Canterbury Tales: A Cathedral Dean on Two Decades of Service | The Forum at St. Bart's

[@joanrichardson3435]

Dear Dean Robert and Fletcher: You have shown me a Jesus I never knew before. I am so grateful.

[@joanphelps2964]

4 of us walked once a week in local parks and preserves. We grew in our relationships in the companionship with each other and with God’s creation for the 2 years plus of pandemic. Then one of us told the others about The Dean and Fletcher, the menagerie of critters and the garden community. We prayed and learned and shared insights from each broadcast. On the last day of The Canterbury Garden setting, we had a watch party with boxes of tissues, wine, and each other with some other friends who joined us. One of us, while visiting her homeland of the UK, visited friends in Canterbury. One day, she wandered into the garden and Deanery and found Dean Willis. He graciously invited her to go into the gardens and then to return for a picture. Even in his retirement and in the chaos of moving, his Godly hospitality shone. My friend continues to smile having been so blest. Thank you, St Bart’s for sharing Our Dean with all of us once again. We look forward to new adventures.

[@jacquelynkovach3643]

My deepest heartfelt gratitude from sw colorado as a member of The Garden Congregation hearing from Dean Willis is like water in the desert. 2023 can't come fast enough. In the meantime, love & support to The Dean & Fletcher, thank you St. Barts for hosting!

[@constancepaske2454]

Had I known of Dean Robert's visit to St. Barts, I would have taken the train from Virginia to NY just to experience him LIVE. Ironicallly, I became a Dean Robert fan through watching his Morning Worship at Canterbury Cathedral throughout lockdown. When I was finally able to make my own "pilgrimage" to Canterbury, it turned out that Dean Robert had retired just a few months before! Maybe I I'll catch up with him some day!

[@Aa.Rr.2023]

At last! Dean Robert and Fletcher seemed to have evaporated. Can't you listen to Dean Robert for ages, as he intertwines so many strands of knowledge, acquired day by day through his faithful life. Who else do you know that can do this without notes? He entrances with his easy illumination of the Bible. An overnight internet star, only 50 steadfast ordained years in the making! How privileged are we to listen and learn?

[@julieressler1301]

I FIND MY MORNINGS ARE SO MUCH BETTER when my mornings begin with Dean Robert. Programs old or new make no difference. His humanity and erudition are so refreshing. He is very, very special to those of us who hear him.

[@pjstorrer]

Oh how I miss starting my days with you Dean Robert in the Garden Congregation. I give thanks for you and Fletcher for being a part of my life. I am looking forward to your next chapter in 2023. Your are a blessing to the faithful.

[@sonyaparkin7841]

I miss you Dean Willis!! I hope we will see you again (in morning - or other! - prayer) soon, and hope you can show us more rewilding people/projects out there in the world!!!

[@clairewindle2460]

It’s so wonderful to see Dean Willis again. I’m so happy to hear that this isn’t the last of the Garden Congregation. Thank you for sharing him with us.

[@Thursdayschildfar2go]

Bless Dean Robert. When I was home alone for two years during the pandemic, it was his voice that gave me hope.

[@susandumbrell3315]

As a member of the garden congregation in Australia, I am delighted to hear Dean Robert speak to us again. During the pandemic he was such a ray of hope sharing morning prayer and showing us God's love and good news each day. I hope Dean Robert will be able to share more videos on line that we all might feel connected as we were in those difficult days. May God abundantly bless him and Fletcher.

[@margaretkurtz1575]

Rev. Margaret Kurtz from Boise, Idaho hearing your voice again as I listened to your words was a blessing. There are no words to express how deeply you have touched my life. May you and Fletcher feel God’s presence throughout your life.

[@jeangerow7177]

I have sorely missed Dean Robert's daily services. I very much look forward to whatever lies ahead for his ministry in 2023. This news is an answer to many fervent prayers.

[@hlondon2408]

🙏

[@threeleggedman]

I was there with my wife and it was really great. After watching him every morning since Easter 2020, it was amazing to have him sitting right there, like 20 feet away. We're so thankful to have made the morning trip into NYC to see him. A once in a lifetime opportunity.

