Celebrating Milestones within Parishes and Parishioners

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Celebrating Milestones within Parishes

Founded in 1859, St. Philip’s celebrated its 160th anniversary in May of 2019. The church was originally organized by approximately a dozen Palestine families, under the leadership of the Rev. John Owens from Nacogdoches. St. Philip’s, Palestine, Celebrates 160 years

For many years, the group met in the homes of its early members, or in other churches. Property for its first structure was not purchased until 1874. In December of that year, Bishop Gregg placed the cornerstone for the construction of a new church, where the Rev. James Adams served as the first rector.

The 160th anniversary was observed with worship and the Eucharist that celebrated the Feast of St. Philip. This was followed by a birthday party with grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and a birthday cake, along with a history lesson.

The current rector, the Rev. Justin Briggle, hopes to make the church’s anniversary celebration an annual event.

St. Stephen’s, Huntsville, Celebrates 150 Years of Ministry with A Quilt Auction

It was a milestone for St. Stephen’s, Huntsville, as they celebrated 150 years of ministry.

The church held a spaghetti dinner and a quilt auction—a longstanding tradition—the proceeds of which went to the construction of a jubilee garden, playground and disc golf course.

The significance of their quilts is that each time a child was baptized at the church, they would receive a quilt made by women within the parish. According to Nancy Franklin, an organizer of the event and parishioner of the church, “the quilts bear the same pattern, fish swimming against a blue sea, a motif for Jesus’ call to make disciples ‘fishers of men’ in Mark 1:17.”

Parishioners have worked to sew dozens of quilts for the auctions, ranging in size from small wall hangings to twin bed size. The quilts feature a variety of colors and styles, including modern batiks, western themes and traditional patterns with vintage fabrics.

St. Augustine of Hippo, Galveston, celebrates 135 Years

Established in 1884, the first predominantly African-American Episcopal Church in the state of Texas celebrated its 135th anniversary. The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle led the milestone worship service and celebrated the Eucharist. He was assisted by lead deacon and spiritual leader Michael Brady, who assumed his role on the day of this momentous occasion.

The church was established after 50 black seamen petitioned the Rev. Charles Parkman, rector of Grace, Galveston, for their own parish. They wished to worship on the sabbath. Before its establishment, the group could attend services held for them at Grace, but only on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

A black physician and clergyman from Louisville, Kentucky, the Rev. William Floyd, Ph.D., served as the first vicar of St. Augustine of Hippo. He was appointed in the summer of 1885.

The 135th anniversary celebration was followed by a brunch at Sutton Hall, named in honor of the Rev. Fred Sutton who served as vicar in the mid-1950s.

John and Charlotte Henderson in 1946, left, and 2019, right. (Longhorn Village)

On Sunday, December 22, Trinity, Baytown, paid tribute to the world’s oldest living couple, who celebrated 80 years of marriage. John and Charlotte Henderson, long time parishioners of Trinity, have been recognized by Guinness World Records for the longevity of their love. The Rev. Meredith Crigler made sure that the couple, now residing at an Austin retirement community, had flowers at the altar to commemorate their anniversary. The Hendersons have been together for 85 years, and married for 80. According to the couple, their secret to longevity is living in moderation, eating right, not drinking too much and having an active lifestyle. Long Time Trinity, Baytown, Couple Celebrates 80 Years of Marriage

Silk Purse 60th Anniversary

Grace Church in Galveston founded Silk Purse 60 years ago this year. Silk Purse is a clothing program that ensures that those in need in the community have the basic clothing items most of us take for granted. But the program isn’t just a clothing bank—it is a center of community connection. Long-time volunteers have built ties with those regulars who patronize Silk Purse, extending the Grace Church community further in the Galveston area. The “little shop” is an enduring reminder that our work as the Body of Christ has transformative impact.

CATHEDRAL’S ROBERT SIMPSON SCORES ANOTHER GRAMMY NOMINATION Photo: Houston Chronicle

Robert Simpson, canon for music at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, received the honor of a Grammy nomination for his work in the Houston Chamber Choir, specifically for “Duruflé: Complete Choral Works,” a performance of music by 20th century French composer Maurice Duruflé. Simpson is the Choir's artistic director and conductor.

In a previous interview, we asked Canon Simpson how his faith is woven into his profession, and he said, “I believe that music is a fundamental human expression that can tap into our deepest emotions. It is for this reason that it has been a part of worship throughout history. Below the level of harmony, counterpoint, structure and instrumentation, music touches us at our core. Our strongest emotions, be they happy or sad, bring us to a point where words fail and only music remains. We hum, we whistle, we sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ and ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful.’ This is not a conditioned response or social convention. This comes out of our very soul. To recognize this is to recognize God within each of us. My lucky life is being spent connecting people to this source of life.”

Photo: Mark Brown

EPISCOPALIAN WHO SPARKED WIRELESS REVOLUTION RECEIVES NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY

The quote “You’re never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream,” by C.S. Lewis, applies to Dr. John B. Goodenough, who at age 97 was awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering role in developing the lithium-ion batteries that now power our cell phones, electric cars and other electronic gadgets.

Goodenough, who became the oldest Nobel winner, is also a member of St. Matthew’s, Austin.

"Live to 97 (years old) and you can do anything," Goodenough said in a statement. "I'm honored and humbled to win the Nobel Prize. I thank all my friends for the support and assistance throughout my life."

Dr. Goodenough spends much of his time in the lab conducting research at the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently listed as staff and professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and holds the Virginia H. Cockrell Centennial Chair in Engineering.