The Missioner Easter 2016

MISSIONER THE

NASHOTAH HOUSE

EASTER 2016 VOL. 32, NO. 2

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he historic Nashotah House Theological Seminary invites you to consider hosting your next retreat, conference, or other special event at DeKoven Commons. Adams Hall, located in DeKoven Commons, contains an auditorium that seats up to 300 people. Also available are five conference rooms for 20 to 60 people; and a dining/ reception hall. Equipped with audio/visual equipment, DeKoven Commons and its various conference rooms may also serve as a lecture halls for your group. Nashotah House offers excellent catering options upon request.

For more information about hosting an event at Nashotah House, please contact the Events Department at events@nashotah.edu.

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A Tribute to Service: Change Ringing Bell Tower at Nashotah House

Alumni Homecoming Day: May 25, 2016

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Bridging Two Worlds with the Gospel

by Pedro Lara, ’17

The Historic Friendship of the Oneida Tribe

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JANICE WATTER DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING & ALUMNI RELATIONS JWATTER@NASHOTAH.EDU

THE REV. PHILIP CUNNINGHAM ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ADMINISTRATION

REBECCA TERHUNE MANAGING EDITOR MISSIONER.EDITOR@NASHOTAH.EDU

THE REV. ANDREW T. GROSSO, PHD ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMICS

BLISS LEMMON ART DIRECTOR

THE REV. RICK HARTLEY, DMIN ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENTS

NASHOTAH.EDU GIVE.NASHOTAH.EDU AMBROSEINSTITUTE.ORG

THE VERY REV. STEVEN A. PEAY, PHD DEAN AND PRESIDENT

DIANE S. PLANTENBERG ASSOCIATE DEAN OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT DPLANTENBERG@NASHOTAH.EDU

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THE MISSIONER IS PUBLISHED FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF NASHOTAH HOUSE

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The cross of the Resurrected Christ, located at the Nashotah House Cemetery, was given in 1924 as a memorial to the Rev. Edward A. Larrabee, D.D. (1852-1924). Rev. Larrabee served as a Professor of Homiletics at the House and was appointed Dean in 1909. Dr. Larrabee wrote of the hope given to Christians, “As the work of God is always perfect, as it was perfect in creation, as we have seen its triumph in prayer, so here we see its perfection: its triumph in grace. Nothing is too hard for the love of Christ; the grace of God triumphs again and again.”

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LETTER FROM THE DEAN

CHRIST IS RISEN! We have worked our way through another cycle of the church year, and are almost through a school-year, too. Here at the House both have been marked with many events, some of which are chronicled in the following pages of THE MISSIONER. Now in the opening months of my second year as Dean and President I look back and think that it’s been a good year.

2016 is the 174th year that Nashotah mission has served Christ and His Church. The work Blessed Jackson Kemper envisioned, begun by Blessed James Lloyd Breck and companions, continues. Preparing for our 175th celebration we remember relationships that have shaped the House, like our friendship with the Oneida tribe (p. 26-27). Many celebratory events are in the works for the coming months and I hope our alumni and supporters will come to campus and join us. The Nashotah mission continues and flourishes.

While the House moves forward in its service we seek to preserve our historic campus and environment. In January the House entered into an arrangement with the Gehl Foundation (p. 7) to assist that process. John Gehl’s passion is the preservation of Wisconsin’s rural farmland. Working with him Nashotah House will preserve the farm, while maximizing its value. In this agreement two stewardship visions come together to make a difference. Additionally, we are in conversation as to how we can develop programs and other opportunities for our students to learn and grow in understanding of the theology of the land and its appropriate stewardship – important considerations for our day.

Ongoing response to our accrediting agency – the Association of Theological Schools – brought some changes to our governance and to our service of our alumni. Beginning in October Trustees were replaced by a two-tiered system of governance, employing a modified version of the John Carver “policy governance” approach. The Board of Visitors (also known as the Corporation) holds Nashotah House in trust. The Visitors then elect a Board of Directors, who are charged with setting the ends to be achieved, and the policies to be followed in doing so. The day-to-day operation of the institution is in the hands of the Dean-President, under the supervision of the Board of Directors. At this writing, the system is working quite well.

In an effort to better serve our graduates, the Alumni Association will be honorably retired and a new ALUMNI COUNCIL will take its place.

The Alumni Council will be composed of 24 graduates representing our three educational contexts: Residential, Hybrid-Distance, and Advanced Degree. Their task, working closely with the Institutional Advancement office, will be to serve our graduates’ ongoing needs for spiritual and educational programming, along with promoting close relationships to the House. Programs will be offered at the House and regionally.

Additionally, those in various specialized ministries, such as chaplaincies, will be supported in the work. There are exciting times ahead!

We said “farewell” to our 13th Dean and President, the Rt. Rev. Donald J. Parsons, ThD, JCD in January (p. 22-23). The outpouring of love and respect for this godly, scholarly, wise, and delightfully witty, man has EASTER 2016

been gratifying. Having been blessed to get to know Bishop Parsons a bit, not as well as I would have liked, I understand the response. Even more do I now understand the meaning of the phrase “we stand on the shoulders of giants.” Stature, of course, has nothing to do with it; Donald Parsons was a giant, both of the heart and of the intellect.

We are poorer for his passing, but his influence is still on this place, and we will work to see that it continues. Rest eternal and light perpetual!

As we move toward our 175th year, please keep the House in your prayers. There is much to do, and God continues to send us new opportunities – and challenges – to serve the theological education/ formation of Christ’s Church. Your support is vital – if Nashotah House is to flourish it will be because of good folk who hold its mission and its future in their hearts.

