Our Stories: Robin Heinemann
Written by Robin Heinemann, Published on July 16, 2018
As a non-member of St. Paul’s, but as someone who does darken its doorstep from time to time, I just wanted to add my voice to the 25th Anniversary congratulations and share what I see when I come to the Cathedral -- which is more than “just" what actually happens there!
For in my mind’s-eye, I see many things. I see my parents (now deceased), Jackie and Web Lehmann, in their usual pew. I see their pride in the Chapel and all that it means, with a long-standing family connection to it. I see pastors who have been meaningful to me personally, including one who rushed to my mother's bedside when she suffered a massive sudden stroke -- the very day (the very hour!) of the new priest’s arrival -- no small task on one’s first day. I had personally asked him to come, because I knew it would mean something to my stepfather, and it did.
Later, I also see the discussion we had about our (formerly Presbyterian) family's desire to sing songs at the graveside service for my mother --- and that new pastor's initial doubt -- but then he came to me afterwards, saying he found the group singing so touching that he was going to suggest it for future graveside services.
And I see my mother, well prior to that, and her firm conviction that a church of the caliber of St. Paul's certainly must have, must have (said in her “white gloved” way!) an admirable, welcoming and festive Advent Tea. And she did her best to help make it so! (I will never forget the stacks and stacks of engraved Advent Tea invitations lining up on our dining room table, being hand-addressed by Mom with joy at the thought of how lovely the event would be.)
But most of all, I see a wedding. And a most unusual wedding it was.
You see, my mother Jackie and my stepfather Web were married during a time when the St. Paul's sanctuary was undergoing restoration. In particular, the gold leaf was being re-applied up front, so everything had been removed from the sanctuary -- no choir benches, no tables or lecterns -- just empty space.
Given that our gathering was small, the priest spontaneously offered – Why don't we all just step on up inside here together, within the sanctuary, where we can all be close to each other?
It was just so utterly lovely. There we were, our entire new family encircled by the newly restored gold glow of this beautiful space. Encircled by the church itself, as it were -- and thus as welcomed and as protected as we could be for the various stresses, joys and challenges that all were to come to any blended family.
So, thank you St. Paul's! Thank you for always being welcoming to me as a "pilgrim" not necessarily of your congregation per se -- but as a pilgrim who deeply appreciates St. Paul's nonetheless -- and who finds a bit of "home and family" there.
