Christ Church Cathedral Parish Profile

PARISH PROFILE

houston, Texas

table of contents introduction............................................. 1 mission & guiding principles............ 2 gospel......................................................... 4 outreach.................................................. 6 community............................................ 10 liturgy..................................................... 12 music......................................................... 14 tradition............................................... 16 resources.................................................... 20

the buildings....................................... 20

the finances......................................... 21

endowment........................................... 23 the diocese................................................. 24 downtown houston........................... 26 the new dean............................................ 28

appendices staff................................................................... i lay leadership.............................................ii membership statistics........................... iii

we are christ church cathedral

Christ Church is the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Texas. Inspired by our traditions, we are a diverse, passionate, inclusive Christian community devoted to meaningful worship and ministry in a beautiful historical setting in downtown Houston.

In accordance with the gospel message of love and justice, we continue our legacy of reaching out in faith to serve the needs of others while joyfully supporting each other in every aspect of our lives.

Since 1839, Christ Church has proclaimed in word and deed the good news of Jesus Christ. Years before the founding fathers could afford a church building, services were conducted in the basement of the Republic of Texas building.

Houston in those days was a rough-and-tumble town with cattle drives roaming down Texas Avenue.

Christ Church Cathedral today occupies two blocks in the fourth largest city in the country and remains a beacon of faith and charity in the midst of a thriving metropolitan center. In our 173-year history we have survived fires, floods and raging storms, not to mention shifting demographics in our neighborhood and our city. Through sound leadership and a commitment of love and service to all, we have persevered. This year we celebrate the 63rd year of our designation as Cathedral for the Diocese of Texas.

As a cathedral and a parish, we are more than a place for Episcopalians throughout the diocese to worship. We are a place for hospitality and renewal.

We are the seat of the Bishop of Texas and a center of learning and formation where all are welcome. We are the parent for more than twelve outreach organizations that address the needs of our community. We are all this and more. We are Christ Church Cathedral.

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C H R I S T C H U R C H C AT H E D R A L ~ H O U S T O N , T E X A S

The mission of Christ Church Cathedral is to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ through word and deed to the parish, the diocese and the downtown community.

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Rev. Glenice Robinson-Como, Canon Pastor and Chaplain to the Beacon

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Guiding Principles Gospel Our commitment to the Gospel undergirds all that we do. Preaching and teaching that Gospel are central to who we are.

Outreach We believe that love is the primary message of Christ, that justice is love in action, and that in serving others we are following Christ’s mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Community We are an open, loving and diverse parish that welcomes all who love God. Our membership includes traditional families as well as singles and committed partners. All have found a home in the Cathedral, and all are invited to take an active part in its ministries.

Liturgy We take seriously the holy work of worship, striving for excellence in the services of the church. The liturgies of The Episcopal Church support, empower and motivate us in our mission.

Music Music at the Cathedral has a long tradition of excellence in the diocese and beyond. The music supports the worship and is an offering to the glory of God.

Tradition We are a church that greatly values its rich history and tradition, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Fun and fellowship are very much a part of our tradition.

About the Councils Many of the activities of the Cathedral are facilitated by a system of councils that have oversight of a variety of activities or projects in a particular area of ministry. Each council has fifteen lay members including a chairperson, a Vestry representative and a staff resource person.

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Gospel Our commitment to the Gospel undergirds all that we do.

Preaching and teaching that Gospel are central to who we are.

The Adult Formation Council sponsors and promotes programs designed to educate, inspire and empower God’s people. Adults at the Cathedral choose from a variety of classes on Sunday mornings, ranging from Bible Study to discussions of current issues and our Anglican roots. Short series for adults are offered on Wednesday evenings, and an Education for Ministry group meets weekly. Seminars and conferences with guest speakers, retreats and interfaith education events are offered throughout the year.

Cathedral Youth Ministries encourages spiritual growth by sharing the love of Christ in community. Youth in grades 6–12 and adult sponsors are invited to be actively engaged in developing Christian community through education, mission outreach and “ReCreation”. By spending time together in Sunday School (Sunday mornings at 10), during Episcopal Youth Community (Sunday evenings from 4–6), at collaborative events with other churches and on service projects, mission trips and retreats, we build a community where questions can be asked, where relationships can be built and where Christ can be found in others. Cathedral sponsored mission trips have sent both youth and adults to Galveston, Mississippi and Honduras.