Yours in the Lord’s service,

The Very Reverend Steven A. Peay, PhD

Dean-President Professor of Homiletics and Church History

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Letter Chairman board of directors from the

of the

The Rt. Rev. Daniel H. Martins, ’89 11th Bishop of Springfield

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mong the many memories that I treasure from my student days at Nashotah House is the observance of the Paschal Triduum, the passion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These three days stand out prominently as I remember trekking across campus from the ‘Flats’ to the Red Chapel in the wee hours of Good Friday morning to fill the vigil hour at 3 a.m.; weeping while holding one of the arms of the cross during the Veneration in the liturgy that afternoon as the community sang the Reproaches; celebrating the baptisms of classmates’ children (by immersion in a copper tub!); and children (my own three among them) lining up after the Easter Vigil for their annual chance to ring ‘Michael’ the Bell.

It was a rich, formative, and, eventually, an utterly joyful experience.

As the campus community, along with the church throughout the world, marks another Paschal Triduum, I find myself encouraged by many signs of a sort of “springtime” at Nashotah: a period of renewal, new growth, and optimism. It’s no secret that we’ve been through a rough patch of late. We have been challenged by turnovers in administrative leadership; severe assessments by our accrediting agency; less than completely effective governance; riding out the repercussions of schism in the Anglican world; and an unsustainable pattern of deficit financing of our operations.

I won’t claim that we are completely “out of the woods” in all of those areas; concrete challenges remain. But I rejoice that we have in The Very Rev. Steven A. Peay, a Dean and President who shows every sign of being “the man of God’s

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own choosing” at this time in the life of the House. He has the rare charism of being able to cast both a compelling vision for the seminary and attend effectively to the enfleshed details of running it. He is both a leader and a manager of exceptional ability and this is not a combination that is often found. I also rejoice in the leadership team Dean Peay has assembled. I call particular attention to the Academic Dean, the Rev. Andrew Grosso, who has seen to it that Nashotah House offers second-to-none preparation for parish ministry, which is our primary calling card; as well as the Associate Dean for Institutional Advancement, Diane Plantenberg, who brings a treasure trove of professional experience to our fundraising and development operations.

Her efforts are already bearing fruit and she has barely started.

It is also no small accomplishment that we have not simply tweaked or amended, but radically overhauled our governance structures with a restated charter, entirely new statutes, and a robust set of governance policies. The familiar Board of Trustees voted itself out of existence last October. Each of the trustees then became “members” of the legal corporation and are now known alternatively as the Board of Visitors.

The members assemble annually in May and elect from among their own number a much smaller (9-12 persons) Board of Directors. The Directors are the handson governing body of the seminary who NASHOTAH.EDU

meet face-to-face at least twice a year and throughout the year by conference call. The Dean has a seat and voice with the Directors. The Directors give the Dean his general “marching orders” and allow him to prosecute his mission as he sees fit within a minimal number of clear guidelines. Our hope is to deliver a much more effective, transparent, and healthy way of exercising stewardship over the blessed inheritance that is Nashotah House.

Rejoice with me in these exciting and forward-looking developments. Christ is risen and floreat Nashotah!

HISTORIC AGREEMENT BUILDS AND PRESERVES An agreement between the Faye Gehl Conservation Foundation and Nashotah House Theological Seminary signed Jan. 20, 2016 will ensure the existence of agricultural land (pictured) in the Lake Country area in Wisconsin, while preserving the mission of a treasured theological institution.

According to Mr. John Gehl (far right) and the Very Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D., (near right) Dean and President of Nashotah House, “We wish to be good stewards of the land by preserving it.” This agreement maximizes stewardship of the land while preserving a rich relationship between the historic farm and the seminarians during the critical years of their education at Nashotah House.

The farm comprises approximately 260 acres located adjacent to Nashotah House. It has been owned and operated by Nashotah House since 1842. Mr. Gehl said the Faye Gehl Conservation Foundation and Gehl Farmland Investments LLC are committed to saving agricultural land in the Lake Country area. Mr. Gehl’s family came to the area sixty-three years ago. Since then, as more and more agricultural land became developed, the family decided to do whatever they could to preserve as much open space as possible. To date, they have protected over 700 acres in the area.

Mr. Gehl’s motivation fits well with those of the Nashotah House Board of Directors. He said the intention is to improve soil health by planting multiple crops, including cover crops, eventually converting a portion of the land to pasture; finally, to put a conservation easement on the agricultural portion so it can never be developed, thus keeping it as open space forever.

According to Dean Peay, for many years the farm and school supported each other. In recent years, the farm has been rented out and portions of it used by growers to plant corn and soybeans. “Given the rigors of theological education, we are no longer able to support the farm and our educational mission” he said. “But under this new agreement, Mr. Gehl is open to including our students in the work of the farm, which was a part of Nashotah House’s original mission.”

When Nashotah House was founded, its mantra was Ora et Labora, that is “Pray and Work”. There is a rhythm to farming and nature that ties it to the Benedictine tradition.

This tie reminds us, “how insignificant we are compared to the wonders of nature and the transcendence of God,” said Dean Peay. The rhythm encourages attention to detail and a disciplined approach to life.

“The land deserves to be restored,” he said. “The last time the House was able to work the land was in the 1960s. We are blessed and grateful by this opportunity. It allows us to EASTER 2016

enter into a partnership that will enable the House to return to that critical part of its original mission while ensuring that the land is cared for using the latest conservation efforts available. Instead of creating more housing subdivisions, we believe the preservation of open space is important for Nashotah House, the region, and the country.”