[@choosekindness5677]

How wonderful to see Dean Robert again, and learn he and Fletcher will return. The morning prayers provide us with a much needed sense of peace. I'm a garden congregant from the U.S. I clapped and had tears of joy when I heard Dean Robert and Fletcher would return!

[@deborahdawkins4394]

Listening to Dean Robert daily, was like attending seminary, he is a wonderful teacher.

[@Patricia-wf3qf]

Exactly! And the unique way in which the Dean and Fletcher integrated poetry, art, music, and nature, and introduced us to the brilliance of those in these fields--both from the past and current talents--somehow made the Creation, itself, come to life, to feel more relevant, vibrant--and, yet, all within our reach, because it all resides within each of us, as well...because we are God's beloved.

[@adriennebeecker5000]

Hurrah! What a gift for us to hear Reverend Dr. Willis and to see him again. Wonderful to see him looking so well and hear that Fletcher is well also! So wonderful to hear that we will have a type of Garden Congregation. Thank you so much!

[@keetchahasadventures1222]

Thank you so much for inviting Revd Robert Willis to preach! I miss the teaching, prayer and ministry of the Dean and the mutual support of the Garden Congregation. Hearing and seeing him preach was very encouraging.

[@johnanderson3700]

So glad to hear you preach again; and to bring the gospel alive in the midst of this messy world in which we live and wrestle with how to live into our faith in these times.

[@user-nx6ji9tk8i]

How wonderful to think Dean Robert will continue with some more of the Garden Congregation once he is properly settled. Such ministry , wisdom & learning. Thank you.

[@rebekkawisniewski9791]

I so very much miss the Dean's daily visits esp those in the garden..every day I tuned in from the usa..his voice was soothing and his messages perfect every time So delighted now to see and hear him again!!

[@hixiegirl]

I can only echo the sentiments expressed below. Morning Service in the Garden Congregation is sorely missed! It brought me closer to the Gospel and our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is cause for great rejoicing (global!) That you plan on keeping the Garden Congregation going! Thank you, Dean Willis!

[@drewk3402]

The Garden Congregation videos have changed my life and I continue to watch the old sessions every day on KZbin. I dearly hope that Dean Willis and Fletcher will be able to continue with this calling, the Garden Congregation, that has brought comfort and joy to so many people around the world. Dean Willis and Fletcher, through their unique gifts, have created an amazing, true congregation united in faith, brought together through the miracles of technology.

[@maryyouings4527]

So glad to have found you again Dean Robert, don’t leave us entirely, please

[@andrewm4564]

I am one of those "Who tuned in for cat and stayed for catechism." I was first introduced to Dean Robert and the Garden Congregation because of my love for cats. First, on KZbin, I found his reading of Kipling's JUST SO STORIES, especially "The Cat Who Walked by Himself," and from there I discovered the Garden Congregation. It was a great support to me and to many others during the pandemic, and it continues to be a support to this day.

[@mspocahontas46]

Thanks be to God that we have the privilege of seeing Rev. Robert Willis again !!!!!!

[@janethelder1454]

I was also a member of the Garden Congregation. Lovely hearing Dean Robert again. Janet from London. Once a week would be perfect.

[@tony8074]

Dean Robert is the reason I went back to church.

[@nrossi1215]

Oh, Dean Robert and Fletcher, I have missed you so very much. To think you are in NYC at St Bart’s makes my heart so happy. My love and continued gratitude to you and Fletcher and dear Leo and Tiger and Lily. Your forever friend, Nini.

[@emiliayonekokumata4764]

It's great to see Dean Robert Willis in good shape. I'm sure all the viewers of Garden Congregation miss him so much because of the solace his messages conveyed every time we were connected to each other around the world. It is the wisdom of an experienced and humble man which made the difference. Thank you for the broadcasting of this interview.

[@johnanderson3700]

We still miss him: hoping he will continue to have opportunities to share his gifts with us.

[@johnanderson3700]

So glad to see this. We miss Dean Robert and Fletcher with all the animals so much. Some of us with underlying conditions still are unable to get out into crowds, and we really miss the wonderful spiritual strength of his meditations. Especially for myself as a pastor and priest for over fifty years, it provided me with encouragement and strength. Indeed it brought so many of us together across the world as a community. So glad to hear you are going to continue and look forward to it. Wishing you and Fletcher the best and so glad to hear from you and to know it will continue in some way.