Dean’s Sunday School Class

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The Children’s Ministry Council ensures that our children feel they are a valuable part of the Cathedral congregation and supports them as they grow in their faith.

Council members help plan the parish events for children and families, support the Sunday school and nursery programs and nurture relationships among families at the Cathedral. Three different curricula are used in our Sunday School program: Seasons Two for our nursery age children, Godly Play for Three year olds through 1st grade and Episcopal Children’s Curriculum for 2nd through 5th grades.

There are 196 children enrolled in the nursery and Sunday school and the average attendance is 90. Sixteen families have attended the monthly Rhythms of Grace service for families with special needs children which has an average attendance of 25.

Brigid’s Place is a separately incorporated nonprofit service organization that promotes the empowerment of women both mentally and spiritually through programs and discussion forums including interfaith dialogue, service outreach, centering prayer and meditation, book studies, workshops and retreats.

The Cathedral Bookstore offers a first-rate selection of books for adults, youth and children as well as the best cards to be found anywhere. It also stocks an array of prayer books and Bibles and other gift items with a religious theme.

A portion of the proceeds from the Bookstore benefits the Cathedral gardens.

Cathedral House Episcopal School is a Montessori school offering the highest level of early childhood education, with an emphasis on helping children ages 6 weeks to 5 years develop their minds and spirits. The school is operated by Metropolitan Montessori Schools, an early childhood educational organization. The school is licensed for 136 children; current enrollment is 129, and there is a lengthy waiting list. The Dean of Christ Church Cathedral is a member of the Board, and members of the church serve as President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Rev. Jimmy Grace, Canon for Christian Formation, serves as Chaplain to the school, attending Board meetings and meeting in the Chapel of the Christ Child with the 3 and 4 year old classes once a week. The school is a member of NAES and was honored and recognized as a Brazelton Touchpoints Recognized Facility in 2009 and 2010.

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Outreach We believe that love is the primary message of Christ, that justice is love in action, and that in serving others we are following Christ’s mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The outreach and mission ministry of the Cathedral is focused on the problems of hunger, homelessness and unemployment in the downtown area. Under the leadership of Dean Joe Reynolds, the Cathedral has completed two successful capital campaigns for buildings, outreach and endowment. The John S. Dunn Center was constructed by the Cathedral in 2006 as a part of the first of these campaigns.

The Dunn Center, located on the east block of the Cathedral campus, is home to COMPASS, New Hope Housing and Cathedral Health and Outreach Ministries (known more familiarly as The Beacon). All of these organizations are housed rent-free.

Canon McGill with a Christmas at the Cathedral guest

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Cathedral Health and Outreach Ministries (The Beacon) is a separate 501(c)3 organization governed by a board of directors with the Dean of the Cathedral as Chair. In 2011 The Beacon served over 12,000 unduplicated clients. Thanks to the successful Building Our Legacy capital campaign in 2011, The Beacon is debt free and in stable financial condition. CHOM operates the following ministries, all at the Dunn Center location:

A good meal…a hot shower…clean clothes…I’m ready for that interview!

— James, Beacon client

The Beacon Day Center is open four days a week. On each day of operation, the Beacon serves over 600 clients. 85% of the services are provided by volunteers and include meals, laundry, showers, hygiene kits and limited clothing distribution. One of the Beacon’s most important programs is case management. The Beacon is helping clients identify, locate and access services that address the root causes of their homelessness and begin the journey towards moving off of the streets and becoming self-sufficient. Case management guides clients through a complex system, providing tools that ultimately lead to increased stability.

The Cathedral Justice Project was started in 2006 by Cathedral members to provide pro-bono legal services to Houston’s street community. The Cathedral Justice Project served over 500 clients in 2011.

Brigid’s Hope at the Beacon provides transitional housing and supportive services to homeless women who have left the Texas prison or jail system. The goal of Brigid’s Hope is to reduce the number of women returning to the criminal justice system by giving the women served the tools they need to become self-sufficient and secure a safe and productive life. Brigid’s Hope provides housing, education, life skills training and vocational opportunities. Since 2002, no graduate of the Brigid’s Hope program has returned to prison or jail.

The Cathedral Clinic at the Beacon combines primary health care and psychiatric treatment/mental health counseling with intensive case management to address the unique needs of men, women and children living on Houston’s streets.

Professionally staffed by our partners at Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH), this clinic was initially the dream of the Cathedral. HHH and the Beacon collaborated in its vision and planning and share in funding its operation.