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APPOINTMENTS ORDINATIONS REMEMBRANCE The Rev. Scott James Anderson (’79) died at his residence following a brief illness on Sept. 11, 2015. Fr. Anderson served as Curate at St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church in Joplin, MO. In 1983 he became the Vicar of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Excelsior Springs, MO. Fr. Anderson was called as Rector to St. John's Episcopal Church in Ionia, MI, serving until his retirement in 2006. During his ministry he served as a

hospital and hospice chaplain and was involved in youth work in the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri and Western Michigan, respectively.

The Rev. John Armstrong (’15) was installed as Rector of Holy Apostles Church (ACNA) in Pewaukee, WI, by the Rt. Rev. Stephen Strawn, Dec. 27, 2015.

The Rev. Phillip Berghuis (right, ’15) was ordained to the priesthood Nov. 17, 2015, at St. Columba Church, Fresno, CA, by the Rt. Rev. Eric Menees, Diocese of San Joaquin (ACNA).

The Rev. David Bumsted (left, ’13) was installed as Rector at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orlando, FL, Nov. 15, 2015.

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The Rev. Tracy M. Dugger (above center, ’15) was ordained to the priesthood Nov. 29, 2015 by the Rt. Rev. Gregory Brewer at Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden, FL.

The Rev. William Joseph Barnds, Associate Alumnus, from Galesburg, IL, died on Oct. 5, 2015.

The Rev. Albert St. George Colbourne (’46) died at the age of 100 in Vallejo, CA. Mr. Robert Douglas (’16) was ordained to the diaconate Dec. 5, 2015, by the Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, in St. Petersburg, FL. The Rev. John R. Edwards, Jr. (’54) died Aug. 10, 2015. Fr. Edwards was born in Wisconsin to John Edwards Sr. and Thelma Edwards on Mar. 11, 1929. A memorial mass was held on Sept. 4, 2015 at All Saints Episcopal Church, San Diego, CA. The Rev. H. Dagnall Free, Jr. (’10) was installed as 17th Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Staten Island, NY, on Nov. 19, 2015 by the Rt. Rev. Andrew Dietsche, the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

The Rev. Richard A. Ginnever (’74) recently retired as Rector of Christ Church in Columbia, MD. The Rev. John L. Hartnett (’86) died Aug. 15, 2015. He began his calling at All Saints Episcopal Church, San Diego, CA. Later, he served at St. Giles Episcopal Church in Pinellas Park, and concluded his ministry at St. Vincent’s in St. Petersburg.

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The Rev. R. Christopher Heying (’98), has served as Rector of St. Paul's Church, Abbeville, LA, since Aug. 2015.

The Rev. Canon Chad Jones (’03) serves as Priest-in-Charge of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, LA. Canon Jones remains Rector of St. Patrick's, Zachary, LA. The Rev. Hunter Jordan (’16) was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 9, 2015 at St. Matthew's Church, Darlington SC, by the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. Fr. Jordan serves Rector at St. Matthew’s.

The Rev. Canon David W. Kent (’63) was appointed Vicar of St. Timothy’s, Iola, KS, on Nov. 1, 2015. He previously served as Canon to the Ordinary under the Rt. Rev. William Smalley in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.

The Rev. Noah S. Lawson (’14) was installed on Oct. 12, 2015, as Vicar of St. Alban's Anglican Church in Los Banos, CA, and St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church in Hollister, CA. The Rev. Arthur S. Lloyd, Associate Alumnus, died Aug. 4, 2015. Fr. Lloyd was born Dec. 5, 1927 in Osaka, Japan, the seventh and youngest child of Episcopal missionaries, the Rev. James Hubard and Louisa Myers Lloyd. Fr. Lloyd was a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary and Yale Divinity School, respectively.

Mr. Cameron Patrick MacMillan (’16) was ordained to the diaconate on Jan. 16, 2016, by the Rt. Rev. Gregory Brewer at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Maitland, FL, of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.

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The Rev. David Matlack (’13) was ordained to the priesthood Jan. 20, 2016, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA, by the Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller, of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee.

The Rev. Ronald Dean Meyer, Associate Alumnus, died Jan. 1, 2016. Fr. Meyer was the retired rector of Christ Church, Cobble Hill, NY , the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.

The Rev. Alan E. McGlauchlin (’89) died Jan. 3, 2016. Fr. McGlauchlin served as parish priest of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Hamilton, TX. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Cornell J. Moss (STM, ’99), VII Diocesan Bishop of Guyana, South America, including Suriname and Cayenne, died May 30, 2015.

The Rev. Ezgi Saribay (above right, ’15) serves as Curate of St. Michael and St. George Episcopal Church, St. Louis, MO.

The Rev. Robert Rhea (’15) was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Nashville, on Jan. 30, 2016.

The Rev. John Sosnowski (’15) was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 13, 2015 by the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina at the Church of the Holy Comforter, Sumter, SC. The Rev. Canon Eugene N. Stillings, Associate Alumnus from Baraboo, WI, died Dec. 6, 2015. On Oct. 11, 1945, Fr. Stillings was ordained deacon in St. James’ Parish, New Castle, IN on June 16, 1957. He was priested in St. Luke’s Parish, Shelbyville, IN, on Dec. 23, 1957.

The Rev. Paul Nesta (’13) was installed as Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, La Porte, IN, on Oct. 10, 2015, by the Rt. Rev. Edward S. Little, II, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana.

The Rev. Elizabeth Papazoglakis (’12) and the Rev. Tom Papazoglakis (’02) serve as Priests-in-Charge, St. George's Episcopal Church, Diocese of Albany.