[@nrossi1215]

Oh John! You express our feelings perfectly. Thank you!

[@Patricia-wf3qf]

Health also has me still living a more isolated life than is good for the human spirit. So, I agree with you, completely, John, in saying that what their ministry has given--still gives me, daily--is encouragement and strength to take on just one more day. Thank you for your comment, as I'm sure it speaks to many chronically ill who are your fellow Garden congregants.

[@milkweedlake]

Thank you so much! Wonderful to see Revd Robert in good spirits and to hear he's planning to return to us next year 🥰

[@MrRoastedSnow]

Lovely to see Dean Robert again! Wonderful man of God!

[@paulinemilbourn6256]

Didn’t realize how much I had missed you and your calm voice and your ability to reason. Please don’t disappear. 🙏🏽

[@csteer8010]

Wonderful to see Dean Willis again, and to hear that you are well. We miss you! God bless you! Thank you so much! :-)

[@margaretinsydney3856]

So lovely to see the Dean again. We are indeed all 'watching this space'. Blessings and love to you and Fletcher and all the dear animals.

[@ayleneasp8933]

So glad we found you again, Dean Robert! Regards to Fletcher! We miss you immensely as part of the garden congregation!

[@StewartJSmith]

Wonderful to hear from the Reverend Robert Willis again. The garden congregation webcasts were of central importance to me. God's continued blessings on him.

[@annalisapoirel7409]

Hurray our beloved Dean is back !

[@t.miyamotoakatsu7128]

So wonderful to discover Dr Willis in the US. As a garden congregation from Japan, Dr Willis daily prayer has cultivated my life as organist and was able to start a project using all the capacity of my body, mind and spirit! Thank you very much for this broadcast. Tomoko

[@maryfilippou6667]

What a double joy to come across you twice today dear Dean Willis. Such good news you and Fletcher are well and roaming. You helped so many of us over two years ago and the pandemic wasn't for me the fear, but moving from my great neighborhood was. You uplifted and gave me something to look forward to as I made that drastic choice. At least my Sally in my Aly roses are still blooming white today in the Mission in that abandoned house. You know the feeling, I am sure. Best to you both terrific partners through travails!

[@gwenfix2200]

Still miss The Garden Congregation time,

[@valerieaston1556]

Like many other members of the Garden Congregation I am watching Morning Prayer broadcasts from the back catalogue. I was thrilled to see this interview and the sermon from St Bart’s appear on my screen. How wonderful to hear and see the Dean and to be given hope that the Garden Congregation will be able to ‘meet’ again, albeit in a different way, sometime in the future. Dean Robert and Fletcher’s endeavours sustained me through some very difficult times and still do so. I pray for the health and happiness of both. Valerie Aston

[@ruthgoebel723]

What a joy it had been to find Dean Robert and the Garden Congregation during that difficult time. How lovely to have him sharing again, as best works for him! God bless him!!

[@deborahc9033]

Wonderful to see and hear Dear Dr Robert Willis Again!

[@goober20239]

Thank you for the gift of a dear on-line friend Rev'd Robert Willis!! So good to see him again here.

[@judybeck8313]

It was such a blessing to meet Dean Robert in person and to be able to thank him. He has meant so much to me. His faithfulness to the Garden Congregation has been amazing. Thank you for hosting him and for being so welcoming to me. I so enjoyed the Forum and the service with his wonderful sermon. I send heartfelt greetings to Fletcher and feel that I've made new friends at St. Bart's.

[@thombaynum6292]

Thank you for hosting Dean Robert. It was a great joy and made me downright homesick for the Garden Congregation.

[@staceys1870]

Thank you so very much for hosting Revd. Robert Willis!!

[@phyllisogis129]

Can’t wait till you get settled and begin broadcasting again. So glad I saved all the sessions once I found your site and can go back them again and again and spend time with all the garden animals and see the passing of the seasons in the gardens. We weathered the pandemic because of your daily lessons. Thank you 🙏❤️❤️

[@drawclosetothelord9331]

Dean Robert's daily messages were most comforting. They still are since we have the legacy of the prior messages which I shall treasure.

[@irenemanfredini9150]

Oh, dear Dean Robert and Fletcher, welcome back to the joy of the whole garden congregation!