Additional opportunities to impact the lives of Beacon clients include the Marnoble Art Project, a monthly art class facilitated by an art therapist, and the Beacon Writing Workshop. The Writing Workshop sponsors two semesters each year and publishes an anthology of the writings from each.

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Also located at the Dunn Center: COMPASS was founded thirty years ago as a ministry of the Cathedral; COMPASS now operates as a separate 501(c)3 working to help clients become independent by assisting with job searches. To that end, help is provided with resumes, clothing, transportation to interviews and interim financial support.

Launched by the Cathedral’s Kay White, then Dean Pittman McGehee and the current Canon Emeritus John Logan, COMPASS now receives support from a variety of sources.

New Hope Housing was born as a Cathedral program in 1993.

Thanks to the vision of then Dean Walter Taylor and others, a substantial part of the funds necessary to construct the first phase of a single room occupancy (SRO) affordable housing facility were raised in that year’s capital campaign. New Hope Housing, Inc. a 501(c)3 has its business offices in the Dunn Center. New Hope now operates more than 600 SRO units.

The Dunn Center at 1212 Prairie Street

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Our other ministries: The Cathedral Urban Service Experience (CUSE) is a program for youth from the Diocese of Texas and beyond. With CUSE, everything a group needs to have a meaningful mission trip is provided. High school and middle school students volunteer at the Beacon and other places in the Houston/ Galveston area during their stay at the Cathedral’s Ballard Youth Center.

Kid’s Hope matches a Cathedral volunteer mentor with a student at nearby Rusk Elementary. After completing the Safeguarding God’s Children training, mentors visit the student at the school weekly, helping in areas recommended by the school’s counselors and teachers.

At-Risk Youth provides immediate, one-time assistance that supports Houston’s working poor families who have experienced unexpected extreme financial emergencies. These situations threaten their capacity to provide for the most basic necessities and to keep their children in school. Founded by three Cathedral members, At-Risk Youth operates with zero overhead, using every dollar received to benefit its clients.

The Justice & Peace Council assists the Cathedral community through education and advocacy to live into our baptismal covenant “to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”

The council hosts speakers, organizes discussions and offers a gathering place for nonprofit organizations that provide volunteer opportunities.

The Mission Outreach Council focuses its ministry in two categories: outreach programs and mission trips. The outreach programs include efforts such as Christmas in July, the Alternative Giving Market, Christmas at the Cathedral and a quarterly blood drive.

Included in the council’s mission work is an annual journey to Honduras focusing on housing, medical care and children’s ministry.

The Cathedral AA Group has been meeting at noon on weekdays for as long as anyone can remember.

The group currently uses the Conference Room in the McGehee Building. An Al-Anon Family Group meets on Mondays at noon in the Dunn Center.

Mission Honduras 9

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Community We are an open, loving and diverse parish that welcomes all who love God. Our membership includes traditional families as well as singles and committed partners. All have found a home in the Cathedral, and all are invited to take an active part in its ministries.

Mardi Gras Pancake Supper

The Community Life Council offers opportunities to strengthen spiritual and social relationships through a variety of communitybuilding activities and events. The council is responsible for the annual parish retreat at Camp Allen, Episcopal Night at the Ballpark, Foyers supper groups, the Labor Day Sunday brunch and Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. It also hosts Bridge at the Cathedral for those who enjoy playing cards.

The Pastoral Care Council organizes and provides compassionate, emotional and spiritual support to the Christ Church Cathedral community.

Council members deliver altar flowers, send greeting cards and make telephone calls to those needing support.

The Membership and Evangelism Council seeks to facilitate growth in Christ Church Cathedral membership and spread the news of the Cathedral.

The council strategizes and organizes ways to invite and welcome visitors to the Cathedral. It also hosts Welcome Dinners for newcomers and organizes the Greeters program.

The Cathedral draws its members from throughout the Houston metropolitan area, with members from 175 of the 600 zip codes in the city. Some commute 30 minutes or more to attend and most pass other Episcopal churches on the way. Membership is predominately white, college-educated and comparatively affluent and increasingly includes active communicants who are members of minority groups. Members value the diversity and inclusivity of the community, calling it a space that welcomes everyone’s voice. The community is open to questioning and encourages thinking and dialogue.

