Cathedral People Profile: Charles Shipley, III

Head Verger, Charles Shipley, III

Charles Shipley, III, the new Head Verger of Grace Cathedral and longtime Assistant Verger, has personal story rich with church service. "I had grown up Methodist, but at sixteen I became a paid singer at the Episcopal Cathedral in Kansas City. After a few years, I realized I wasn’t going to make a living as a church musician, but I had become fascinated with the Episcopal liturgy. I became an Acolyte, an Altar Server, and then a Master of Ceremonies."

Charles then volunteered at a parish church as a part time Verger and grew to have a deep appreciation for the details of the liturgy. "I love the choreography, if you want to call it that, of the service. Why we do what we do, the meaning behind the moves. Like reading the Gospel from the middle of the church, we are bringing the Gospel to the people, proclaiming the Gospel in their midst."

After being on staff at Grace Cathedral as Assistant Verger for over a decade, Charles has been installed as Head Verger of Grace Cathedral. "I first worked at Grace Cathedral from late 1988 to 1993, as the Assistant Verger. I then went back to Kansas to be Verger for Grace Cathedral in Topeka. I then went to a parish church, St. Andrew’s in Kansas City, and came back to work here in 1999 in the position I’d had before."

In his new position, he’ll be responsible for scheduling the staff of Sextons who maintain the building and grounds on a daily basis, and for coordinating with outside groups who are planning events at the Cathedral. "In a lot of ways," Charles says, "I have to keep following in Albert Lander’s footsteps, which are big shoes to fill. I’m lucky to have worked with several different Vergers here, and they’ve all brought different skills to the position."

As Canon Sacrist, Kathy Kirkpatrick oversees the Vergers and is confident in the promotion of Charles Shipley. "I am delighted that he will join the select group of Head Vergers of Grace Cathedral with whom I have worked, starting with the legendary Charles Agneau. Charles [Shipley] will uphold their great tradition of caring for the Cathedral and its people with dedication and devotion."

Hospitality has been central to Charles’ role at the Cathedral. "Occasionally people will be standing with a guide book, pausing in the Cathedral before going to the next place in their guide book, and I just ask them an open-ended question, like, ‘Do you have any questions about Grace Cathedral?’ People from other faith traditions will often have some idea about the church, and will be grateful for being welcomed. Tourists from other parts of the country too will thank you for talking to them."

After many years of being involved in the everyday workings of the church, Charles is still amazed by the seemingly little events that make all the difference. "One great reward," he says, "is to have someone come in during the week and ask about Sunday services. They’re new in town and are looking for a church, so I’ll hand them a postcard with the service times on it. And then in the procession before the 11 o’clock Choral Eucharist, I’ll see that person in a pew. That’s very rewarding. It reinforces the value of making that human connection.

"It’s moving to see how the Cathedral makes a difference in people’s lives, by offering proof of God’s presence. And we hope, by being an example of God’s hospitality."

To find out more about the work of the work of a Cathedral Verger, check out this Tales from the Crypt article.

On horseback with Lori Lamma (Head Verger, 1987-1995)

Christmas, in "Cathedral Police" hats, with Lamma and Brad Stover (back)