[@claresturgess7550]

Rev Robert You are a true inspiration Thank you for your persistence and your example, it brings relief and renewed breath to hear you. Praying for you and Fletcher

[@mary-loucleveland6991]

Wonderful to see Dean Robert. He was a rock for us during the pandemic. Much love

[@stefancover5956]

Blessings on Dean Robert, Fletcher, Tiger, Lily, Leo and all the animals! Blessings and many, many thanks...

[@veronicamascaro3041]

The Dean is missed. Thank you for posting this.

[@LynnFitch-j4n]

Dean Robert was a part of our family during the pandemic. His Morning Prayer services from the Garden and his wisdom, kindness, and compassion helped us immensely during that time of isolation and confusion. We have sorely missed his ministry, so it is with great joy to find out, just today, about the Garden Congregation. Thank you, Dean Robert and Fletcher, for all you have done to bring love, community, and peace to us and to the world.

[@anncarter5172]

Hallelujah! God be praised! I’ve been praying for the Dean and for Fletcher, sure that God will be leading them into their future, but so happy to hear news of them, and a future plans to do something more public again! As can be seen from all these comments, they are sorely missed! Both their persons, and what they had to share in knowledge and insight and spiritual inspiration! From Charlotte, a tiny town in Downeast Maine

[@loiscandler814]

Dearly loved the dean's morning chats & prayers! Always made my day & loved the way he shared his breakfast milk with Tiger! Together they touched so many of the faithful. God bless you always & may we all keep the faith! Amen. 😇 🤗 🐈‍⬛

[@rosemarynethersole7274]

Rev, Robert, I am so pleased to hear and see this. I joined in daily from Jamaica, and miss you sorely. I am looking forward to your new sessions

[@margaretnewton5985]

What a blessing to hear Dean Willis again. I have missed him so much. Thank you for sharing.

[@anniepudussery5097]

So happy to hear and see Dean Willis. Praise the Lord

[@britstickle5698]

I was shown God’s love by watching the Dean every day. I now go to church and share God’s love with people there. I miss his worships every day.

[@Patricia-wf3qf]

So very grateful to St. Bart's for giving this member of the Garden Congregation a chance to know where Dean Willis and Fletcher are refreshing their spirits, after leaving Canterbury Cathedral, and that there *is* hope their wonderful creative partnership will return to continue their unique ministry in some way, some day. In the meantime, having the Garden Congregation videos from 2020 to mid-2022 are still where I go to find hope for each new day.

[@juliecate1396]

Thanks much for hosting Dr. Willis today.

[@greenstair]

It is lovely to see Dean Robert again and I am thrilled to hear that there may be more to hear from him and Fletcher in The Garden Congregation. Thank you so much for this video. :)

[@karenryan3588]

It’s so lovely to hear you Dean Willis. I’m in Atlanta and have been a member of the garden congregation ❤️🙏. You’ve been a blessing and I look forward to 2023 and how you & Fletcher will minister to us. God bless you🙏❤️

[@elizkraft]

Thank you for posting this. I have so missed morning prayer which sustained me through the worst of the pandemic. So happy to hear that he and Fletcher are doing well.

[@lzoescott7692]

What a beautiful gift. Thank you for hosting this forum with the beloved Dean Willis.

[@bertgeorge3357]

It's so nice to see the Dean Robert again and to read other people's appreciative comments of his and Fletcher's work with the Garden Congregation. I learnt so much from those broadcasts and they provided a sense of continuity and love that might otherwise have been missing.

[@judithrigby4616]

How wonderful to enjoy Dean Robert’s wisdom again , from someone who listened to him many times in Canterbury and as part of the garden congregation while living in Tenerife.

[@annboyd8506]

This interview was wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing it. I’m still watching morning prayer with Dean Robert (I watch the 2020 and 2021 episodes every morning as I walk through breakfast routines) and I’m so thrilled to hear that we’ll get more of these in the future! It’s so healing to hear Dean Robert’s perspective on troublesome world events, always leading us back to prayer. Greetings to Fletcher! And thank you again, St Bart’s, for sharing this! ~ Ann from Chicago, Illinois

[@cynthiastory7587]

Wonderful to see you, Dean Robert. Grace and Peace to you and Fletcher as you reach out anew! Loving good wishes , C, from Adelaide, South Australia

[@christinesimpkin570]

So lovely to see and hear the Very Reverend Robert again. Such a brilliant person to whom to listen 🤲🙏 Thank you for sharing this video 🙏

[@wendyclambert]

Wonderful to see him again he’s been missed.