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Blessing of the Animals

Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, Texas

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Liturgy

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We take seriously the holy work of worship, striving for excellence in the services of the church. The liturgies of The Episcopal Church support, empower and motivate us in our mission.

The focus of liturgy at Christ Church Cathedral is the Eucharist; Cathedral services are traditional in nature.

On Sundays, an 8 o’clock celebration of Rite I Eucharist with sermon but without music is held in the Cathedral.

The 9 o’clock Rite II Eucharist is less formal, but still traditional with choir, music and sermon. This service provides a special focus for families and includes a short children’s sermon.

The 11 o’clock liturgy fully utilizes the musical tradition of the Cathedral with full choir in the celebration of Rite I Eucharist. Choral settings of the Mass are sung alternating with settings from The Hymnal. Communion motets and offertory anthems are sung weekly.

At 1 o’clock in the afternoon, a service of Rite II Eucharist is celebrated in Spanish in the Cathedral. The Spanish Book of Common Prayer and Spanish Hymnal are used as well as music from the Hispanic sacred tradition.

A less formal Rite II Eucharist is held in the Golding Chapel at 5 o’clock and includes music and a sermon.

Solemn Evensong is sung several times each year on special days and occasionally at the Bishop’s request.

On weekdays, a noon celebration of the Eucharist takes place in the Golding Chapel. Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are led each weekday by lay persons. Lay persons also participate as lectors, worship leaders, lay Eucharistic ministers, ushers, acolytes, altar guild and oblationers.

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Music Music at the Cathedral has a long tradition of excellence in the diocese and beyond. The music supports the worship and is an offering to the glory of God.

Cathedral Choir in Concert Treble Choir

Robert Simpson, Canon for Music

Cathedral Choir at Westminster Abbey

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The commitment of the Cathedral to excellence in music is important to the membership. The music program is under the leadership of Canon for Music Robert Simpson and Cathedral Organist Bruce Power.

New Organ Console

The Cathedral Choir prizes the Anglican choral tradition. This choir numbers over fifty members and is composed of volunteers, many with extensive musical background, and a core of professional staff singers. The choir sings at the 11 o’clock service and at other services throughout the year ranging from Festival Eucharists to Solemn Evensongs. Periodically they perform major classical works in a concert setting and have recorded several compact disks. The Cathedral Choir has been choir in residence at Westminster Abbey, has been invited to sing at various other English Cathedrals and will be singing at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, in the summer of 2013.

The Parish Choir sings at the 9 o’clock service and consists of volunteers together with staff singers from the Cathedral Choir. Volunteers range from those with no formal musical training to those with extensive experience, but they share enthusiasm and a desire to make beautiful music as part of the worship service.

The Cathedral Treble Choir is made up of children from the Cathedral and greater Houston community under the direction of Marianna Parnas-Simpson.

In addition to singing at the Cathedral for Eucharists, Evensongs and other special events, the Treble Choir often serves as a guest children’s choir for concerts and weddings.

At the time of its construction in 1939, the Cathedral Organ, an Aeolian-Skinner, was the largest organ in the southwestern United States. It has been expanded several times since then, and in 1991 an antiphonal division and trompets en chamade were installed. As part of the successful capital campaign of 2011, a new console was in operation on Easter Sunday of 2012, with several new ranks of pipes to be added by the end of the year.

The Cathedral provides office and rehearsal space to the Houston Chamber Choir, Houston’s premier professional choral ensemble, led by artistic director, Robert Simpson. This group is known throughout our region and beyond for “its beautiful, lithe and well-honed sound.” (Houston Chronicle review)

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Tradition We are a church that greatly values its rich history and tradition, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Fun and fellowship are very much a part of our tradition.

Christ Church was Houston’s first religious congregation and is the only one still worshiping on its original site. In 1837, as the capital of the Republic of Texas, Houston was a growing city without a church. Visiting Episcopal priests wrote of the promise of this foreign mission field.

On March 16, 1839, Col. William Fairfax Gray called for the creation of a Christian congregation “to observe the forms of worship and be The first church, circa 1839. governed by the Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of North America.” Twenty-eight signers included officers and ministers of the Texas government. The Episcopal Church sent the first missionary bishop to this “foreign field,” but the Church gave little additional help.

