way to meet fellow clergy. He was relatively new to the diocese, from Toronto, and it helped him get to know his colleagues better.

Back then it was held at Bishop’s Court.

“It was a grand old house. The idea was to honour retired clergy. I didn’t know them, and it was a way for me to meet them.”        

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
1. Clergy wives Pat Crowder and Rosalie Brown have been friends for more than 60 years.
2. The Rev. Jon Lownds and Val Phinney in nconversation.
3. The Rev. Robert Barry and retired bishop Bill Hockin enjoy conversation on the deck. 
4. The Rev. Isabel Cutler, Lynne Corey and Bell Thompson catch up on all the news.
McKnight photos