| # | Name | Comments |
|---|
| 1001 | Peggy Cousins | |
| 1002 | Sherry Brown | It seems that the surrounding community, with whom we have had to struggle to maintain good relations, will especially miss the greenhouse. I think the above suggestions are surely worth the effort to investigate. |
| 1003 | Patrick M. Mullen | I was saddened to hear of the impending closure of the Cathedral Greenhouse, which appears to be a financially viable part of the Cathedral. As I look around my gardens I see numerous plants, some rare, all of which were purchased at the Greenhouse. How can closing something which makes money, provides community, is historically accurate for existence on a Cathedral's grounds and provides beauty make sense? It doesn't, nor does the firing of its well versed staff. If justice does not begin at home then promoting it elsewhere is rather hypocritical. As the Cathedral says it is reconsidering its financial needs, so must I. Although an NCA member for many years, I shall not be joining the new Cathedral Fund until this situation is positively resolved. |
| 1004 | Kim Pintabona | |
| 1005 | Anonymous | Look first to the health of the immediate community - the greenhouse contributes in immeasurable ways spiritually, physically and emotionally. Lots of churches have gift shops - few have greenhouses. Please - do not destroy this wonderful gem. |
| 1006 | Stefan Farey | |
| 1007 | Dale May | Have gone to the greenhouse going way back to the 60s. Is a big let down to see this go. I think it is important to have this link from the Cathedral to gardening -- is a living memorial that should be sustained forever. |
| 1008 | Angela Wright | |
| 1009 | Peggy R. Rogers | When I worked in Washington I'd take an annual "mental health" day to visit the greenhouse (60s-80s) to take plants back to my little garden in the Southwest. Please save it. |
| 1010 | Vuka Tugberk | The people who made the decision to abolish the beautiful greenhouse, an integral part of the Wash. Natl. Cathedral do not understand the comprehensive mission of this great institution. To fund a massive underground concrete parking lot and rid themselves of the 50+ year dwelling of horticultural life at the Cathedral reminds me of the story of Midas. Shameful and disgusting! |
| 1011 | Anonymous | The Greenhouse has been a ritual with our family ever since my mother bought bulbs to force more than 50 years ago. When she could no longer visit DC for our yearly visit to buy paperwhites to force for Christmas - as she and HER mother had done - we sent them to her. Although she died more than a decade ago, making that post-Thanksgiving expedition to the Greenhouse was our last living link with her. The current leadership is so self-absorbed with their tiny little piece of turf, they only care about themselves, and their rather twisted agendas. They have thorough trashed the Cathedral with platforms, and banners, and closing the Great Choir -- all the more that they may be seen, yea, verily - for their much prancing about. In the process, they have destroyed the Cathedral for the people they are supposed to be beholden to - their donors! Why the bishop doesn't step in to end this nonsense is perplexing - and very disappointing. After the Greeenhouse, comes the Great Organ - according to the Post story this week. If they are so broke, how on earth do they plan to pay for this $22 m fantasy. And where is the so-called Foundation board? Do they have any fiduciary duties at all? Or are they more interested in being seen at appallingly grotesque dinners in the Nave. Talk about throwing the money changers out of the Temple. It's about time, they did. The Greenhouse is just the first of many ill-informed, ill-executed, and ill-conceived acts by a coterie of acolytes (not the candle-bearing kind!) for a Dean who seems to care not one whit about anybody or anything except building a sordid little sand castle in his ivory tower. |
| 1012 | Judy Lichtig | Please save the Greenhouse. |
| 1013 | Anonymous | |
| 1014 | Melanie Merryweather | |
| 1015 | Adriana Elefante | |
| 1016 | Clem Dinsmore | I realize that events have moved the discussion with the Cathedral staff beyond this initial statement of position. I am hopeful that the Cathedral will lease the greenhouse facilities to the new Cathedral Greenhouse Conservancy. |
| 1017 | Paula Maira | Please save this greenhouse... we need more of this, not less. |
| 1018 | Save the Greenhouse Coalition Member | The above sermon is a beautiful reminder of some of the deepest principles and beliefs held by Rev. Sam Lloyd. This sermon was posted to show that the petitioners here and the Cathedral are all really in agreement. The question is how to reach that agreement. The proposal from the coalition members for the 'Cathedral
Greenhouse Conservancy' fully respects and credits the community and the church views regarding the wonderful Greenhouse. We simply ask how can we come to an mutually beneficial agreement, given the unanimous outpouring of support from a wide range of community members to keep the Greenhouse open beyond June 29th as it is still being advertised as closing forever;
http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/shop/greenhouse.shtml
Please grant us this chance to work with you on preserving the sixty year old Greenhouse in perpetuity for the generations to come on the grounds of the profound sentiments voiced in your sermon. Thank you. |
| 1019 | Lloyd Jason Phillips | Please don't close the greenhouse. It's a wonderful place which I make a point to go to on a regular basis. |
| 1020 | Anonymous | In 1996, when I bought a house and for the first time in my life was able to contemplate a garden, my inspiration came from the lovely Cathedral gardens and the greenhouse. Nurturance, growth, renewal, stewardship, the cycles of life and death--these are the lessons of the garden that the greenhouse helps to teach. Please don't close it. |
| 1021 | MIRANDA MUELLER | As a DC native, I have had the distinct pleasure of of exposing myself to the exquisite beauty of the Gardens and Greenhouse adjacent to the National Cathedral. It is a place that enraptures; sharing with it's visitors the sense of God's beautiful creations, and it's gifts to all those to see.
