From a textile show to special chocolates, the Anglican Foundation of Canada is planning to mark its 60th anniversary this year with a range of events and commemorative materials.
The Foundation’s celebration of its diamond anniversary kicks off May 27 in Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, with the official opening of (in)finite: A Canadian Textile Exhibition. The exhibition, which runs until June 4, will focus on spiritual themes, including perspectives of First Nations artists and a variety of faith traditions. Among those expected to attend the opening is Green Party leader and Anglican Elizabeth May, says AFC executive director Canon Judy Rois.
An anniversary dinner featuring 60 guests, including Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, former primate Andrew Hutchison and possibly also former primate Michael Peers will be held that evening.
Celebrations will continue the following day with a special service at the cathedral, where Hiltz will preach and the cathedral choir will premiere a choral anthem specially commissioned for the anniversary, composed by Nicholas Piper, music director at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Vanier, Ont. An anniversary reception in Cathedral Hall will follow.
In addition to these events, the Foundation is producing a range of celebratory materials, including two books. Imagine That: Dreams, Hopes, and Realities—Celebrating 60 Years of the Anglican Foundation of Canada, gathers together the recollections and reflections of more than 100 AFC grant recipients over the years, replete with photographs. Another book, Children’s Prayers with Hope Bear, features prayers for liturgical events, holidays and other special times written by Rois, with watercolour illustrations by Canadian artist Michele Nidenoff. The Foundation has also produced a video featuring grant recipients across the country and a timeline, two metres long, placing the story of the Foundation in the context of Canadian, world and church events.
Hope Bear, mascot of the Foundation’s Kids Helping Kids Fund, has a new look for the special year. Anniversary Hope Bear sports a black, tailor-made vest designed by Shafiq Beig of Harcourts, Ltd. with a crimson bow tie, and comes in a limited edition of 100.
The Foundation is also making available commemorative ties and scarves, as well as small bags of artisanal chocolates bearing its logo.
