For Mary Wennerstrom Phillips, music has always been more than a profession. It has been a way of drawing people closer to beauty, faith, and one another. It is fitting, then, that her legacy at Washington National Cathedral will help ensure that sacred music continues to inspire generations to come.
A member of the Cathedral Founders Society, Mary has established the Wennerstrom Phillips Music Fund, creating lasting support for one of the Cathedral’s defining ministries.
“I hope it can guarantee a continuation of excellence in musical traditions,” Mary says. “Secondly, I hope it will remain open to everyone and continue to expand the reach of serious music through good choral singing, fine organ playing, and outstanding musical performances.”
Although Mary has spent her life in Bloomington, Indiana, Washington National Cathedral has long held a special place in her heart. She and her late husband, Leonard, first connected with the Cathedral through its worship, publications, and internationally renowned music program. As longtime members of the National Cathedral Association, they faithfully followed the Cathedral’s ministry from afar.
Music has shaped every stage of Mary’s life. Raised in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, her mother served as president of the St. Cecilia Society, introducing Mary to music from an early age. Mary went on to earn three degrees from Indiana University and spent more than five decades on the faculty of the Jacobs School of Music as a professor of music theory, department chair, and later Associate Dean for Instruction.
For Mary, supporting Cathedral music is about ensuring that future generations will continue to encounter beauty, inspiration, and the presence of God through worship and music.
“This music fund contributes to keeping the beauty going,” she reflects. “Combined with many other people’s gifts, it will help maintain the quality as the Cathedral continues reaching new heights while remaining rooted in tradition.”
Through the generosity and vision of Founders Society members like Mary, Washington National Cathedral will continue to proclaim the Gospel, welcome all who enter its doors, and inspire hearts through the enduring beauty of sacred music for generations to come.