Connie Tantan. flanked by Ramona Tunlon (left) and Helen MaeKinnon (right) pours tea at a Diocesan Cl?lll‘('/1 Society event in Prince Edward Island.

10. Elijah's Mantle.

I was second generation in St. Athanasius Servers Guild at St. Mark‘s Church. and thus there was a layer of seniors (.lim Purchase. Dave Boston. Glen Kent. Bruce Howe. etc.) between me and "the old man". Nevertheless. I do recall a few anecdotes involving the priest who was very much the ”father figure” for this fatherless latch—key kid (i.e. me!).

First of all. I recall the 7 am. Iiueharists on Wednesday and Fridays. often necessitating a two—mile walk. before dawn. before breaktast. on stormy. snowy mornings. We all took a turn. and often one (or two) of us servers would be the only attendees (or. as he put it - "the two ofyou. plus the seraphim, cherubim. all the hosts of heaven. old Mrs. Jones. and me." There was deep reverence throughout. I recall feeling an incredible sense of the honour of being allowed to participate in such a gentle mystery with such a man. I still remember the hymn verse he quoted softly after rig/ms (lei: "Look. Father. look. on his anointed face... " And then. ".lesu. my Lord. 1 thee adore; (i) help me love thee more and more."

Father Tanton was instrumental in getting me started at organ lessons and arranging for me to practice at St. Mark's. A rather domineering church waran was just as determined to save the electric power expense and prevent any risk ofdamage to the instrument. Staffput an end to the problem with the words, "I am Rector here!"

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