I have brought both visitors and locals alike, to witness it's beauty, with many all too eager to contribute to it's preservation, making donations and purchases, upon the culmination of their visit .
Please continue to foster this truly special spot - as it is shall no doubt continue to bring joy and appreciation from those who may witness it.
Best Regards,
Miranda Mueller
Greenhouse Supporter |
| 1022 | Ryan Braun | |
| 1023 | Saskia | |
| 1024 | Maureen and John Hardwick | |
| 1025 | Jeffrey Caudill | It would seem to me that a Cathedral with a Greenhouse is more in tune with the Spiritual well being of all. |
| 1026 | Dee Thompson | I am sadden by the idea of closing the Greenhouse as everyone always helped me with my flowers, plants and gift ideas!!! |
| 1027 | Laird Reed | I love visiting and checking out the nice orchid pots and knowledgeable staff and the nice warm humid air. Such nice gardens and garden center; why get rid of such a well placed teaching and buying reseource when there’s such a revival in natural living and environmentalism afoot today? |
| 1028 | Judy Heffner | Please save the greenhouse! It is a national and local
treasure and a wonderful community and educational
outreach resource. |
| 1029 | Elizabeth Berry | Dear Bishop Chane,
I am writing to urge the National Cathedral to keep the greenhouse open, as it is a valued and irreplaceable asset of the community. My mother and I are native Washingtonians, and we are both graduates of National Cathedral School. When I told my mother that the greenhouse was slated to be closed, apparently because it is not viewed as part of the Cathedral's mission, she commented that sharing beauty and nature is certainly central to the Lord's work. I agree. A friend commented that the Greenhouse is certainly just as if not more relevant to the Cathedral's mission than the Herb Cottage, which is also a charming part of the Cathedral Close.
The greenhouse has been part of the community for many, many years, and I feel certain that it would be a sad mistake to close it. It is a major highlight of the flower mart, and at this year's event, I met a family friend who is an avid gardener -- he commented that he often patronizes the Cathedral Greenhouse because of the unusual range of plants available.
Please consider revisiting this decision. If the issue is that the greenhouse is not profitable (I thought it was ...) then perhaps the Cathedral could ask the community for assurances of increased patronage. It seems likely that such support would be forthcoming. Another option would be to allow the greenhouse to be run by a non-profit organization, should community support and interest exist.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration - Elizabeth Berry |
| 1030 | Rowan and Peggy LeCompte | We have enjoyed the greenhouse for many years.....Please don't destroy it.
Ideas:
1. Have one area of the greenhouse as a tea room where visitors can sit and admire the plants and flowers and be charged a nominal fee for tea and scones!
2. Invite guest speakers about the subjects all gardeners love. Charge a nominal fee. Have a covered tent area outside to promote such gatherings.
Let's let this greenhouse be a sign that the cathedral indeed cares for the earth and its greening as well as the beauty in the buildings and the speakers and music.....
- Rowan and Peggy LeCompte |
| 1031 | Susan Arritt | I'm teaching my young daughter not to step on insects or kill any living thing. How can the Cathedral administrators possibly squash the life out of one of the Cathedral's, and the community's, most precious living assets? |
| 1032 | Elizabeth McTaggart | The garden is a wonderful spiritual center, and the greenhouse links them. It is a lovely anchor for the community, and the Cathedral. |
| 1033 | Penny Bowie Hartman | The Greenhouse at Washington National Cathedral is a beautiful, spiritual, and friendly place, acessible to everyone. It is also the only place for miles around where herbs in great variety are available all year. Customers comment that the plants they buy there remind them of the beauty of the Cathedral, and nearby neighbors wander by on their walks to admire the plants on display.
When I started working on the Cathedral grounds, the Greenhouse was a plain but beloved part of a Cathedral visit. Now it is an elegant destination for plants and acessories for home and garden.
The Greenhouse helps the greening of the city, encouraging people to beautify their surroundings, work out of doors in their gardens, and cook with healthy herbs. We have also helped with nearby community gardens, which also have a positive effect on neighborhoods.
