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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Elizabeth Mullen |
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ALABAMA TO BE HONORED AT SPECIAL SERVICE WASHINGTON – On October 22, 2006, Alabama leaders and citizens will be celebrated at a special worship service at Washington National Cathedral. Pilgrims from the state and natives now living in the nation’s capital will gather at the majestic house of prayer for this major event. As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The Cathedral, which hosts state funerals and other events of national significance, honors each state with a major observance once every four years. “The National Cathedral Association invites all from Alabama to participate in this special day,” said Vanessa Andrews, director of the National Cathedral Association, which is organizing the event. “Since 1899, when the association was founded, we have recognized that the strength of the National Cathedral is the citizens from across our nation who helped build this place, and who enliven it daily by worshiping here.” The Right Rev. Henry Parsley Jr., bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, will serve as chief celebrant. The All Saints’ Episcopal Church Adult Choir, from Birmingham, will perform the service prelude under the guidance of Melanie Martin Couch, choir director. More than 100 Alabama natives and pilgrims from the state are expected at the service, including alumni from the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Alabama natives will play key roles in the service including reading Scripture, bearing communion elements and offering up gifts to the poor. Youths will march in the grand opening procession carrying banners representing their congregations from home. The state flag will be placed on the chancel steps in the Cathedral for the following week to further mark Alabama State Day. Afterwards, guides will lead guests on special tours of the Cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world. The tour will highlight references to Alabama, including the Cathedral Columbarium where Helen Keller is interred, and the Humanitarian Bay stained glass window that depicts Dr. George Washington Carver. “As a national house of prayer for all people, the Cathedral opens its doors to all. On October 22, we especially welcome Alabama citizens and churches as we honor their contributions to our nation,” Andrews said. “Alabama State Day will be an energetic celebration of the role the state plays in the life of the Cathedral and our nation.” The National Cathedral Association, the organization of friends of Washington National Cathedral, has 14,000 members from many denominations in every state and around the world. Its regional leaders in Alabama are Bettye Benjamen of Lowndesboro, Zaidee Galloney of Montrose and Perrin Drew of Mobile.
ATTN PRINT MEDIA: An account of the celebration and photos from the event will be available on October 23. If you desire e-mail transmission of this account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Elizabeth Mullen at the number above. Available on the web site are print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral (you may also click “News” then “Photos for Print” at www.nationalcathedral.org.) | |