Christ Church’s first Rector was the Rev. Charles Gillet of Connecticut who oversaw the construction of the first church building. When the building was consecrated in 1847, it was already too small to accommodate the growing congregation. Construction of the second church was begun in 1859. Delayed by the Civil War, this building was ready for consecration in 1866 by which time it too was described as being “quite too small for the wants of the place.” With the arrival of the Rev. Julyan Clemons in the 1870s, the church was enlarged.

In 1893, when builders tried to connect a new cloister to the structure, a portion of the building collapsed. In spite of then Bishop George Kinsolving’s great disapproval, the vestry borrowed money to build the current church.

The first service was held in the present church on Christmas Eve 1893.

From its founding, Christ Church served people of many faiths and races.

The first Rector conducted funerals for Roman Catholics and weddings for Jews.

The first Bishop of Texas, the Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg, believed that blacks and whites should worship under the same roof. Christ Church had black members before and after the Civil War, and their children attended the Sunday school.

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Christ Church in the 1920s. The ivy on the church was brought from the walls of Westminster Abbey in London.

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Christ Church has always been a part of the fabric of Houston. The Ladies Parish Association (now the Episcopal Church Women), founded in 1871, spearheaded much of the charitable work done in Houston at that time.

The tradition continues to this day.

Six rectors of Christ Church have been elected bishops of the Episcopal Church, including John E. Hines who became Presiding Bishop.

During the centennial celebration of the Diocese of Texas, Christ Church became the Cathedral church. Then Rector, the Rev. Hamilton Kellogg, became the new Cathedral’s first Dean. In 2009, Christ Church observed the 170th anniversary of its founding and the 60th anniversary of its designation as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Texas. Each Sunday a representative of the Cathedral Guides leads a tour of the church sharing both the beauty of the space and its history.

During Dean Reynolds’ tenure, Christ Church completed acquisition of the east block, enlarging our campus to two full city blocks. The east block is home to the John S. Dunn Center, the offices of the Diocese of Texas and a large garden open to the public.

In his twelve years with us, Dean Reynolds has taught us that tradition is both a blessing and a challenge. He has challenged us to honor our tradition while responding to modern needs and circumstances, and the Cathedral has risen to that challenge.

Among the traditions that inform our self-understanding, the following three have been central to our ministry:

B The Cathedral has a long tradition of commitment to our location in the midst of the city, to ministry to downtown Houston and to urban ministry in general.

B The Cathedral has a long tradition of mission, dating back to the establishment of Faith Home for orphaned children in 1892.

B The Cathedral has a tradition of generosity that has enabled its ministry.

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The Cathedral Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is an organization rooted in history and discovering new paths. All Cathedral women are members of the ECW and are invited to be a part of the visioning of our future. The ECW is responsible for providing hospitality for the many receptions held at the Cathedral.

The May Fete celebration at the Cathedral is more than 100 years old. With considerable planning and many volunteers the May Fete Committee organizes and hosts the annual festival which celebrates our young members. All the Cathedral councils support and participate in the May Fete.

The Religion and the Arts Council seeks to proclaim the presence of God in our lives through the beauty of human creativity as expressed in works of architecture and the visual and performing arts.

May Fete

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Resources The Stewardship Council guides the development of the resources the Cathedral needs to be responsive to the challenges and opportunities that God sets before us.

The council focuses on the annual Every Member Canvass pledge drive, ongoing and year-round giving, planned giving through the Bishop Richardson Society and future capital campaigns.

The Buildings The Cathedral campus occupies two full blocks in the center of downtown Houston. The original location at the corner of Texas Avenue and Fannin Street is still home to the historic Cathedral building on the west side of the Bishop’s Garden courtyard. Across the courtyard is the Latham Building, which houses offices, meeting rooms, the music facilities and our bookstore. The Great Hall on the north side of the courtyard serves the parish as a gathering place and serves the city of Houston as Treebeard’s restaurant during the week. The block also holds the Jones Education Building and the Huffington Courtyard Playground ,the location for children’s education on Sunday and for Cathedral House Episcopal School on weekdays. On the northeast corner of the block is the McGehee Building, a center for youth activities and another source of meeting and office space.

The Deanery, about a 10-minute drive from the Cathedral in a popular and established neighborhood, offers the Dean and his family a convenient and comfortable home. The house provides a swimming pool in addition to four bedrooms 3.5 bathrooms and several living spaces.

