Rev. Ben Shambaugh, Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral, finished 18 years of service to the community of Portland, and the state, and Episcopal Diocese of Maine at a service on January 29th. He will take three months of transition time and begin a new position as rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton, New York on May 1st.
Fighting for Justice
Rev. Ben Shambaugh has been an activist for marriage equality and LGBTQ rights. He is a leader in caring for the poor, immigrants, asylum seekers and those in need, and a fighter for justice. He was also a passionate supporter of music and the arts on local, state, and national levels. Rev. Shambaugh served on the board of Preble Street for fifteen years. In fact, he helped greatly expand the work of Preble Street, St. Luke’s food pantry, and St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center.
He was known for washing the feet of the homeless at the Preble Street Resource Center. And giving “ashes to go” at Monument Square. He marched down Congress Street with rainbow colors and a clergy collar in the Pride Parade. Also, he spoke at rallies and other events, participated in multi-faith thanksgiving services and many other gatherings. He offered comforting words in French to New Mainers. And he played Christmas carols on his tuba outside St. Luke’s during the State Street Stroll.
Celebrating Music
A tuba player for the Maine Pops, Chandler’s Band, and the Italian Heritage Band, he performed in parks, nursing homes, and other venues around the state. Not to mention playing the Fryeburg Fair, the Yarmouth Clam Festival, Portland’s own Porchfest, and the Maine bi-centennial parade.
Rev. Ben Shambaugh helped St. Luke’s continue its role as a center for music and the arts. This included hosting Renaissance Voices, the Portland Rossini Club, The Bach Virtuosi, St. Mary’s Schola, two Shakespeare companies, the Kotchzmar Christmas, First Friday art walks, and many other groups and events.
Capital Campaign and Renovations
During his time at St. Luke’s Cathedral, Rev. Shambaugh presided at hundreds of baptisms, weddings, and funerals. He oversaw a great increase in St. Luke’s outreach efforts in Portland and the building of a school in Haiti. He helped St. Luke’s lead a $1.5 Million Capital Campaign which allowed major repairs to the cathedral building including the creation of a columbarium, labyrinth, and professional level kitchen.