[@elainekeech5292]

Such a lovely joy to hear you and enjoy your teaching, l listen with hope and understanding ❤ 🙏 xxxElaine 🇬🇧

[@sharynwarwick1921]

I so miss Dean Roberts wisdom and knowledge as much as his Garden Congregation 🐾🐾💜

[@Namaerica]

Lovely to see Dean Robert again. An unexpected blessing.

[@larrybliss8330]

Like many I look forward to more from the Dean and Fletcher. In addition to the sound and thoughtful Bible lessons, I greatly appreciated it when he described books by authors new to me, such as Barbara Pym and Rose Macaulay. I've read several books based on his recommendations and enjoyed them all. He is a man of letters as well as a man of God.

[@juliewurtele8448]

So so great to see and hear Dean Robert again……..one of the best!

[@argentinagalos6205]

It is with tremendous joy and gratitude that I see Dean Robert again ! As I missed the Morning Prayers so much ,I go back to the previous ones in 2020-2021 and watch them every morning .It is more than encouraging that both he and Fletcher are planning some more meetings for us ,even if weekly ! For Christmas it will be a real feast ! Thank you so very much !

[@ellen823ful]

This is how Our Lord works! And doesn’t He know what we need? And He has a sense of humor too. The Cat 🐈‍⬛ in the Cassock. The Rooster 🐔 knowing the perfect time to crow. That’s Our Lord! 😊. Dean Willis thank you 🙏

[@patriciabrown3139]

Miss him so much

[@jenniferbate9682]

Wonderful to see Dean Robert again after so long. What good news!

[@jeangander8565]

We all miss you……this is a lovely surprise

[@hlondon2408]

Dean Robert, please let us all know where you will next land so we can keep up with you on KZbin. Your morning services were so meaningful and as a result, you and they are sorely missed. Please keep yourself healthy and happy!

[@jessielund7947]

What joy and thanks from a garden in Cape Town to hear Dean Robert once again.

[@juliawake880]

Dear Reverend Robert, It is good to hear you speak again. For me you have been such an inspiration for me to tell of my Roy’s seeing and experiencing Jesus presence with both of us before he passed into God’s hands on the 6th August, 2021. I know that Jesus walks with me each day of my life. Thank you for saying that we will all be able to hear your words of encouragement for the whole Garden Congregation. With love and prayers from Julia.

[@mariaashot5648]

WELL DONE, SAINT BART'S!!!! KUDOS!

[@bettymorris5509]

What a wonderful day. I began with MP in the garden on Oct 28, 2020, then found St Bart’s Sunday sermon and now the Forum. A blessed time with Dean Willis- thank you, thank you.

[@sedumplant]

We of the Garden Congregation have probably all been wondering how Reverend Willis has been doing. So glad to find this video! Thank you! Morning prayer became part of my daily routine. I am a Roman Catholic in the state of NY.

[@dawnhein311]

I’m so happy that there will be a continuation of the Garden Congregation.

[@mariaashot5648]

