Reader Janet reminded me recently that Ruth Goldbloom, a driving force behind the creation of the Pier 21 museum in Halifax, had died at the age of 88. Pier 21 was the place where about one million arrived from around the world to begin a new life in Canada. Pier 21 was derelict for years until Goldbloom and others set to work raising funds for the museum.
There is a very personal connection for our family because my Ruth's mother arrived at Pier 21 as a war bride. The museum was opening just as we moved to Halifax in 1999. Ruth was curious as to where her mother arrived in Canada so began rummaging in a box of old diaries. Sure enough, she found an entry in which her mother described the ship coming into harbour to the strains of O Canada and Here Comes the Bride played by a Salvation Army band. My mother was also an immigrant from Britain and at Pier 21 found the online ledger listing her entry at age three at Quebec City.
Of course we visited the museum shortly after we moved to Halifax. We were struck by the remarkable work done by various Christian organizations to welcome immigrants and provide for them in practical ways. In scripture there are many passages which uphold the importance of welcoming the alien and the stranger, to move beyond suspicion and hostility to hospitality.
God bless Ruth Goldbloom and all those who practiced hospitality.
Should churches become more engaged in welcoming the stranger, at every level? Are we too suspicious of the "alien?" Other thoughts?
4 comments:
I think it's interesting that in trying to save the history of the Pier, she became part of it.
Great blog - thanks David. My family used to drive by this derelict shed on the harbour, and Mom would invariably say, "That is a very important building." It is part of the lifestory of thousands of Canadians who immigrated to this country during the war years and before the invention of air travel in the 1950's. Ruth Goldbloom, a modest lady herself, deserved all the honours she received. She requested that her memorial service be held in the lobby of Pier 21. 2000 people came to honour her, so the service was moved to a nearby building.
On the advice of reader Jan, we visited Pier 21 on our first trip east last summer. I truly was moved to tears, awed by that hospitality...and humbled to the grace of my/our Canadian birth.
This story of hospitality puts me to mind of the story of the residents of Gander, Newfoundland who opened their hearts and homes to the "plane people" who were grounded in their town as a result of the tragedy of 9/11. http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/Canada/day_the_planes_stood_still.htm
I believe that it's in our nature as Canadians to be welcoming and generous, but there is no question for me, that what often prohibits me from always reaching out, is the fear that my generosity may be putting myself or my family in jeopardy. This is a sad statement but it is the truth. This is why, I feel that much more strongly about the fact that institutions, organizations and especially the church, must continue to show this generosity towards everyone. Because if the church closes its doors to the "alien", then who else would possibly invite them in??
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