The Rt. Rev. Donald James Parsons, 6th Bishop of Quincy (19731987), 14th Dean of Nashotah House (1963-1973), and mentor to generations of priests died Jan. 4, 2016 at the age of 94. Recently, Bp. Parsons hosted the 2012 Fall Retreat for students and faculty, and delivered the Alumni Day Mass in May 2014. Bp. Parsons served as a Nashotah House faculty member during the 1960s and was the author of The Holy Eucharist, Rite Two: A Devotional Commentary and A Lifetime Road to God. (See article on p. 22, Parsons.)

The Rev. David Radzik (’15) was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. William Love, on Feb. 18, 2016 the Episcopal Diocese of Albany at Nashotah House Theological Seminary.

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The Rev. Jason S. Terhune (’15) was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 7, 2015, at Nashotah House Theological Seminary by the Rt. Rev. John Bauerschmidt, the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Webb, Special Student ’87-’88, former Pastoral Psychotherapist, Gundersen Clinic, LaCrosse, WI, Diocese of Eau Claire, is Assisting Priest, St.Paul’s, San Antonio, TX. Mr. Christian Wood (’16) was ordained to the diaconate Dec. 5, 2015, by the Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, St. Petersburg, FL. Alumni or families of alumni are invited to send their notices to Jan Watter, Director of Alumni Relations at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. Mrs. Watter’s email address is jwatter@nashotah.edu.

November 5-6, 2016 Whether you are discerning a call to ministry or considering the possibility of attending seminary, there is no better place in which to retreat from the world and begin to contemplate your call than Nashotah House. A full two-day feast of worship, classroom experience, private reflection, and candid discussion with our students, faculty, and staff. Experiencing Nashotah is expressly designed for prospective students and their spouses.

Offered twice a year, in the Fall and the Spring, Experiencing Nashotah is your opportunity to taste and see what life is like at Nashotah House, giving you and your spouse a real introduction to our community, its vibrant life, and its living tradition.

Email admissions@nashotah.edu or call 262-646-6500 for more information.

If you intend to have an official admissions interview during your visit, please submit your portion of the Admissions Application prior to your visit.

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MINISTRY OUTREACH IN ALBANY

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n most Wednesdays this past summer, when walking the streets of Arbor Hill, Albany, NY, an Episcopal priest and Nashotah House seminarian could be seen seated at a small table near a busy intersection of the city. The Rev. Paul Hunter (pictured far right), Canon for Mission of the Albany Diocese and the Cathedral of All Saints, and Margaret Brack (near right), a student at Nashotah House, met, spoke, prayed with people, and shared the Gospel with them. Arbor Hill is considered to be among the poorest neighborhoods of Albany.

There, she led a community Summer Arts Program that featured her teaching beginning acting and music.

Among the presenters also included her 18-year-old daughter AnneMarie, who taught dance.

“Service has always been integral to my ministry,” Mrs. Brack said. “At Nashotah House, we learn that our Christian call involves reaching out to those in need in any manner, whether in prayer or in support; always in the name of Christ.”

Mrs. Brack, who was in Albany to complete her teaching practicum for Nashotah House, regularly invited the curious to visit, to read, and to begin in conversation.

One particular day, she tended to a woman and two children whom she learned were on the street because they had no place to live. It was easy to see that she and Fr. Hunter provided much needed counsel and hope.

“Along with the prayer table, Fr. Hunter and I also shared many experiences involved in door-to-door evangelism,” she said. “We found people open to the love of Christ and earnestly seeking prayer.”

Mrs. Brack and Fr. Hunter regularly conducted prayer walks. One experience she shared involved a man sitting on his front stoop who asked her and Fr. Hunter to pray for his friend. After he listed his friend’s struggles, he felt comfortable to admit he was the one in need of prayer.

“Another powerful experience came when I was suddenly compelled to walk down a street we had already gone down before,” she said. “Fr. Hunter and I then saw two women talking . I crossed the street and they began to cry when I offered to pray with them.

The one woman holding a small child said at church that morning she had asked God to send her someone to pray with her. Fr. Hunter joined us and we prayed for her needs and the neighbor’s concerns also. At that moment I knew I was meant to be in Albany that summer just for these prayers. Our ministry brought so much to the people, so much grace.”

Mrs. Brack also helped to conduct a weekly outreach youth group with worship services at St. Francis Mission in nearby West Hill, a highly successful outreach initiative. Neighborhood kids between the ages eight and 13 attend each week throughout the year.

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Mrs. Brack assisted two more priests at Oaks of Righteousness, a diocesan ministry in the neighboring city of Troy. There, she prayed with children and teens; helped to prepare them for baptism; and worked with them in Bible study.

“This was the toughest ministry because these kids were in such great need and they really were just trying to survive,” she said. “Breaking up fights and keeping them from hurting each other sometimes went hand-in-hand with cooking quesadillas, burritos, and making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that were offered daily.

What a joy to see the creativity and talent the kids had when given the opportunity to use it.”

Furthermore, Mrs. Brack said, “I had many experiences both here at the Oaks and ministering with Fr. Hunter where we saw the Lord at work in people’s lives. God used us in several ways: whether at the church, with the kids, or with the women’s group at the Albany Rescue Mission. In particular, sharing the faith with the women opened the door for them to ask for, and find solace in, our communal prayer. The ministry conducted this summer allowed me to discern God’s call and direction in my life.”

Portions of this article, used with permission, were first printed in The Albany Episcopalian, Vol. 12 No. 3 Fall 2015. Margaret Brack is a ‘middler’ student at Nashotah House. Photos are courtesy of Mrs. Brack.

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A TRIBUTE TO SERVICE: CHANGE RINGING BELL TOWER AT NASHOTAH HOUSE

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anon Joseph Kucharski will retire in 2016 leaving a 25 year legacy as: A mentor to students and clergy; composer of the seminary’s hymn, ‘Firmly I Believe’; creator of the Nashotah House Plainsong Psalter; editor of The Episcopal Musicians Handbook; and sought-after professor of Church Music, not to mention collector of hundreds of ordination invitations displayed prominently from his office ceiling trim.