"Welcome to the Garden that is our beloved planet, made for us by God, shared by all who live." I do miss the daily eloquence of Dean Robert Willis and the cinematographic eloquence of Fletcher ("Vanner," is is? One of my college roommates was a Vanner; brilliant young woman and also very serious searcher and Christian, originally Catholic). It is remarkable to learn that Fletcher had never done that kind of work before: his videos were breathtaking and an integral part of the spiritual communion, the prayerfulness of the experience and the wonderfully rich instruction Dean Robert provided - that included popular culture, Botany, visits with families of farm animals (precious turkeys and pigs!), classical music, samplings of some of the finest sacred music ever composed and performed, contributions from young people... It made me long to visit Canterbury; perhaps someday I shall. I am not Anglican; however, I grew up in San Francisco and participated in many unforgettable services at Grace Cathedral. My own heritage is Eastern Orthodox; I principally attend now, in Brussels, parishes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as online services (including from wonderful American congregations, Episcopalian as well as Catholic and Orthodox) in many languages. Devotional programming is so important, so priceless! I do hope that as things settled down (because relocations are always stressful and exhausting, and inevitably someone who loves Pilgrimage should also avail himself - both of them must! - of travel and new discoveries) Dean Robert, and Fletcher, perhaps with a small crew of their own who can also advance the Garden Congregation cause further by resuming, if not on a daily (morning + evening) schedule, then on another one that is appropriate, these Exquisite Devotional Productions. I reiterate: they have both musical and cinematographic and botanical/environmental value. Were I one who commanded fortunes, I should simply write them a check (cheque) and say: "Go forth, serve the Lord, Produce Again!" There are many Gardens in the world from which this Pilgrims' Progress might be broadcast. Including San Francisco's own Filbert Street, Golden Gate Park, Sutro Heights... Harvard's Arboretum or San Francisco's Botanical Garden - or the amazing Rose Garden in Golden Gate Park: the Heavens are indeed the limit. Dean Robert Willis and Fletcher are indeed an enormously talented and benevolent team of missionaries - gentle missionaries - in their own right, in the best sense of the word. They deserve more credit, more support and greater international recognition. In particular, Dean Robert's erudition and musical expertise (he is himself a Hymnologist, meaning both a Composer and a Poet of lasting influence) are awe-inspiring. We should make every effort not only to preserve that rare knowledge, but to make sure it gets passed on to someone with comparable interests and charisma.

[@ajourney50]

Hi Dean Robert, good to see you again. I'm so glad this popped up in my KZbin feed, I've been feeling down lately, and this cheered me right up.😀👋

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

Yeah. We are still using Morning Prayer videos from 2020 for worship at home and we send our love and respect to him, both for the online COVID-19 worship services but for introducing us to Canterbury Cathedral and Lichfield Cathedral, where we still worship online every day (at Canterbury) and every Sunday (at Lichfield). Thanks be to God.

[@elizabethtallman3280]

So excited to see the Dean! Our prayers go out to him and Fletcher. What happened to all the animals especially the cats?

[@dyddgu23]

Most probably Leo, Tiger, and Lilly went to live temporarily in Wales with Rev. Robert and Fletcher. We haven't been told where the other animals went. Hopefully, eventually we will be told.

[@veronicamascaro3041]

I believe the animals are part of the cathedral grounds. I am sure they miss the Dean.

[@karinberryman2009]

@@veronicamascaro3041 Thanks Veronica!

[@valerieaston1556]

The secretary of the ‘Friends of Canterbury Cathedral’ organisation assured me that those animals and birds that Dean Robert and Fletcher didn’t take with to Wales were all found good homes. Valerie Aston

[@dyddgu23]

@@valerieaston1556 Thank you. That's comforting to know. All those creatures were so lovely 🐖🦃🐔🐓 But Mr. Robin will miss his special friends and the treats they would give him.

[@rosemarystobo8343]

This has been a gift to my soul....oh how much I miss him,Fletcher and each and every with and without furry loves.......to say missing them does not convey the depth of my missing.....you both have become and remain so dear to my heart...family you are family....for all the peace,joy,stability and comfort....for all the knowledge,the spiritual gifts you've shared....your humor,your insights,...the litany goes on and on.....Thank you!!!!!!!!thank you!!!!!!!this message is filled with love......thank you St Bart's .......for sharing the beauty of this gifted soul ....much love to Fletcher too.......you are so VERY MUCH MISSED.....UTUBE is nice ......seeing Father Willis has been a HUGE gift!!!!!!💕🐈🐖🐔🐔🐓🐣🕊🤗🤗!!!

[@Morningglory7513]

And in Texas!

[@nancyphillips1825]

I’m so happy to see and hear Dean Robert again! I have so missed you!

[@johnanderson3700]

A second thought would be for you to oversee a daily way, including some others who could be available when you’re not able to do yourself in a daily way. Your ministry is so meaningful, and it would be so great to see it grow and prosper into an ongoing Anglican outreach to the world.

[@berylgrove8647]

Such a delight to join with Dean Robert again. It reminds me that I am part of the Anglican congregation stretching throughout each continent on earth. Thank you. 🙏B