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It is with sadness that I tell you that Dennis L. Fruitt, Executive Director for External Relations, has tendered his resignation and will be leaving our staff on March 31, 2004. Dennis and Brian have planned for some years to move eventually to Miami. In recent months they have purchased a condominium and turned it into a comfortable and welcoming home. They believe that this spring is the right time to begin their new life in South Florida. In the seven years that he has been a member of the staff, Dennis has made a remarkable contribution to the life and ministry of the Cathedral, first as Director of the National Cathedral Association and then as Executive Director for External Relations. Throughout those productive years, he has been a key person in expanding the Cathedral’s circle of friends, in broadening their understanding of our mission and in deepening their levels of support. He has been an accessible and effective interpreter of the Cathedral to the local Washington community. Within the Cathedral and Foundation family he has been a wonderfully supportive colleague, always quick with sensitive words of affirmation and encouragement. Personally, he has given me wise and gentle guidance in my few months as Vicar and saved me from more than one embarrassing gaffe or thoughtless lapse. For that I am truly grateful. He will be greatly missed by all of us as a very special member of our household. Dennis has assured me that his love for the Cathedral and his commitment to its mission will not fade as he moves southward. He promises to do anything that would be helpful to our work in South Florida. I imagine that in the years ahead we will see our presence there becoming even more effective than it is now. And we will know the source of that extra burst of energy. The timing of Dennis’ resignation gives us ample time in the months ahead to express our gratitude and appreciation in many ways and to give him and Brian a warm (and doubtless tearful) send-off. +A. Theodore Eastman |