Stories from the First Cathedral 29: Deacon Donald Wafler

I received the following email from Bishop Sandy Hampton (Retired):

"Greetings from San Diego, Jim,

I don't  know if this little anecdote fits in with your project of accumulating stories from the First Cathedral, but at least I will presume to inject a little levity into your collection.

I can't recall the exact year (1990-96)  but I was Presiding at The Easter Vigil in Faribault.  We began by lighting the new fire outside and shortly thereafter a strong wind began resulting in a ball of new fire being picked up and blown in the direction of Deacon David Sams, who was in a wheelchair. People scurried around and David, very fortunately, was moved out of the way.  One "wag" commented afterwards,  'It's a good thing David was moved out of the fire's way as knowing how Episcopalians honor tradition we would have expected to set a Deacon on fire at every Easter Vigil.'"

Bishop Hampton has inspired me to write about a special Deacon at the First Cathedral. His name was Donald Wafler. He was ordained a Deacon in 1979.

"Deacon Wafler was the first permanent deacon in the history of the Cathedral. The service took place after Dean Swenson's departure and before Dean Winkler's arrival and it was Dean Hughes who had persuaded Mr Wafler to prepare for this ministry. Don had been involved in the Cathedral for well over twenty years, as a stalwart in the choir, as a lay-reader, as Junior and Senior Warden. Recently he had retired from directing special education programs in Rice County. The Rev Mr Wafler would perform many specific duties - pastoral and liturgical responsibilities, preaching, liaison work among the other deacons in the Diocese, occasional services in churches of other denominations- but his primary role in the congregation was to serve as a kind of living model of the servanthood that should characterize all Christians" (The First Cathedral by Mr Robert Neslund and The Venerable Ben Scott).

Deacon Wafler was a master at playing the bells in the First Cathedral tower. If you have a First Cathedral book, Deacon Wafler is featured on page 178 in the middle of ringing the bells while creating a beautiful sound throughout downtown Faribault.

When I first came to the First Cathedral as chaplain of Shattuck St Mary's, Deacon Wafler encouraged our family to attend the Cathedral. His very generous personality was so encouraging for us as a family surviving three years of seminary. He made us feel so welcomed at the Cathedral services on Sunday. Deason Wafler's ministry of presence was fueled by a special person, who was his aid and main support. It was his wife Helen, who was one of the matriarchs of the First Cathedral. Helen and Don together were a witness of a solid Christian marriage. They both served for decades! Helen was always high on my list;especially when I visited their cozy home across the street from the Faribault Hospital and she served wonderful cookies with the best coffee.