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Acknowledgements:
When the Reverend William Pike suggested in 1992 that
a history of St. Catherine's, Capilano be written he
did not envision the lengthy opus that follows. However,
after delving into the archival material that had not
seen the light of day since 1979 it was obvious that
a few names, dates and facts would not do justice to
those who have made the parish what it is today. Compared
to some churches St. Catherine's is not old, but in
45 years it has been blessed with more gifts of time,
talent, treasures and love than many congregations twice
its age.
With a book of this nature it is impossible to mention
every individual, organization and project. It is regrettable
that many have been omitted - partly because of limited
space and in many cases because records have been lost.
This book is an attempt to chronicle as many details
as possible and any omission is certainly not an implication
that they are of lesser importance than those included.
Many people who contributed so much to St. Catherine's
have died but we are thankful to them as stories of
their generosity and love for the parish live on. Indeed,
a number are mentioned in the following pages. Fortunately,
a number of "originals" are still members
of the parish. Thanks to Rosemary Alley, Jack and Jacquie
Perkins, Ruth Grant, Eileen Ainslie and Wendy Ingram
for sharing their memories and to Frank Anderson who
gave a behind-the-scenes account of his involvement
as architect of the present church. Writing this book
has brought unexpected bonuses such as visits to the
Reverend and Mrs. John Godkin in their home at Gibsons
and a day with Miss Mary Pellatt at Sechelt and Mr.
and Mrs. Ronald Seal at Halfmoon Bay. They were all
keen to recall earlier days at St. Catherine's and their
input was invaluable.
The book was also a happy excuse to have a telephone
visit with the Reverend Ian Grant in London, Ontario
and his subsequent contribution was much appreciated.
Former choir member Barry Helmer wrote from his home
in Victoria to offer information and identification
of photographs. Peter Chappell, organist and choirmaster
for thirteen years, is now living in Texas and was most
willing to talk about his experiences at St. Catherine's.
Thanks to both of them. The diocesan archivist Doreen
Stephens made available a number of registers in which
are recorded baptisms, confirmations and marriages.
Barbara Tarr's phenomenal memory filled in gaps and
she also donated missing parish annual reports, which
supplied a large portion of recent historical material.
And thanks to Heather Luccock, first Pastoral Assistant
and then Pastoral Associate with the Reverend Ian Grant.
She expanded on much of the available information concerning
Christian education and Bible studies.
Parishioners are familiar with the superb job Brenda
Stenson does in editing St. Catherine's Newsletter.
Thanks to Brenda and her company Best Business Solutions
for publishing this book and for her suggestions and
support. Knowing that John Ellis has marked literally
thousands of university papers, I was apprehensive about
asking for his help, but I am so glad I did. How appropriate
to have a sketch by Ruth Grant on the front cover. Not
only a gifted artist, Ruth was one of the earliest Sunday
school teachers at St. Catherine's.
A huge, really big thank you to Frances Somerville.
She suggested, corrected, proof-read and gave constant
encouragement. Of course, having an archbishop on the
spot didn't hurt, either. And speaking of the archbishop,
thank you David for agreeing to write the Foreword for
this book. From every aspect - professional and personal
- there is no one more appropriate.
Lastly, thank you William, for asking me to do this.
Janet
Morris
A Parishioner
Published
by Brenda Stenson, Best Business Solutions
Copyright St. Catherine's, Capilano, 1993. All rights
reserved. Commercial or large-scale reproduction, and
reproduction for sale, is prohibited.
ISBN 0-9695702-0-3
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