He began his musical life as a Roman Catholic choirboy on Milwaukee’s South Side and was quickly drawn to the transcendent magnificence of the organ. He was also drawn to the Episcopal Church through the beauty of Choral Matins, and has held church music positions in and around Milwaukee for almost five decades...spanning the spectrum from low church liturgy to Solemn Masses.

Canon Kucharski is Canon Precentor of All Saints Cathedral in Milwaukee, where his 24 voice choir is renowned for its knowledge and love of the Anglican Choral Tradition.

As a tribute to Canon Kucharski’s service to the House and his great contribution to the training of a generation of clergy and lay leaders, the new change ringing tower being built on campus will be dedicated in his honor. The tower, and the art of change ringing—which is often seen more as a team sport than a musical activity—will add

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yet another aspect of the English college experience and musical heritage to life at Nashotah House. “What better way to celebrate a great musician and professor than to introduce another layer of musical activity to the rich musical tradition he is leaving us,” said the Rev. Steven A. Peay, 20th Dean and President.

“One of the charming things about life at Nashotah House is that our daily life is punctuated by bells,” said the Rev. Alexander R. Pryor, Teaching Fellow in Church Music.

“Bells call us to class; they call us to chapel; and, most importantly, call us to prayer. The reverberating sound of a bell is an aural reminder of the Lord’s own voice going outward to all people, calling them together to worship his Holy Name. Change ringing bells will add even more beauty to our community life, and will provide a unique opportunity for students to learn a practice originating in 17th century English churches, and which remains a constant part of Oxford or Cambridge college life today.”

Nashotah House’s Great Bell ‘Michael’ has rung three times daily to call the community for morning, noonday and evening prayer since 1884, when it was first given as a memorial gift to The House by one Dr. Delafield, a friend of House professor, Dr. Azel Cole. Michael will remain in his rustic tower and continue in the important role of ringing the Angelus. Across the garth, in front of the library, Michael will be joined by eight change ringing

bells, ranging from 125 to 1,200 pounds, housed in a new tower designed to mesh seamlessly with the existing stone architecture. Plans are also underway for the tower to include a columbarium for alumni and friends of the House.

The bells, cast in 1990 by Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London were received by Nashotah House in October 2013. The gift was from Pewaukee, WI resident Mr. Roland Perschon, who has sought a location for his bells over the years; when Canon Kucharski approached Mr. Perschon, he offered them to the historic campus.

The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Salmon, 19th Dean of Nashotah House christened the bells Oct. 10, 2013. The newly baptized bells were named accordingly: Gabriel, ‘God is our Strength’; Raphael, ‘God Heals’; Jehudiel, ‘God is Praised’; Jackson Kemper; James Lloyd Breck; James DeKoven; Charles Chapman Grafton; and Uriel, ‘God is Light’.

Funds for the tower are still needed. Donations in honor of Canon Kucharski or in memory or honor of someone special can be directed to give.nashotah.edu, or you may send a check to 2777 Mission Rd, Nashotah, WI 530589793. Please direct gift to “bell project.”

You are invited to attend A Solemn Evensong and Reception to Honor the Retirement of CANON DR. JOSEPH A. KUCHARSKI

Professor of Church Music & Director of Chapel Music

May 24, 2016 Solemn Evensong

4:30 pm Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin The Choral Scholars of Nashotah House with Members of the Choir of All Saints' Cathedral, Milwaukee

Reception

5:30 pm Grafton Hall Please RSVP by May 9, 2016 advancement@nashotah.edu 262-646-6507

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Honor Someone Special Spring occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduations, and Memorial Day, remind us of those who have made a profound difference in our lives. We are often challenged to find an appropriate way to show these special people how much they mean to us.

Why not consider honoring them with a Remembrance Gift to Nashotah House?

A Remembrance Gift to the House will not only honor someone important to you, but will enable a student to grow into a religious or lay leader through the transformational experience that Nashotah House provides. Those formed at the House, will themselves touch countless numbers of others who seek God’s presence in their lives.

The honoree, or the loved ones of the person you are memorializing, will receive a personalized card noting your thoughtful gesture. Gifts may be made by completing the envelope enclosed in the Missioner or by visiting the Nashotah House web site at: https://www.nashotah.edu/waysto-give Your Remembrance gift will be greatly appreciated and benefit many In His Name. Have a blessed Spring!

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Wednesday, May 25th

ALUMNI HOMECOMING DAY

2016

EVENTS OF THE DAY: 8:00 AM 8:45 AM 10:30 AM

MORNING PRAYER ST. MARY’S CHAPEL BREAKFAST BRECK REFECTORY ALUMNI MASS ST. MARY’S CHAPEL Celebrants: The Rev. Canon H.W. Herrmann, Alumni Association Warden The Rev. Canon Ed Monk, Alumni Association Treasurer & The Rev. Joel Prather, Alumni Association Secretary

NOON

LUNCH OPTIONS: ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FAREWELL LUNCHEON OLYMPIA RESORT

Hosted by Association Officers

1:45 PM

NASHOTAH HOUSE COMMUNITY LUNCH TACO TRUCK & COOK-OUT BRECK REFECTORY “CULTURE, CATECHESIS, & CONGREGATION: GATHERING IN, GOING OUT” WEST WING

An Ambrose Institute Program Presented by: The Rev. Jack Gabig, PhD,

Director of the Ambrose Institute, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Advanced Degree Programs

