Robert Drake is a Tennessean who writes stories about growing up in that part of the country a generation ago. He told a story about Miss Caroline Walker, who was a music teacher. She had been doing it for as long as anybody could remember. She was something of a legend in her county in Tennessee.

She had two goals in teaching. One was to teach her girls to be ladies. So she taught them manners as much as she taught them music. She also taught them to play one piece perfectly for the May recital. She rehearsed them and drilled them all year long to play that one piece perfectly, including instructions on how to sit on the piano bench, to spread your skirt as you sit down, and how to announce the song by standing straight and holding your hands together at your waist.

The night of the recital came. It was held in the high school auditorium. Ten pupils of Miss Caroline's were there waiting for their turn. Ann Louise's turn came. She was terrified. She thought she was going to faint. She knew she would never make it, but it was her turn, so she moved forward to the wings where Miss Caroline was waiting.

She could see how nervous Ann Louise was. Her body had become stiff and rigid. Miss Caroline put her hands on Ann Louise's shoulders, and bent down to whisper in her ear, "You have worked hard. You know this piece. You have nothing to fear. And remember, I am counting with you all the way."

With a little shove she pushed Ann Louise out onto the stage where, all of a sudden, she was facing this large audience of everybody's relatives, including her own. She announced her piece, then spread her skirt, and sat on the bench. She noticed that she was much calmer than she thought she would be. She noticed that Miss Caroline was still there in the wings. She remembered the last words that she said to her, "I am counting with you all the way." She didn't say, "I am counting on you." She said, "I am counting with you."

And Drake wrote this. "She felt that they were held together by something beyond either of them alone. Teacher and disciple were as one. She realized that it was this that she had been preparing for all year long, this test. And the music, at her command, came cascading out of the baby grand into the darken auditorium full of joy and full of life, right on cue."

Jesus words to the disciples, in the 14th chapter of John’s Gospel remind us of this same reality… “Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me”.  In all of life’s situations, our joys and celebrations, our challenges and sorrows, may we know the nearness, the grace and the love of God through Jesus Christ, and … that through the power of the Holy Spirit, he is there, counting with us…
 
If this is your first visit, it is a joy to welcome you to our parish web site. Perhaps you are one of those who are looking to find the presence of God in your own life journey, a search that in the midst the noise and confusion of our age, can at times seem overwhelming. Maybe we can be of some assistance. Contained within this site are examples of the ministry that we share as the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, London Ontario. We enjoy a wonderful mix of young and old, those who are new to the faith, as well as those who are mature Christians. In the midst of a wonderful blend of personalities comes the blessing of a variety of gifts and ministries. May the information you find here encourage you in your own faith journeys.
 
We invite you to come and make your spiritual home with us at St. Paul’s, but pray that wherever you are, you will find a Christian community where you can deepen your faith, and put your talents and gifts to work. Wherever you are, your prayers for the ministry of the people of our parish are appreciated. 
 
We are thankful for all who give of themselves in the ministry of the church and for their commitment to carry out the commission that our Lord gave to us all.  We are also thankful that you have visited our web site, and invite you to come and get to know us better.
 

 

The rich history of the Anglican Church of Canada is celebrated through liturgy and music in the beautiful setting of St. Paul’s Cathedral.  The Cathedral is the oldest church in the city of London, Canada, and the faithful have worshipped as part of this community for almost 200 years, establishing a congregation that has endured and flourished.  Generations have wrestled with human issues, celebrated life’s events, reached out to others and praised God in this same sacred space, providing profound continuity in the expression of faith. 
“GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

Members of the congregation of St. Paul’s Cathedral are inclusive and accepting, with open minds and open hearts. The doors of St. Paul’s are open to those in need, either for spiritual support or for physical sustenance, through the works of the St Paul’s Social Services Food Bank, The Fellowship Centre, and our Pastoral care team. We strive to move ever forward in faith, and to develop a more well-rounded spirituality as we continually recognize and appreciate our fellow citizens’ and parishioners’ unique perspectives, talents and needs.
“GLORY to God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, now and forever. Amen.”

The Clergy and congregation of St. Paul’s are committed to meeting people where they are on their faith journey, walking and working with one another towards the promise of God’s eternal kingdom.  St. Paul’s offers many opportunities to connect with others, building friendships and contributing to the sense of community.  We encourage each other to see God’s grace in our present situations, and acknowledge each person’s gifts and talents which are a blessing to others.
“THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.”