Bill Sloane, a grandson of the founders of Cathedral of the Pines and a trustee emeritus, speaks at the Cathedral's 80th Anniversary. COURTESY
Bill Sloane, a grandson of the founders of Cathedral of the Pines and a trustee emeritus, speaks at the Cathedral's 80th Anniversary. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY

People turned out from across the state and New England to attend the Cathedral of the Pines’ 80th Anniversary Celebration Day.

The Cathedral held a special service on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., at the Altar of the Nation, where founding family member and Trustee Emeritus Bill Sloane discussed the history of the organization.

Sloane’s grandfather held a special service on the site of what would become the Cathedral of the Pines to mark the end of World War II.

“This particular knoll has a special importance for the Sloane family, because it was this site that son, Sandy, had selected to build his home once he returned from war. With its magnificent view of Mt. Monadnock, it was indeed a good choice,” Sloane said.

Sandy, as well as his brother Jack, both were enlisted into the Army AirCorps as bomber pilots. Sandy did not survive and was killed in action when his B-17 was shot down over Germany in February of 1944. The Cathedral was founded in his memory.

Jack, who joined the war at 19, became a pilot of a B-26 Martin Marauder and flew 60 missions with the 12th Air Force in North Africa and Southern Europe. He was the pilot for a successful rescue of a 10-man B-24 aircrew that had been downed at sea off the coast of Africa, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

“Cathedral of the Pines does not exist as a tribute to the Sloane family,” Sloane said. “The stories of family members during the WWII era do serve as examples of devotion to country and of the noble contributions and sacrifices they made. However, visitors to these grounds bring with them their own stories, which in many cases are different versions of the ones you have heard today. In this sense, the Cathedral belongs to us all.”

Cathedral of the Pines Executive Director Michelle Lowe speaks on the future vision for some of the Cathedral properties. COURTESY
Cathedral of the Pines Executive Director Michelle Lowe speaks on the future vision for some of the Cathedral properties. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY

Executive Director Michelle Lowe also spoke to the organization’s comeback following COVID, along with a glimpse of plans for the next 100 years, including the Cathedral farmhouse and barn on the corner of Hale Hill Road.

Lowe said the vision for the buildings is to use them as a resource that serves veterans in a larger capacity – a location for overnight retreats, wellness programs, and healing, in partnership with veterans’ organizations. It would also serve as a place for community organizations such as Scouting America, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and conservation groups.

The Witts End band plays live music for the Cathedral of the Pines anniversary. COURTESY
Credit: COURTESY
Executive Director Michelle Lowe welcomes guests to the ribbon cutting on a new memorial garden that will serve as a resting place for service animals. COURTESY
Credit: COURTESY
Bagpiper David Meyer performs at the Cathedral of the Pines Anniversary celebration. COURTESY
Credit: Courtesy

Following the service, bagpiper David Meyer from the New Hampshire Police Association led the group down the path to the Tulip Tree, where Lowe held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate this spot as their next memorial garden honoring Service Animals from across the state and all branches of the military. She read the poem “Rainbow Bridge,” then “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes, followed by “Taps”. 

From there, everyone gathered for a cookout on the front lawn, with information tables by Veteran Service Organizations like Blue Star Families, Clear Path, Veterans Count and more.  There were also a few old military vehicles lined up out front for everyone to see, touch and ask questions about.