On November 16th, we marked an important moment for the College in a moving ceremony. A handful of supporters of the Lawson Centre for Sustainability gathered for a Ground Blessing on the future site of this inspiring project. This was a joyous celebration, not just of a construction project, but of a building designed to embody both Trinity’s history and sense of place as well as our cherished values and hopes for the future.
“Today gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude to those who made the ambitious Lawson Centre for Sustainability a reality. As the cornerstone of the Living Trinity Campaign, this innovative project will strengthen our community and deepen our connections to one another,” said Provost Mayo Moran.
In remarks that recognized the transformative effect the Lawson Centre for Sustainability will have for the entire College, The Rev. Dr. Christopher Brittain, Dean of Divinity and Margaret E. Fleck Chair in Anglican Studies, Provost Moran and University of Toronto President Meric Gertler expressed their gratitude for the support of the broader Trinity community over the years, and especially during the trying recent times.
An occasion to honour Trinity’s heritage, acknowledge the land upon which the College stands, and strengthen the commitment to sustainable living and learning, the Ground Blessing was a moment for a small group to gather to bless the site, celebrate the future and mark the beginning of the construction period.
During the ceremony, current student leaders and key supporters of the Lawson Centre for Sustainability planted oak saplings, while The Very Rev. Dr Geoffrey Ready, The Rev. Andrea Budgey, Humphrys Chaplain, and National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop The Most Rev. Mark MacDonald led a service of smudging to bless the earth and prepare us to move forward together. Smudging with sage smoke and an Eagle feather, Archbishop MacDonald offered prayers in all four directions focusing on our relationship to the land and Indigenous peoples, and expressing the hope that the project would move forward “in beauty”, which encompasses concepts of integrity and sustainability as well as elegance of form. Using traditional frankincense, Reverend Budgey further blessed the gathering, the site and the aspirations for the College.
Although attendance was extremely limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, we look forward to sharing a video of the highlights from the ceremony soon.
As we move into the construction phase, we will continue to connect with you as the project develops. We are hopeful that, depending on the public health guidance, we can celebrate construction milestones in person throughout the spring and summer —stay tuned! In the meantime, please take a moment to complete this simple online form and tell us all of your hopes and wishes for the future of Trinity.