Looking Forward to a Bicentennial Year
Dear Cathedral,
Did you know that Jacksonville will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2022? Historians believe that the settlers sailed up the St Johns River and stopped at the base of Market Street where they marked a tree. From there, they walked up to the highest point in the area, to get a bird's-eye view of the land. The hill that they walked up was Billy Goat Hill, where St. John's Cathedral sits today. Thus, it was on this very spot that Jacksonville began.
As we envision our world post-pandemic, we look to a future that will be different from any we have ever known. Masks will be much more common, sanitization practiced more commonly in public places. Virtual realities have taken hold that will be part of our lives forever. But, this beautiful Cathedral has stood on this hill looking over the city from 1834, and we will continue to shine a light on Jacksonville.
Pray with me about this 200th anniversary, how we can celebrate the good things and commemorate the many injustices in our past. The Jacksonville Historical Society has launched a new website called Jax200.org. Check it out! As this city's one Cathedral, we will find ways to be part of this bicentennial together.
In Christ’s love
Kate+
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