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The Finances (dollars in thousands) Cathedral Operating Funds

2009

2010

2011 Budgeted

Pledged & Unpledged Gifts

2,539

2,480

2,820

2,750

2,875

395

396

408

379

382

Facilities Use Revenue Other Revenue

2012 2011 Budgeted

96

71

52

47

45

Endowment Contribution

1,044

1,100

997

995

791

Total Revenue

4,074

4,047

4,277

4,172

4,093

Salaries & Benefits

1,928

2,165

2,134

2,064

1,959

Outreach

439

493

505

497

616

Worship & Programs

466

455

539

497

502

Diocesan Assessment

364

391

391

391

398

Facilities

857

722

708

719

618

4,055

4,226

4,277

4,169

4,093

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(180)

0

3

Total Expenses Net Revenue less Expenses

Building Our Legacy Pledges

2010

2011

0 Total To-Date

605

7,036

7,641

Other Income

0

1

1

Total Revenue

605

7,037

7,642

Gifts to the Endowment

100

1,300

1,400

Gift to The Beacon

0

750

750

Organ Console

0

370

370

Operating Expenses

0

38

38

Total Expenses

100

2,457

2,557

Net Revenue less Expenses

505

4,580

5,085

Memo: Pledges Paid

105

3,138

3,243

Endowment Fund Bequests & Gifts Building Our Legacy Dividends and Interest Investment Appreciation Oil & Gas Royalties Other Revenue Total Revenue Building For Community Other Support of the Cathedral Other Expenses

2009

2010

2011

201

86

426

0

100

1,300

562

473

304

2,280

1,297

(369)

463

488

589

16

13

10

3,522

2,457

2,260

422

10,887

0

1,373

1,214

1,043

69

92

125

Total Expenses

1,864

12,192

1,168

Net Revenue less Expenses

1,658

(9,735)

1,092

Memo: Core Fund Net Assets

17,545

7,644

8,890

Memo: Invested Funds

19,339

15,330

16,639

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Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21 Bishop Richardson Society Endowment Plaque

Endowment

Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund was chartered in 1954 by the then Dean J. Milton Richardson and was funded by the first Trustees who contributed a total of $60,000.

Over the intervening years, the Endowment has grown and at the same time provided much needed funding both annually and as sporadic opportunities for the Church’s mission arose. In the early 2000’s, the Fund had grown to $25Million. At that time, the Cathedral embarked on the creation of an entire block of structures encompassing our mission to the homeless, a new Diocesan office building and a parking garage. This ambitious program, coupled with the economic downturn, drew heavily on the Endowment bringing the net value to approximately $12Million currently. We continually remind parishioners to include the Cathedral Endowment in their financial planning in order to build our legacy.

A person who has committed his/her financial planning to include Christ Church Cathedral automatically becomes a member of the Bishop Richardson Society. The donor’s name is inscribed on the bronze plaque in the “Bishop’s Courtyard” on the Church grounds.

The Cathedral Endowment Fund preserves our past, builds our present and assures our future.

B Preserves our Past by funding repairs, additions and needed restoration of our historic Cathedral.

B Builds our Present by funding current ministries and social outreach programs. In fact, it covers about one quarter of our annual budget.

B Assures our Future by funding the needs of generations yet to come.

It extends our ministry to the community and provides seed money for new initiatives.

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The Diocese of Texas The Episcopal Diocese of Texas , based in Houston at the Diocesan Center on the Cathedral’s east block, is led today

by Bishop C. Andrew Doyle. In addition, there are regional offices at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin where Bishop Suffragan Dena Harrison resides and a regional in Tyler, where a second Bishop Suffragan will reside after a scheduled election is held June 2, 2012 at the Cathedral.

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The history of the Diocese is a rich one and closely entwined with the Cathedral. From 1838 to 1845 the Episcopal Church existed in Texas as the first foreign missionary district of The Episcopal Church. This district, which comprised the entire Republic of Texas was administered by the Rt. Rev. Leonidas Polk, Bishop of Louisiana, and the Rt. Rev. George Washington Freeman, Bishop of the Southwest.

Nancy’s Garden

In 1845 Texas was admitted to the Union as a state, and the church continued as a domestic mission under the care of Bishop Freeman and was organized in 1849 as a diocese and elected its first bishop, the Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg ten years later.

Bishop Doyle oversees 151 congregations (80,000+ members) in 57 counties spread over nearly 50,000 square miles; the Diocese is one of six in the state. Congregations vary widely in size; as measured by attendance, we have six of the largest parishes in the top 35 in the United States, two of which are Spanish-speaking congregations. Congregations throughout the Diocese offer a broad range of worship styles, from traditional to contemporary, from jazz to Taize.

