Retired Clergy Tea is a chance to renew old friendships

The annual Retired Clergy Tea was held at Christ Church Cathedral June 16, offering an opportunity for those members of the clergy to get together, renew old friendships and enjoy refreshments. Many look forward to the event each year. 

Archbishhop David Edwards and his wife, Debbie, hosted the event, which used to be held at their Fredericton home until they moved to the Woodstock area last year.

Here’s what attendees said when asked what they enjoyed most about the event:

Susan Black: I like to see everybody and have a chat with them.

Lynne Corey: I’m just basking in the love here.

Vivian Osborne: It’s nice to get out and see everyone.

Isabel Cutler: It’s seeing everyone and coming together.

Wandlyn Snelgrove: This is my first time. I brought my mom, who would not miss it!

Keith Osborne: I’m energized by the fellowship of the clergy. It’s a boost that I miss by being retired.

Albert Snelgrove: I love seeing old friends. I’ve known Bruce McKenna for 45 years; the Pains for 40 years; the Blacks for 40 years.

Bruce Glencross: I like the people, but the food is pretty good too. I like meeting folks and getting reacquainted with people. I enjoy the social time.

Eva Morton: It’s a special time seeing old friends. These are people with shared memories. It’s like our support group — our spiritual family, really.

Pat Crowther: I love seeing all the people. We have so much in common. It warms my heart to come here.
Garth Maxwell: It’s the renewal of friendships. It’s meeting friends I’ve known for some time.

Leslie Allan: It’s to see people we haven’t seen in a long time. We kind of drift away in our own bubble, so it’s nice to connect.

Photo captions:
1. Clergy wives Eva Morton and Carol Glencross, with the Rev. Bruce Glencross and Cheryl Jacobs at right.
2. Lynne Corey, Vivian Osborne and the Rev. Isabel Cutler catch up at the Retired Clergy Tea held June 16 at Christ Church Cathedral.
3. Retired Bishop Bill Hockin, the Rev. Peter Irish and Archbishop David Edwards share a few moments together at the Retired Clergy Tea held June 16 at Christ Church Cathedral.
4. Canons Jon Lownds and Wandlyn Snelgrove chat, as Wandlyn's mother and clergy spouse, Pat Crowther, helps herself to refreshments. 
McKnight photos