Please consider the big picture and Save the Greenhouse! Shalom |
| 1034 | Susan Prahinski | I have always loved the Greenhouse, and its connection to the ancient monstery tradition of growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs by a Christian community. I have long supported the Cathedral, by coming first to the Greenhouse and then supporting other Cathedral missions. I am saddened and appalled by the closing of the greenhouse, and the firing of the loyal staff, and will no longer support the Cathedral financially if this decision is not reversed. |
| 1035 | Anonymous | I've been visiting the Greenhouse since I attended National Cathedral in the 70's. I continue to attend services at the Cathedral and feel very strongly that the Cathedral is sending the wrong message by closing the Greenhouse. From what I have read in the various news articles, it seems as the Greenhouse is seen as a plant store that doesn't provide enough money to justify keeping it open. Instead, it plays and has played a special role in the community and for visitors. Along with the glorious architecture and the serenity of Olmsted Woods, the Greenhouse makes the Cathedral a unique place for people to visit. I've visited Cathedrals and places of worship all over the world and the ones that value the natural environment are more spiritual and draw people back again and again. If a conference center replaces the Greenhouse, that action, along with the eyesore of a parking garage, will send a message that the Cathedral values "business" over the environment or the community. It will be more of a 20th rather that 21st century vision. |
| 1036 | Mary Prahinski | |
| 1037 | Chris Campbell | |
| 1038 | Molly Crawford | |
| 1039 | Patrick Neill | |
| 1040 | Cynthia Golden | I was so disappointed to visit today, June 25, 2008, and find that the Greenhouse will cease to exist! It was my favorite thing to visit on the grounds. During the years it was in existence, the greenhouse would be the "pleasant place" to think about when things were difficult to deal with. I will mourn the loss of this structure, the wide variety of plants, and the wonderful people who worked there. |
| 1041 | marveen manzanares | |
| 1042 | Joyce Havard | Our city needs more places like the Cathedral Greenhouse - not less. In plays an important role in our community and is a special place that must be preserved. Please reconsider your decision. Joyce Havard |
| 1043 | Rebecca Purdy | |
| 1044 | Nell Triplett | The Greenhouse has been one of my favorite places in this city since I arrived here from the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is a place of retreat, of calmness, of natural life in an abrupt and frenzied city. It is a reminder of how happy simple things in life can make use. I am extremely disappointed that the Cathedral dean has decided to close it and wish that there is a decision reversal. |
| 1045 | Anonymous | Please save the greenhouse. It is an important part of life in Washington. |
| 1046 | CLOSURE PROCEEDS SUN JUN 29-MEETING WITH DEAN LLOYD THURS 26TH JUNE 6PM BETHLEHEM CHAPEL-CALL FOR MEETING LOCATION (202) 537-6200 | 1. The ONLY Cathedral statement so far is still online on the page for the Greenhouse: ..'vision priorities are pulling Cathedral resources in other directions now, and Greenhouse operations are no longer economically viable'.
Question: Don't the 1,045 people's views on this petition since Sun Jun 1 2008 provide enough of a reason to re-evaluate that 'vision'. Are decisions made WITHOUT the community feedback provided here, STILL considered to be sufficient and valid? Shouldn't those 'vision priorities' be examined very closely and perhaps redefined in the light of this evidence that you did not have access to when the decision was first considered?
1,045 people support it staying OPEN. So why is the Cathedral insisting on closing it down on Sunday June 29th, as if nothing said on this petition means ANYTHING?
2. 'The concept for the Greenhouse comes from an era when cathedrals needed their own greenhouses for plants and flowers. This hasn’t been the case for the Cathedral for decades, and now many other retail establishments and garden centers provide such services more effectively than we can'.
Haven't 1,045 people convinced the Cathedral that the greenhouse is much, much more than a 'retail' outlet' YET? Can't a new cost benefit analysis take into account these views? In this day and age what does it take to ask for a reexamination? A miracle?
The Cathedral is STLL closing the Greenhouse on Sunday June 26th. Nothing has altered the Cathedral's resolve to close the greenhouse, not these petitioners, not the deluge of letters, calls and emails to Bishop Chane and Rev. Sam Lloyd, not the media coverage, nothing whatsoever....It really makes this church supporter wonder what the Cathedral is actually for?
If the Greenhouse is closed on Sunday Jun 29th, sadly, I for one will be looking for a church that really represents its people, not one that merely claims to. |
| 1047 | Ellen Ochs | The Greenhouse is a very meaningful part of the Cathedral community. I visit it weekly to bring a part of the cathedral into my home. Please reconsider |
| 1048 | Carl Gamble | Please reconsider this decision that seems to have been made with little or nor input from Cathedral Congregation members. The greenhouse does serve an important mission to those who live right here in Washington. |
| 1049 | Lyle Blanchard | As a long-time customer of the Cathedral Greenhouse, former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for the single member district (ANC 3C-07) that comprises the Cathedral Close and parishioner in the Epicopal Diocese of Washington, I urge the Cathedral to postpone its decision to close the Greenhouse for a reasonable period of time to consider alternative proposals to keep the Greenhouse open and functioning. |
| 1050 | Beth Shankle | |