The Rev. Richard F. Collman, Minnesota regional co-chairman for the National Cathedral in Washington, D,C,, will present a program on the cathedral on Saturday at Christ Episcopal Church, 204 W. Fountain St., Albert Lea. A potluck supper will be served at 5 p.m. to which all are invited. The supper will be followed by Collman’s program at approximately 6 p.m.

The National Cathedral is the nation’s house of prayer for all peoples and hosts many major events in our country. The cornerstone was laid in 1907 so this grand building just celebrated its 100th birthday. The cathedral is maintained by volunteers and members throughout our country and receives no financial support from either the government or the Episcopal Church which operates it. This program is of interest to all people who like architecture, needlepoint, stonemasonary, and liturgical arts as well as music. People who want a preview of the cathedral should check on line via computers at www.nationalcathedral.org.

Collman is a native of northeastern Minnesota, a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Yale Divinity School, and the University of Notre Dame. He is a United Methodist minister who has served churches in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska as a preaching pastor or a minister of music and fine arts. His degrees are in theology and music. He is active in music, liturgy, and teaching in the areas of church music and the pipe organ.

Collman is an oblate of the Benedictine Order. He was on the World Methodist Council exchange to England in 1989 where he toured many cathedrals. He is retired in Northfield and organist at First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls.

Those attending will be encouraged to join the National Cathedral Association in support of this national house of prayer for all. For more information, contact the Rev. Jim Young, via e-mail, revjryoung@gmail.com, or call 373-3188.