When you visit Christ Church Cathedral for a liturgy or a concert, one of the constants over the past 17 years has been the quiet, watchful presence of Cathedral Building Administrator, Gordon Macdonald. Quite simply, Gord’s commitment and attention to detail for the building is the behind the scenes foundation that the Cathedral's world renowned service and events are created upon.
On June 30th, parishioners, clergy and friends gathered together to thank Gord and to celebrate his retirement after 17 years of dedicated service. At the conclusion of the Sunday Eucharist, Dean Peter Elliott took a few minutes to reflect on Gord’s contribution to the parish community and reminded those present of Gord’s huge contribution to moving the parish out of and back into the Cathedral after the large renovation project in 2003-2004. Amongst the many details of Gordon's responsibilities are the over 40 different kinds of light bulbs throughout the Cathedral!After jiggling their key chains to a laughter-filled rendition of the “Building Administrator Blues”, written and performed by Randy Murray, the congregation took to their feet for the first of two standing ovations. In his comments, Gord took a few minutes to thank the congregation and staff, talking about the beauty of the building and remembering the support that he received by the parish at the time of his wife, Catherine’s sudden illness and death. He was gracious in his kind words about the clergy and staff team and for the support received by certain individuals throughout his tenure at the Cathedral.
As he retires, Gord is leaving the Cathedral in good and capable hands but it is the sound of the building keys ringing from his belt as he walks down the hallway that will forever be a part of the history of this historic church in Vancouver's downtown.
Images: Top, Gord addresses the congregation. Middle right, Parishioner Jean O'Clery thanks Gord personally. Below, Gord's famous phrase "Just so you know" immortalized in icing thanks to Carol Cook and Penny Charlesworth. Homepage, Gord and Dean Peter Elliott listen to the Building Administrator Blues while the congregation, choir and worship teams shake their key rings in time.