These parishes similarly range in reflecting traditional to more liberal views on issues facing the Church today.

There are 67 Episcopal schools in the Diocese, and the Diocese has a number of institutions including: St Luke’s Episcopal Health System (a regional hospital system in Houston); St. Stephen’s boarding school (Austin) and Episcopal High School (Houston); El Buen Samaritano (a social service agency in Austin); St. Vincent’s House (clinic and care for the underserved in Galveston) and St. James’ House (a retirement community in Baytown). Camp Allen , the nationally known Diocesan Conference and Retreat Center, accommodates a variety of spiritual, social and educational events for all ages.

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Downtown Houston The Cathedral’s place in downtown Houston has inspired specific ministries, to the homeless, the jobless, downtown workers, downtown residents and many others. Just as it was in 1839, its downtown location places the Cathedral at the crossroads of Houston.

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Downtown Houston remains Houston’s historic heart and its vibrant civic and commercial center. More than 150,000 people commute to Fortune 500 companies, law firms, accounting firms and countless other enterprises every workday. Even in the midst of this recession, two office buildings have been completed – and occupied – within walking distance of the Cathedral. City government remains firmly committed to its downtown campus, and Harris County (the nation’s third largest) recently completed the restoration of its historic 1910 county courthouse one block north of the Cathedral as the centerpiece of its large governmental campus.

Downtown Houston is more than just business and government. Over the past 15 years, the Cathedral has welcomed thousands of new neighbors, many of whom live in converted historic buildings within a few blocks of the intersection of Texas and Fannin. In addition, more than 10,000 new residences have been built within a mile of downtown in the past two decades. More recently, signs of a new downtown neighborhood also have emerged with the opening of two grocery stores nearby.

The Cathedral has spiritual neighbors as well – six churches and a mosque call downtown home, and an equal number are located directly adjacent to downtown.

Downtown also is a place Houstonians come to play. Almost every annual civic celebration takes place in downtown. On a daily basis, arts patrons can fill 12,000 theater seats to enjoy offerings from the nationally recognized Alley Theater, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony Orchestra and Houston Grand Opera. In the other direction are stadiums for major league baseball, basketball and soccer.

Houston also has invested heavily in its downtown parks over the past two decades.

Most recently, thousands have flocked downtown to Discovery Green and Market Square Park to enjoy the outdoors and their city. A short train ride south from the Cathedral brings the museum district and the Texas Medical Center, the largest facility of its kind in the nation.

Downtown’s history and its prospects are exciting, but it also faces the same challenges as other historic urban centers. The homeless are under-served, which is evident every day on downtown’s streets. Poverty lies at downtown’s doorstep, and in the midst of this vibrant commercial center, many cannot find a job. Most of the social ills facing American cities face Houston and its downtown area. In a recently released study, Houston was found to be the most ethnically diverse city in the country, surpassing New York City. An annual survey conducted by Rice University best demonstrates Houston’s diversity and how it has been welcomed by the community at large.

The Cathedral is positioned squarely in the center of downtown Houston’s unique blend of incredible opportunity and daunting challenge.

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C H R I S T C H U R C H C AT H E D R A L ~ H O U S T O N , T E X A S

The New Dean The continued vitality of the Cathedral parish depends in significant measure on the spiritual leadership of a compelling preacher and teacher – one who from the pulpit and lectern can communicate a personal religious faith that is backed by a strong intellect and a knowledge of scripture and theology.

Caritas window installed

by Tiffany Studios

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PA R I S H P RO F I L E

The Cathedral’s commitment to ministry to the downtown community is an inescapable facet of its identity.

The new Dean should be a person who embraces the challenges of our urban setting and responds with love, creativity and patience in support of current and future outreach activities. He or she should be comfortable with people from all walks of life, from the Beacon client to corporate leaders.

Members of the Cathedral represent a diversity of views on many issues within and without the Church, and will expect the new Dean to be well-read, tolerant and informed about such matters. The new Dean should be a person capable of embracing our differences, affirming God’s love for all persons and supporting the spiritual growth of all the congregation.

Christ Church Cathedral is known for its dignified and traditional liturgies and its historic emphasis on the music of the Church. The new Dean will need an appreciation for the apparent paradox of a parish that is progressive for its time and place but manifests a preference for traditional forms of worship.

