While traveling through their community on a day to day basis, many if not most Garden City residents pass by the Garden City Cathedral located by Cherry Valley and Hilton Avenues. While many are aware of the building's existence, they may not realize exactly how much this landmark has to offer.

Construction for the building first began in 1876, and the first service was held just nine years later, on the first Sunday after Easter. Since then, various portions of the Cathedral have been reconstructed and restored, including the interior and exterior of the building, the Cathedral organ, and the altar.

With a new director of events, Ruth-Ann Collins, and other new parish members such as Deacon Reverend Rose Marie Martino, the Cathedral now has more programs available to people of all ages than ever before. Offering daily services at various times, the Provost and congregation welcome new visitors' participation in worship services of various kinds, family and youth activities, an education program for adults and children, and probably the finest church music program to be found on Long Island.

In the spring, the Cathedral Women held antique shows, breakfast meetings, and board meetings. In the summer, the Cathedral has opportunities for members of all ages to take part in their various activities.

In addition to several Sunday services, weekly services are also available at different times at the Cathedral. The Cathedral also has school programs available for both children and adults, including Children's Church School, held at the Cathedral House, an Adult's Dean's Session, held at the Cathedral Undercroft, and an Adult Forum, held at the Cathedral House in the Stewart Room.

Choirmaster Larry Tremsky is conducting auditions through mid-August for the choirs for the 2000-2001 year. They are seeking singers for all three Cathedral choirs, but are especially eager to increase membership in the Men and Boys Choir. Anybody interested in singing, or know of any children 7 or older who might be may contact Mrs. Muscarella in the music office.

On Monday, July 24, 20 choristers will leave for the Royal School of Church Music Summer Choir course at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Members of the Girls Choir have attended this camp for the past several years, and this year four of the boys will be attending as well. The campers spend the week in an intensive program of singing and learning sacred music within the context of traditional Anglican liturgy.

The children stay on the campus of the college located in the Pocono Mountain region. In August, some male choir members will be attending a camp in Montreal.

This summer, the Cathedral will be holding their first summer picnic, scheduled to take place on July 16 directly after the 10 a.m. service. Those who plan to attend are asked to bring a salad or dessert. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided.

The Garden City Cathedral of the Incarnation is working hard to get parishioners and Congregation members involved in more activities. There are pamphlets and flyers available at both the Cathedral and the office, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by to pick up the Cathedral Message, information on how to join the parish, and a calendar of upcoming events. To find out more about these events or other upcoming events, contact the Cathedral office at 746-2955.