An article from the Cathedral Times
by the Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler,
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip
Dear Friends,
I have the exciting—and sad—news to share that Beth Knowlton will be leaving the Cathedral in order to accept God’s call to continue her wonderful ministry in San Antonio, Texas. Her departure will be sad for us, a tribute to her commitment and devotion here. But it is also a distinct honor to send her forth to such a tremendous church. Her dear letter to us is below.
I wish today to share the news that I have accepted a call to serve as the rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in San Antonio, Texas. My last Sunday at the Cathedral will be July 6th. It is with mixed emotions that I share this news with the beloved people of St. Philip's. These past eight years that I have served here have been the most joyful and fruitful time of my life. I have experienced a generosity of spirit and love here that is impossible to put into words. To even begin to compile a list of moments of gratitude leaves me overwhelmed and unable to speak (quite a feat for those who know me!).
At the end of my thirty day silent retreat a number of years ago, I prepared what my spiritual director called, “a gathering of the graces.” As I have thought about my time here at the Cathedral drawing to a close, that is my hope for our last weeks together. That we will find the time to share with one another all the graces God has gifted us as we have been called together for this season.
I will remember moments of deeply shared joy, grief, seriousness, and hilarity. I will remember Bible studies, retreat times, grand worship in the Cathedral, and quiet moments in Mikell Chapel. I will remember teaching in Old Fashioned Sunday School and gathering in the verger's office to attend to last minute worship details. I will remember going to the hospital to be present in times of great sadness, and keeping vigil in the holy last moments of someone's life. I will remember dearly loved people whom we have buried since my arrival and babies who I have baptized that now run the halls. I will remember the gift of watching acolytes literally grow up before my eyes, including my own son. I will remember the incredible generosity of those who serve here with full hearts and for the glory of God. I will remember countless beautiful moments of music shared by the choir, and candlelit labyrinth walks with those on the Spiritual Formation and Nurture Committee. I will remember the Annual Requiem for the Homeless and the blazing bonfire of Easter morning. I will remember leading Body Prayer with the children during Week of Wonder, and being invited to speak to the many wonderful ECW guilds.
Most of all I will remember your faces. The times our eyes met as we lined up for worship, or knelt for communion. Those moments when we recognized the Christ in one another.
I am filled with gratitude for my time here. I cannot thank Dean Candler enough for calling me to serve in this place. I am grateful for my wonderful colleagues, the staff, the Chapter, and each one of you. I am excited about the next phase of my ministry. The way I am able to go towards it with joy is the experience of love and support you have given me. You fill me with optimism and hope for the future of the church. I cannot wait to take that spirit with me into the next season of the journey. I give thanks, as does my family for our time here. I promise you my ongoing love and prayers as we prepare to say goodbye, or “God be with you.” 