UPDATED: Celebration of 35 Years of Music Ministry

There were many things to celebrate at Christ Church Cathedral during the principal Celebration of the Eucharist at 10:30am on August 1, 2021: PRIDE Day, BC Day, the first National Emancipation Day marking the end of slavery in the British Empire in 1834 and 35 years of Rupert Lang’s ministry as Organist and Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral.

Many thanks to Jane Dittrich for sharing these photos through diocesan communications.

In his brief thank-you address to the congregation both onsite and online Rupert stressed that his enduring career is a shared ministry with the Cathedral Community, Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Staff without whom the 35 years would not have been possible. The support that he received and continues to receive have enabled all aspects of his artistry from composition to performance to leading worship year in year out.

The preacher and presider for the Eucharist was Cathedral Curate, the Reverend Jonathan Pinkney who was quick to point out after Rupert’s address that this was in no way an announcement of pending retirement. That assertion inspired a member of the congregation to shout out “35 more years!”

Here is a note of "thanks" that Rupert sent out to the Cathedral Community on Wednesday, August 4, 2021

My Dear Cathedral Community:

This letter is a wholehearted thank-you to everyone who helped me celebrate my 35th anniversary in last Sunday's 10:30 Liturgy - whether it be in person, or on line. It was indeed a VERY powerful and emotionally charged Liturgy for me. 
Much time and effort went into preparation for this event. I thank Chris our Dean, the Trustees, all clergy and all Cathedral staff and of course my Cathedral Choir who assisted in the preparation for this special day. It was SO exciting to see and hear 24 voices IN PERSON! The sound was rich and warm yet full of power and energy! And last but not least, WOW - to hear the congregation singing live again makes my heart leap for joy!
Finally, the flowers that were so heavy to lift, are absolutely stunning indeed - see photo here! And if you were at all curious, the red box I was presented contains a certain 12 year old golden elexir (meant for medicinal purposes only I'm sure).

my sincere thanks to everyone!

MANY HUGS (soon to come to a theatre near you - and at "The Peace" during worship!)
Rupert 

Congratulations Dr. Lang!

Here is a link to the August 1, Order of Service bulletin

IMAGES

• Rupert poses with Cathedral Choir in the chancel following the Aug 1 Pride Service, his 35th Anniversary as Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral
• Rupert listens to words of thanks for his years of ministry from the celebrant, Cathedral Curate, the Rev Jonathan Pinkney
• Rupert receives a gift of thanks from the Cathedral from good friend and Deacon at the Cathedral, the Rev Alisdair Smith
• Rupert reflects. Thanking all for their support and affirming that his is a shared ministry with the Cathedral Community, Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Staff.
• Rupert poses in the chancel after the service, with his gift and flowers from the Cathedral community
• After worship Rupert receives congratulations and thanks from members of the congregation. Here, he is greeted by musician, singer and artist, long time Cathedral parishioner, Claude Duke.

Photos by Jane Dittrich

Cutlines created with files from Jane Dittrich

IN THE BODY OF THE POST

The beautiful bouquet presented to Rupert.

The notes in the August 1 Order of Service regarding the 35th Anniversary.