Remembering Canon Edward N. West (Nov. 5, 1909-Jan. 3, 1990)

For reasons beyond my control, this remembrance from January 3rd, is being posted today.

Canon West was mentor to many of us in the Religious Life. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. May his memory always be a blessing.

from Episcopal News Service. January 25, 1990

One of the premier liturgical scholars in the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Canon Edward Nason West, retired canon sacrist of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, died on Wednesday, January 3, from pulmonary failure.

"Edward West was to the American Church what Thomas Crammer was to the Church of England," said the Rt. Rev. Walter Dennis, suffragan bishop of New York, at a requiem for West. Describing West as "a legend in his own time," Dennis pointed to his reputation as a liturgical expert as an example that he "could see in a moment exactly what could be done to reveal hidden beauty." . . .

As a scholar of icons and religious art, West was an important adviser in the design of churches and their furnishings, from stained-glass windows to patens and pectoral crosses, . . . . West was also the designer of the Compass Rose, the official seal of the Anglican Communion.

"There was something of the extra-large about him; in that loving soul of his, in theological reach, in ecumenical charity, in imagination, in artistic accomplishment, and in pushing his intellectual luck," said the Rev. John G. B. Andrew, rector of St. Thomas Church in New York.

West was involved in the ecumenical movement and was a key figure in the rapprochement between Anglicanism and the Armenian, Serbian, Russian, and Greek Orthodox churches. He was instrumental in the founding of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary in New York.

He served with many religious organizations and was named an officer of the Order of the British Empire, an officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau by the Netherlands, a chevalier of the Legion of Honor by France, and a knight commander of the Royal Order of St. Sava by Yugoslavia.

And of course, he loved his dogs! We at Sanctuary House count on meeting them all again one day at the Rainbow Bridge!

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Wren update and Goodbye to Anastasia

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Wren

Without a doubt, one of my favorite birds is the wren . . . I hope momma wren who discovered this plant hanging just outside the Sanctuary House door knows what she is doing. Maybe she thinks that the comings and goings of the very vocal beagles will keep predators away. She just started this little nest yesterday. . . want to see what's inside the nest? Just click on the nest puzzle! nest puzzle God watches over the sparrows, so I know He also watches over the wrens . . . but yes, I'll try to keep an eye on her too in the rain and wind, and when the beagles play!

Baby chicks and diamonds in the tree

Our Board member Aimee Lauer brought four little chicks this morning - they were rescued from Craig's List. As far as we can tell, two Easter Eggers and two Legbars. This weekend is a strange mixture of weather - rain, wind, and sometimes moments of sun. The sunlight in the tree this morning made the wet leaves and branches look as though they were decorated with diamonds. We are hoping and praying that Hurricane Florence will miraculously weaken, although current maps show East Coast landfall and predictions are that the storm may be a category 4. Stay tuned . . .

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