Drastic times may call for drastic measures, but in the Diocese of Central Florida and throughout The Episcopal Church, drastic times also call for giving, caring and ministering where possible. The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, diocesan bishop, made that clear in his statement to clergy on March 18 when he said, “We have to figure out ways to take care of each other so that we can continue to walk through this together. A part of what this is showing us is that we cannot operate as autonomous individuals. We really do have to find new and deeper ways to work together.”

Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center exemplifies this spirit of cooperation during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis, which has forced Canterbury to temporarily close all its buildings. However, during this time of social distancing, the conference center is still finding ways to minister. 

Chalmers Morse

Executived director Chalmers Morse said, “While the buildings are all temporarily closed at Canterbury, we are still allowing the public to walk the beautiful grounds, especially the ‘Canterbury Trail’ around Lake Gem. While on the trail, they will find the Stations of the Cross.” Morse added, “The trail is a place where in these difficult times you can offer prayers and spend time with our Lord, all in the midst of his beautiful creation.”

And when a need from the Seminole County Emergency Management (SCEM) arose, Morse and Canterbury stepped up to help. Canterbury is now set to house first responders who have been quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19, Morse said. 

“The head of SCEM contacted me about housing first responders when the initial location decided not to house them,” he said. “After prayerful consideration, I consulted with Doug Dill, our board chair, and David Mead, our co-chair, who agreed: This is what we are called to do.”

Canterbury will not feed the first responders, however. “The food will be brought in by SCEM personnel,” Morse said. Canterbury has taken additional measures, including a formal agreement with SCEM, to help keep its staff safe. 

“Our staff prepared a number of rooms in advance to be used as needed,” Morse said. “SCEM has been issued room keys and when the rooms are used, those being quarantined will be escorted directly to their rooms by SCEM personnel via a designated path. SCEM will handle all services from registration to cleaning of the rooms.

“After this crisis is over, SCEM will bring in special high-tech equipment to sterilize the rooms,” Morse explained. “As part of the agreement, other than the assigned rooms, all other facilities are off-limits.”

Despite the unusual circumstances, this ministry falls in line with Canterbury’s overall mission, Morse said. “Canterbury offers hospitality in a sacred space where people can come to know and grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord. It is our duty to help those in need, especially our first responders, who put their lives on the line every day serving others. How can we do anything less? 

“As it says in Matthew 11:28, ‘Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden , and I will refresh you,’” Morse added.