& The Rev. Lee Nelson, Ambrose Coach & Rector, Christ Church, Waco, TX

4:30 PM

6:30 PM

EVENSONG ST. MARY’S CHAPEL Arthur Michael Ramsey Lecture Lecture Presented as a Sermon by The Rt. Rev. Harold Miller, Bishop of Down & Dromore, The Church of Ireland ALUMNI REUNION & AWARDS BANQUET/ADAMS HALL 6:30 COCKTAILS & APPETIZERS 7:15 DINNER 7:45 PROGRAM Invocation

The Rt. Rev. Daniel H. Martins ’89 Chairman of the Board of Directors

State of the House The Very Rev. Steven A. Peay, PhD Dean & President

My Nashotah House Experience Members-Class of 2016 Alumni Awards Presentation

Dean Peay

BRIDGING TWO WORLDS WITH THE GOSPEL PEDRO LARA (’17) EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF DALLAS

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approached the call to the priesthood with much discernment and prayer. As I reflect on my life, I realize that my parents influenced me to grow and mature into the faith, but the call itself came through many years of hearing the Lord’s voice in my life. It was not until my last year of college that I finally surrendered to that calling and allowed him to work according to his will. Eventually after acceptance into the discernment process for the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, I was led to Nashotah House for my priestly formation.

San Francisco de Asis is the name of my home parish in Dallas, a church that my parents Fr. Lino and Dcn. Juana Lara planted in 2013. There, I began an after-school boxing program for the youth in the parish community. It was through boxing that I became a servant for evangelism as it became a doorway to begin a youth ministry.

After visiting the local schools, we found that there were no after-school activities or programs for kids; a problem for the community because many of the kids’ parents worked well after the school day ended. As a result, many kids stayed on the streets and got into trouble. I felt called to fill this void by beginning an after-school boxing gym. From the time I was eight years old, I thought boxing would be a

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way to meet the needs of the community: give opportunities to youth, receive the Gospel, and be discipled. This was a time of much growth and learning in my own life.

As I finish my studies and formation here at Nashotah House, I hope to transplant this program to the growing Spanish-Anglican communities in Dallas. Bridging two worlds is something I am familiar with. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I was raised in my Mexican culture, speaking Spanish, and learning the customs; but I also grew up learning English and the culture here in the United States. Having the best of both worlds I hope to serve as a bridge between the two communities as each have their unique cultural norms and language. Both communities worship and proclaim the same Christ, who unites us and goes beyond cultural boundaries.

In ministry I seek to bring my two loves together: to share and teach both the English and Spanish communities, as well as share my love for evangelizing and discipling.

Anglicanism has much to offer to bridge communities: the beauty of traditional Anglican worship and the great historic theologians of our tradition such as John Jewel, Thomas Cranmer, and the Tractarians. Bringing more of this religious tradition and history to the Spanish communities will help

them develop their identity as Anglicans.

Additionally, the Hispanic community brings a great deal of fellowship making it easier to create community. For example, growing up, it was the custom for alternating groups in the congregation to prepare lunch for one another after Sunday services, and I feel it always made it easier to build community and unity. I look forward to creating ties between the two communities so that we may build each other up for the ultimate purpose of worshiping and following our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the Fall of 2014, Pedro Lara (pictured near right with his wife Gloria and daughter Leah) packed their belongings and moved from Dallas to Nashotah House. Mr. Lara’s call for ministry came after he became deeply involved helping his father, Fr. Lino and mother Dcn. Juana to plant the first Hispanic mission church in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. “Once church leaders pointed out to me my gifts of leading and teaching, and after much discernment, I felt Jesus was calling me to the priesthood,” said Mr. Lara. “I humbly ask for your prayers and may our Lord Jesus Christ always bless you as we all faithfully respond to his call.” For more about Mr. Lara and current Nashotah House seminarians, please visit https://www. nashotah.edu/support

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY Professor of New Testament and Greek at Nashotah House, Dr. Garwood P. Anderson (top right), was elected a member of The Living Church Foundation, Milwaukee, WI. Twelve new members were elected at the Foundation’s annual meeting on Oct. 28, 2015.

A friend of the House, the Rev. Anthony Clavier, Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, celebrated his 50th anniversary to the priesthood September 29, 2015 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Glen Carbon, IL. Among the guests and participants were alumni, the Rev. Benjamin Hankinson (’14) and the Rev. Ezgi Saribay (’15).

Officiating was the Rt. Rev Daniel Martins, Bishop of Springfield (’89).

The Rev. Charles R. Henery served as Priest-in-Charge of the Episcopal Church of St. John Chrysostom in Delafield, WI. He was sometime Professor of Church History and Homiletics and Sub-Dean at Nashotah House. Fr. Henery received his Th.D. in American church history from the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He is the author of Yankee Bishops: Apostles in the New Republic, 1783 to 1873 (Peter Lang, 2014) and editor of Beyond the Horizon: Frontiers for Mission (1986) and A Speaking Life: The Legacy of John Keble (1995) and co-editor of Spiritual Counsel in the Anglican Tradition (2010).

The Very Rev. Kevin Martin (far middle right with the Dean, left; and the Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins, center) received an honorary doctorate from Nashotah House Oct. 22, 2015. Canon Martin is the retired Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Dallas, TX. He is considered one of the foremost experts on congregational development. For 10 years, he served as the Canon for Congregational Development for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Canon Martin has served as an Episcopal Priest for nearly 40 years, and was on the 2020 Task Force of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. Donald V. Romanik (lower right), the President of Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) visited Nashotah House in November, 2015. Mr. Romanik has been President of ECF since 2005. Formerly, he has served as an attorney in both government and private practice and has been active in civic, charitable and religious organizations. Mr. Romanik’s book, Beyond the Baptismal Covenant: Transformational Lay Leadership for the Episcopal Church in the 21st Century, advocates for a new type of entrepreneurial priest and clergy and lay partnerships.

