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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Elizabeth Mullen |
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NEW HAMPSHIRE TO BE HONORED AT SPECIAL SERVICE WASHINGTON – New Hampshire leaders and citizens will be celebrated at special worship services July 16 at Washington National Cathedral. The St. Thomas Episcopal Church Choir of Hanover under the direction of Dr. Gerald R. Weale will perform a prelude to the 11 a.m. service marking New Hampshire State Day. The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, will serve as chief celebrant. Invited guests include New Hampshire political and religious leaders, travelers from the state and Granite State natives now living in the Washington DC area. As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The Cathedral honors each state with a major observance once every four years. The New Hampshire flag will be placed on the chancel steps for the service and will remain there for a week in further recognition of the state. “The National Cathedral Association invites all from New Hampshire to participate in this special day,” said Vanessa Andrews, director of the National Cathedral Association. “Since 1899, when people first gathered on the Cathedral site prior to construction, we have recognized that the strength of Washington National Cathedral is the citizens from across our nation and around the world who helped build this cathedral church and help us live into our mission as a national house of prayer for all people.” Afterwards, guides will lead guests on a special tour of the Cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world, highlighting its strong ties to New Hampshire. For instance, the statue of Abraham Lincoln was created by Daniel Chester French of Exeter, and the 65-foot long windows behind the great altar were formed by stained glass artist Earl Edward Sanborn, of Lyme. “As a national house of prayer for all people, the Cathedral opens its doors to all. On July 16, we especially welcome New Hampshire citizens as we honor their contributions to our nation,” Andrews said. “New Hampshire Day will be an energetic celebration of the state.” The National Cathedral Association (NCA) is the friends’ organization of Washington National Cathedral. It counts more than 14,000 members in every state and around the world who support the Cathedral’s missions and ministries. Its regional volunteer leaders in New Hampshire are Nan Vulgamore of New London, and Alice Crapser of Litchfield.
ATTN PRINT MEDIA: An account of the celebration and photos from the event will be available by June 12. 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.cathedral.org/cathedral.) | |