Washington National Cathedral

Bishop, Senators Lead Major Event Celebrating Alaska at Washington National Cathedral

WASHINGTON — At the close of the service marking Alaska State Day at Washington National Cathedral, the congregation was sent off with a blessing in the Da’goo dialect of the Gwich’in Athabaskan people, one of three native tongues spoken among clergy and worshipers in the giant state.

The Right Rev. Mark MacDonald, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska, described the various dialects, a small lesson to hundreds of Washingtonians who attended the special April 21 worship service that celebrated Alaska and its people.

“In some respects it’s the last frontier and in other respects it’s the first frontier,” Bishop MacDonald said of Alaska. “It’s a very diverse state and the church reflects that diversity.”

Two dozen pilgrims from Alaska and three dozen more Alaskans who live in the Washington area took part in Alaska State Day, designated by Washington National Cathedral to recognize the people and leaders of the state. Bishop MacDonald presided at the cathedral’s 11 a.m. service. Alaskans played key roles throughout the celebration, which was attended by about 750 other worshipers.

“I felt like we showed what Alaska is all about, a place that is anchored in the past and proud of its past, but also a progressive state,” MacDonald said afterwards.

Sens. Ted Stevens and Frank Murkowski were featured as Scripture readers.

Stevens, who was accompanied by his daughter Beth, remarked on the turnout from his home state. “If we had this many New Yorkers here, on a per capita basis, you wouldn’t be able to get in the church,” he said. As for the cathedral, “It is very much a national icon as far as our religious institutions.”

Murkowski, who attended with wife Nancy, said the service was much-anticipated. “I was very pleased,” he said. “We’re most appreciative that we’ve been able to come together as Alaskans in our nation’s capital and be honored at the National Cathedral.”

The Rev. David Blanchett, vice president of the Alaska Christian Conference and co-pastor of Mat-su Native Community Church in the state, delivered the sermon.

He told of an incident in Barrow a year ago, when an ice sheet “the size of Washington DC” broke off and began floating to sea, stranding 23 seal hunters and trail cutters. Helicopter teams were sent off to rescue the marooned, who had no idea they were in danger until choppers landed beside them and beckoned them to safety.

“Sometimes people have to be told there is peril ahead,” Blanchett said. “I saw an analogy of how the working of the church should be. We have to spread the news that there is hope.”

Washington National Cathedral, in seeking to fulfill its outreach mission, sets aside one major state day each month. The National Cathedral Association organized Alaska State Day.

“Four thousand miles was not so far on Sunday as the people of Alaska and the National Cathedral came together to honor the ‘Last Frontier State,’” said Ray Foote, association director. “Just as generations of Alaskans have helped build and uphold this cathedral, today we uplift Alaska and all its peoples.”

Alaskans played key roles throughout the service. The Anchorage Quartet — Marlene Bateman, Anastasia Jamieson, Steven Dixon and Michael More -- performed the service Prelude, a selection of choral pieces including ones written by Alaska composers George Belden and Philip Munger.

The choir was singled out for praise at a reception after the service. “I don’t know if four voices have ever filled the sixth-largest cathedral with the power yours did today,” Foote told the singers.

Andrew Scally, an Anchorage native now studying at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., carried the state flag in the service processional and placed it on the chancel steps where it will remain for a week to further recognize the state.

Joe and Rachel Baldwin, Dick and Caroline Mitchell, and Jean Kaufman, all from St. Mary’s Church in Anchorage, carried gifts to the altar during the service offertory. Members of the Washington-based Alaska State Society also attended.

After the service, the National Cathedral Association hosted a reception in the Pilgrim Observatory Gallery for Alaska visitors. Cathedral Canon Eugene Sutton presented pins signifying National Cathedral Association membership to Senators Murkowski and Stevens, Bishop MacDonald and Rev. Blanchett.

Following the reception, guides conducted special tours, pointing out to Alaskans how their state is represented in the stone and glass of the cathedral.

The National Cathedral Association has over 13,000 members from many denominations in every state.

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SOURCE: Washington National Cathedral