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A shrine established in Sheboygan, WI in the 1930s has drawn thousands to Grace Episcopal Church in devotion to the Virgin Mary. The annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at Grace Episcopal Church occurred Oct. 16-17, 2015. The Rev. Karl Schaffenburg (’06) serves as Rector of the parish. The pilgrimage includes a day of silent prayer, followed by a Solemn Evensong with music by the combined choirs of Nashotah House and Grace Church. Pictured top right are participating Nashotah House students: Joseph Francis (’18); Fabien Pering (’18); Ryan Pollock (’17); and Brian Werhle (’17). To read more about Grace Church and the annual pilgrimage, please visit www.sheboyganpress.com and ‘search’ Grace Church Sheboygan Pilgrimage.

Photo courtesy Grace Church, Sheboygan.

On Oct. 13, 2015, Christian Wood (’16, bottom right) and the Very Rev. Steven A. Peay, PhD, attended the Chapel Consecration of Immanuel Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS).

A number of faculty and students enjoyed a conversation on Reconnecting Earth and Altar: the Future of Anglo-Catholicism in the Episcopal Church. “There was good discussion and honest questions,” said Dean Peay. “A number of misconceptions of the Oxford and AngloCatholic movements were dispelled.”

From January 10-12, 2016, the Council of Episcopal Seminary Deans were hosted

by Nashotah House. The Council enjoyed fellowship and meetings on campus. Joining them were the Academic Deans of four schools and representatives of the Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM), the Board of Examining Chaplains, and the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church. “Theological education is alive and well, though facing challenges, and it’s a blessing to work with such a delightful group of people,” said Dean Peay.

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The Rt. Rev. Donald Parsons, as Nashotah House seminary professor, pictured in 1965, viewing the plans for the James Lloyd Breck Refectory with the Rt. Rev. Donald H.V. Hallock, then-president of the Board of Trustees and Bishop of Milwaukee, ret.

Bishop Parsons, as Thirteenth Dean of Nashotah House, pictured digging the cornerstone for the James Lloyd Breck Refectory.

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Thirteenth Dean of Nashotah House Laid to Rest T

he Rt. Rev. Donald James Parsons, Thirteenth Dean and President of Nashotah House Theological Seminary (1963-1973) and Professor of New Testament (1950-1973), died Jan. 4, 2016. Bp. Parsons was born Mar. 28, 1922, Philadelphia, PA. He attended Temple University before matriculating at Philadelphia Divinity School, where he earned a Th.B., a Th.M., and a Th.D. in New Testament. He was ordained deacon in 1946 in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Later that year, Bp. Parsons was ordained priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware. He served as Tutor of Greek and New Testament at Philadelphia Divinity School while also serving as Curate at Church of the Holy Trinity at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. As a priest in Delaware, Bp. Parsons served as Assistant Rector of Immanuel Episcopal Church in Wilmington and as Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Smyrna. In 1950 he moved to Wisconsin to serve as Professor of New Testament and Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House. After election as Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy, Bp. Parsons was consecrated on Sept. 8, 1973.

During his time as bishop (1973-1987), Bp. Parsons wrote two books: The Holy Eucharist Rite Two: a Devotional Commentary (1976) and A Lifetime Road to God (1977). After retirement he continued to provide episcopal oversight for a number of congregations as well as returning to Nashotah House. From 2005 to 2007, Bp. Parsons lived on campus and resumed teaching New Testament. Students at that time recall him arriving an hour early, before Morning Prayer and Eucharist, to pray in the Corpus Christi chapel at St. Mary’s. Following this time at Nashotah House, he moved to Peoria, IL, where he lived until his death. Bp. Parsons married Mary Russell in 1955, who predeceased him. He is survived by his three children, Mary, Rebecca, and Brad.

A Requiem Mass for Bishop Parsons was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pekin, IL, on Jan. 9, 2016. Nashotah House celebrated the life and ministry of Bishop Parsons with a Requiem Mass in the Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin on Jan. 14, 2016, followed by a Committal service at the Nashotah House cemetery. Presiding was The Rt. Rev. Daniel H. Martins, Eleventh Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield and Chair of the Board of Directors of Nashotah House. The Very Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D., Twentieth Dean and President of Nashotah House, celebrated; The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, Bishop Vicar of the Diocese of Quincy of the Anglican Church in North America and Member of the Board of Directors of Nashotah House, served as preacher.

A reception followed in the James Lloyd Breck Refectory, located in DeKoven Commons at Nashotah House.

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“Hundreds of Nashotah men have been privileged to learn the Faith of the New Covenant from this dedicated teacher,” was said of Bp. Parsons in 1973 by the Alumni Association, upon his reception of an honorary degree from Nashotah House. “They have been privileged to learn the experience of the New Testament priesthood during their critical years of formation from a man who lives what he believes.”

When asked at the time what he viewed as the primary element of his call to Nashotah House, Bp. Parsons said his role was to continue the “emphasis on the spiritual development of the future priest and the solid academic work which is distinctly directed toward preparing a man to be a pastor and a priest. [Further,] all of us remember some kind of sacrifice and love connected with the cost of our spiritual formation here as future priests.”

Conviction, frankness, compassion are words that have been used to describe Bp. Parsons. After his retirement from Nashotah House, he continued to be active in the community visiting students, faculty, families, and leading in spiritual retreats. During a sermon delivered to the alumni at Nashotah House in May 2014, Bp. Parsons said: “We are called to do remarkable things: to bless in God’s name; to forgive sins by God’s promise; to preside over the Eucharist.

