Dean's Message for August 14, 2025

Author:
August 13, 2025

I promise not to talk forever about the recent trip to the United Kingdom, but I want to do so for one more week.

While we were there, I learned a new acronym—"ATB". Our musical ensemble consists of choristers—children who are trained to sing the soprano parts in our music—and adults, who sing the alto, tenor and bass (ATB) parts.

While much praise and attention is rightly applied to the choristers, the richness of the sound and the spiritual complexity of this particular choir lies in the foundation created
by the adults.

I would aso be remiss if I neglected to mention the tireless energy and musical genius of our Canon Precentor and Director of Music, Joey Ripka. Joey came to us with the vision of the
choir and choristers fully formed, and it has surpassed my highest expectations. I can't wait
to see what is next for this remarkable group of young and young-at-heart musicians!

“By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible" (Hebrews 11).

The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell, 15th Dean, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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