One Hundredth Anniversary...
It is my great joy and pleasure to share the one hundredth anniversary
of the consecration of this cherished church building. It is especially
gratifying to see so many folks here today who have participated in the
ongoing life and ministry of this parish family.
This morning I want to use a
favorite quote of mine that comes from the former United Nations
Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold. Hammarskjold wrote this in his book
Markings the following: "For all that has been, thanks; for all that
shall be, yes."
"For all that has been, thanks." This beautiful Gothic church building
was a gift from Mrs. Fanny Staton, a long-time member of this parish
family. The church was consecrated in 1917 by Bishop Darst. In 1963 this
building was gutted by a fire. A decision was made at the time to
restore the interior exactly as it was which was done except for
restoring an eagle lectern. I am told that the architect was concerned
about using the walls that remained after the fire but the walls were
found to be plumb, mainly because the walls of this building are
comprised of twenty three inches of brick. The building was restored
through insurance, the commitment of the parishioners and the
willingness of Bishop Wright to find diocesan and national church funds
to offset the cost. In 1979 the Vestry decided to consider the
possibility of installing stained glass windows on both sides of the
church. The theme was going to be the Apostles Creed. Three families
committed to fund the windows on the left side of the church. Payne
Studios, who had installed the front and back windows, were chosen to
install these windows which was completed in 1979. Two years later, four
families committed to placing memorial windows on the right side of the
church. Rolph Studios, who had purchased Payne Studios, installed the
windows. A few years later, 1984, Frances Barnes gifted the church with
the church bell. We are also very grateful for the numerous parish
family members who have over the years contributed items of worship to
this parish. Items such as seasonal hangings, crosses, torches, the
Paschal Candle and Advent wreath; communion wares, Altar Missal, the
Gospel Book, Organ upkeep and the gifts of Prayer Books and Hymnals.
This church building is magnificent and is the result of the commitment
of this parish family not only to build but to maintain this building.
The real significance, however, is how this building has served as the
meeting pace of this magnificent and blessed parish family. It is where
the Word of God is preached and where the sacraments are offered and
received. Every one of us here has experienced the stages of life from
baptism through death, whether in our own family or our parish family.
Over the years I have been told by numerous folks how significant this
parish family has been in their lives. One of the most loving things
that I have enjoyed is how many of our families have moved away and yet
in significant moments in their lives, such as baptizing their children,
have returned for that service of baptism, either in this building or
when our parish family gathers at Trinity Center for our Parish-Family
Weekend. This building has also been a place of comfort and nourishment
for folks outside our parish family. Numerous times, sometimes late at
night or early in the morning, I have come into this building,
especially when it was left unlocked, and found folks sitting or
kneeling in a pew grateful for a place of solitude to give thanks or
seek quiet sustenance as they were contesting the various vicissitudes
of life. So yes, "For all that has been, thanks."
And then, "For all that will be, yes." I have been very fortunate over
these last five years to stay in touch with our parish family. Except
for about fourteen months or so, you have been without a Rector. During
that time and for now on you have lived these words, "For all that shall
be, yes." An Episcopal parish needs a Rector but I want to commend this
parish family because throughout those five years and, I believe, by the
grace of God and your personal commitment, this parish has continued to
be a place of comfort, joy and sustenance. The presence of a priest is
important but in these last few years you have shown the real
significance of the ministry of the laity and that bodes well for all
that shall be. Your Vestry, Wardens and Clerks, Vestry Commission
members, Pledge Recorders and Assistant Treasurers have and are doing
great work in continuing the ministry of this parish family. Several of
you, through the choir and our organist, have continued to manifest the
value of music within your worship. Acolytes and Lay Readers,
Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Guild members, ushers and in the past an
EYC band and the Adult Adventitious Brass ensemble have and continue to
sustain the life of this family. So too have our church school teachers,
our EYC sponsors, the United Thank Offering chairs; the editors of the
Advent Advisor and Parish Administrators. Your continued ministries to
the sick and outside ministries like the back-pack ministry are signs of
life, concern and commitment on the part of this parish family. I would
also remind us that during the years I have been in the parish there
were only two treasurers, John Boykin and Lowell Taylor which is an
unusual gift in the life of a parish family.
I know there is continued concern about how and when we will get another
Rector but I urge you to continue the great work you have and are doing
in serving our Lord. I urge us to continue to follow the prophet Micah's
great challenge to us as individuals and a parish family, when he wrote,
"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy and
walk humbly with your God."
It is such a great feeling for me to be amongst you today and to see all
these great folks whose lives have in various and numerous ways been
impacted by this parish family. Hammarskjold had it right for this
parish family: "For all that has been, thanks; for all that shall be,
yes."
Amen