The Cathedral is seeking a Dean who will speak to the needs and interests of young people and families with young children. Within the framework of tradition, there is a willingness to consider and support new ideas and programs, particularly those that will encourage the participation of increased numbers of young people.

The diverse community of the Cathedral is held together by love for Christ, respect for each other and a sense of joy in coming together. The new Dean should be a person who wants to enter into the activities of the community and share in that fun and fellowship. A sense of humor will be an essential attribute for our new leader.

The Cathedral is a complex administrative operation and requires a Dean with the ability to appreciate, utilize and support that complexity.

We realize that this description requires a lot from our new Dean, but our new Dean will be able to expect a lot from the members of the Cathedral in response. The Cathedral parish is enthusiastically awaiting the next chapter in our history. We are committed to doing our part to support the new Dean with our prayers, our resources and our participation.

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C H R I S T C H U R C H C AT H E D R A L ~ H O U S T O N , T E X A S

Appendices Clergy The Rev. Edward L. Stein, Canon Precentor The Rev. James C. McGill, Canon Missioner The Rev. James M. L. Grace, Canon for Christian Formation The Rev. Glenice Robinson-Como, Canon Pastor and Chaplain to the Beacon The Rev. Betty Adam, Canon Theologian The Rev. John A. Logan, Jr., Canon Emeritus The Rev. Susan Barnes, Interim Senior Associate

Staff Program Staff Jeremy Bradley, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Jen Frazer, Director of Communications Bruce Power, Cathedral Organist Lisa Puccio, Director of Family Ministry David Simpson, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Stewardship Robert Simpson, Canon for Music Melissa White, Director of Membership Development Administrative Staff Lisa Cantu, Receptionist V. Fields, Senior Accountant Nelda Horton, Assistant to the Dean Judy Minshew, Staff Assistant Nathan Nix, Publications/Layout Editor Anne Shepard, Records Administrator Ramona Sikes, Senior Accountant

Facilities Staff Frank Guevara, Senior Sexton Ardell Ray, Senior Sexton Brandon Johnson, Sexton James Taylor, Sexton Liz Henderson, Senior Housekeeper Victoria Avila, Housekeeper Blanca Ortiz, Housekeeper

Cathedral House Episcopal School Teri Jackson, Director Cathedral Urban Service Experience Nikki Blount, Program Manager Kids Hope USA Susan Jackson, Director Lighthouse Program Martha Lewis, Coordinator

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PA R I S H P RO F I L E

2012 Vestry

Search Committee

Andy Vickery, Senior Warden Nan Morris, Junior Warden Stan Pieringer, Chancellor Will Hamilton, Treasurer Lyman Paden, Assistant Treasurer Walker Taylor, Secretary Katharine Barnes Alison Bell Stuart Buchanan Michael Bullington Neil Giles Kaki Grubbs Shannon Hayes David Kirkland Judy Mood Phyllis Renfro Rob Rowland Joy Stapp

Michael Bullington John Cater Linnet Deily Patrick Hayes Frances Kittrell Jim Murdaugh Kay Pieringer, Chair Charlie Prioleau Risher Randall Flo Ray Wick Rowland Bess Wareing Andy Vickery, Senior Warden, ex officio

Members Involved

Lay Leadership

COUNCILS 118 OTHER ACTIVITIES Children’s Church School 196 Youth Activities (EYC, Missions, Trips) EYC Average 15 EYC Total 35 Mission Trips 60 Acolytes 49 Lay Liturgical Ministers 52 Lay Eucharistic Visitors 10 Pastoral Lay Visitors 10 Altar Guild 62 Ushers 46 Choirs 117 ECW Leadership 10 Cathedral Health & Outreach Ministries 468

II

Membership Data Total Active Baptized Members Communicants in good standing Others who are active (non members) Average Sunday Attendance Easter Sunday Attendance (2011)

3737 2457 351 650 1943

Age Range Chart

40–49

50–59

30–39 20–29

60–69

70–79 80–89 90 and Over

Under 21

III

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.

Amen Ephesians 3:20,211

The Search Committee wishes to thank the following for their invaluable help in the production of the Profile: Jen Frazer Guy Hagstette Will Hamilton Steven Hite Nelda Horton Patty Hurt Mike McKann Rob Mood Walter Pieringer Lisa Puccio Anne Shepard Marlene Shepherd Harry Webb

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