Fourteen years of wonderful memories
By Sam Keuchguerian
Fourteen years ago, when my son Arek became a member of the trebles' choir at Christ Church Cathedral, he was in grade two. It was a completely new environment, and as all children his age, he was a bit shy. As for me, I already knew the church, rather, I knew the old organ with its console located on the side of the baptistery, and the pipes, near the chapel. I had played on this instrument on two separate occasions -- weddings, to be specific. I don't remember the date of these events, but I do know that the grooms of both weddings have long passed away.
I remember my son's first day at Christ Church Cathedral in 1995.
The choir director -- at that time the director's position was held by Gerald Wheeler -- checking the boy's name, asking if we were somehow related to Aram Katchatourian (composer). Arek was puzzled, and I came to the rescue even though I don't think my enigmatic "Yes and no…" answer was any good.
The Thursday evening rehearsals of the boys' choir were an ideal time for me to discover the wonderful singing of the women's choir, performing the Evensong. There I met Revd Dr. Elizabeth Rowlinson, who made a tremendous impact on me. A woman with a seemingly severe appearance, but kind at heart, she unknowingly mentored me in so many ways, while in the meantime I was familiarizing myself with the English rendition of the Psalms and Hymns.
My friendship with Al Backman is another remarkable experience. Initially, never sure of how to greet him in order to deserve a smile, I approached him once on account of something that I now don't remember. His way of treating me was suspicious; as if I had done something wrong. But then we became friends, a friendship that transcended the position he held as verger of Christ Church Cathedral. His patience and thoughtfulness towards Norman, the witty, intelligent and kind new verger, was unlimited.
Understanding the Dean, Very Revd Michael J. Pitts was another challenge; I felt a certain amount of reservation and I thought the feeling was mutual. Bt since then I had many opportunities of hearing him preach or talk in more intimate surroundings, and my initial worries and doubts disappeared. As for my acquaintance with Rev. Canon Joyce Sanchez, initially, I thought women in the church must necessarily be nuns -- my knowledge of the Anglican churches was to say the least, very incomplete. Today I know how reformed this institution is, and how well it adjusts, adapts and responds to the needs of modern society.
Despite the initial hesitation, I feel close to Christ Church Cathedral. I owe it, at least partially, to my upbringing in a country under British dominion, but most of this feeling comes from the church itself. During the past fourteen years I came to know many of the members of the congregation, some of whom have now become trusted friends. Today I accept the church as my second home and the congregation, an extended family.
