Evening raises funds for Guest House

The “Music and Murder” event on April 13 in Snell Hall at St. James Cathedral was a huge success thanks to many people. The seed of the idea came from Sister Constance Joanna, who got the idea from author Louise Penny’s monthly newsletter. She asked Ms. Penny if we could use the radio play based on her novel, Still Life, as a fundraiser for our Home for the Heart campaign, raising funds for the renovations of the Guest House. Ms. Penny agreed.

Those of us on the capital campaign committee, especially Archbishop Fred Hiltz (co-chair of the committee with Sister Connie), Archbishop Colin Johnson and the Very Rev. Peter Wall, encouraged Sister Connie to go ahead. Nathan Hiltz, a jazz guitarist, offered to provide a jazz concert with three of his friends: Chris Banks on bass, Alex George on fiddle/violin and Tim Shia on drums. They were terrific. I heard only rave reviews at the intermission.

The Rev. Kate Merriman, Dorothy Peers, Ellen Johnson and Canon Alice Jean Finlay enjoy a moment together.

Campaign co-chair Archbishop Fred Hiltz addresses the audience.

Providing information on the SSJD and the Guest House.

After the intermission, during which wine, soft drinks and nibblies were served in the library, we had the radio play of Still Life, directed by the Rev. Canon Michael Burgess, who has considerable experience in the many aspects of theatre production. He put together a wonderful cast, including several clergy: the Rev. Canon Geoff Sangwine, the Rev. Margaret Rodrigues, the Rev. Michael Coren, the Very Rev. Peter Wall and Archbishop Colin Johnson. Canon Burgess was the narrator. Everyone there seemed to be fully engaged and thoroughly enjoying the performance.

Besides the entertainment, the sisters also had a few silent auction items, including finger labyrinths designed with Zentangles by our associate Nancy Haughton in Bala, Ont. Other items included three guitar lessons at any level from Nathan Hiltz; lessons in breadmaking by Sister Elizabeth Ann; and spa weekends in the newly renovated Guest House – some for couples and some for singles. All in all, we netted over $18,000, and everyone who attended or participated in the evening really enjoyed the event.

Thank you all for your support of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. Construction is expected to begin before the end of May.