We are called to baptize ... to proclaim the Gospel in season and out-of-season.

“As I share with you these priestly duties, I sometimes ask myself: do these activities make a difference, are souls really fed as God desires?” he said. “Is Christ really formed in the lives and souls of our people? In recent years, I have been helped by 1 John 3:1-2. I have been drawn to those verses, that we should be called children of God, and so we are. This is an incredible promise: it does not appear what we shall be, but when He appears we shall be like him: in His Glory.”

The community of Nashotah House continues to be thankful to Our Lord for this faithful man.

The family requests that memorial gifts be dedicated to the Bishop Parsons Scholarship Fund at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, 2777 Mission Road, Nashotah, WI 53058 or www.nashotah.edu/donate.

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ON A WING AND A PRAYER

By Ian Mikrut

T

he Rev. Greg McBrayer has been blessed with a great deal of energy.

Along with pastoral duties as an assistant priest, which includes extensive involvement in outreach and addiction recovery counseling, Fr. McBrayer (pictured below, far right) is also an FAA licensed flight controller, and chaplain at American Airlines, formerly US Airways.

On any given workday over the last thirty years, he has begun his day at 2:30 a.m. with disciplined prayer and time spent with the Lord before his 4 a.m. shift at the Operations Control Center. And every Monday, on his “off ” day, Fr. McBrayer leads a ministry he planted called the “Monday Ministry” held at the Ops Control Center. This Center oversees all US Airways flights domestically and worldwide and housed almost 600 of his coworkers, 180 of which performed the same FAA licensed duties he does.

“It’s been a rich mission field for ministry work. We’ve brought numerous people into new or deeper relationships with the Lord through this ministry in a secular workplace, which in itself is truly amazing this day and time,” said Fr. McBrayer. “It’s only by God’s grace, that He aligned US Airways leadership to say yes to this ministry and He has continued to do so. He continues to affirm in me and senior management the need for ministry within this very stressful profession.”

At first, Fr. McBrayer just envisioned bringing a gospelteaching ministry with open prayer to a handful of colleagues who were interested. But before long the ministry began to

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grow into a structured worship service. Eventually the last Monday of the month became “Meal Monday”. The potluck meal, provided by worshipers, took place after the service and was an attraction that brought in additional people.

More Than “Just” a Bible Study Sacramental ministry was later incorporated into the first Monday of every month with an abbreviated Eucharist service. Though the ministry is in the structured worship of the Anglican tradition, Fr. McBrayer describes the Monday Ministry as a multi-denominational fellowship.

He first heard God’s call to ordained ministry while in the Lutheran church where he served many years. But eventually God would lead him elsewhere. He became drawn to Anglicanism because of its deep roots in scripture-based teaching and liturgical worship. Fr. McBrayer completed his Anglican seminary studies at Trinity school for ministry but chose to do his Anglican Heritage study at Nashotah House before being ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.

He said he loved the time he spent at Nashotah, and plans to do some continuing education here and return for spiritual retreats.

During worship times on Monday, a corporate boardroom called the “situation room”, normally used for serious events, or critical meetings, was transformed into a church.

A cross went up on the wall, chairs were aligned, a pulpit would be put in place and the Gospel proclaimed.

“We turned it into a situation room for the Lord, where His Kingdom work could be carried out. And whenever that work needs to be done, He seems to always make margin in the day for me to do it.”

The metaphor for Fr. McBrayer’s dual duties at US Airways, now American Airlines, is not lost on him.

“For the most part I’ve been moving people safely towards their final destination in one capacity or another all my life. Whether it was in an airplane or in their spiritual journey, my life has been devoted to helping move God’s people to their final destination and toward His heavenly kingdom,” he said. “And that’s why the Lord has placed me here, to help do just that. It’s been an incredibly rich mission field and proves to continue to be.”

The future was uncertain at the time this story was first published; the Pittsburgh Flight Operations Control Center has been closed as part of US Airways’ merger with American Airlines. And now a new and much larger facility has been constructed in Dallas, Texas, taking many jobs with it.

About 300 people moved to Texas to continue their aviation careers, including Fr. McBrayer. More than 35 of those 300 actively worshipped with him in Pittsburgh and have now uprooted their lives to move halfway across the country creating a season of relative uncertainty, trauma and stress.

Shepherding through Every Event But as always, Fr. McBrayer has stood confident in the words of his favorite verses from Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting fully in the Lord’s plan even when it is unknown.

“This is the mission field where God has placed me and I honestly feel like it was for this moment in time in my life to help shepherd these people through the most traumatic event of their lives,” he said. “Many people, unlike me, haven’t had to move in this industry so this is a very chaotic time and it’s a great opportunity obviously for the Lord to move into their lives.”

Everything Fr. McBrayer had negotiated to bring ministry into the US Airways facility in Pittsburgh had to be renegotiated in Texas with American Airlines. The question for him was how and in what capacity his ministry might exist. With roughly 1,500 employees, the new facility has the possibility to triple the size of his ministry.

“I honestly feel from the bottom of my heart, my purpose on this Earth is for whatever God has planned in Texas,” he said. “And I don’t even know what that’s going to be yet.” Since first saying those words over a year ago the Lord continues to slowly reveal to Fr. McBrayer His will and plan for this new call.

Since relocating to Texas and becoming licensed in the Diocese of Fort Worth the energetic bi-vocational priest has begun serving as an assistant at Saint Barnabas Anglican Church in Fort Worth while continuing his career work and ministry EASTER 2016

at American Airlines’ new Operations Control Center.

Leadership at American Airlines has permitted him to replant his weekly Monday Ministry service and extend his chaplaincy duties in what is now the world’s largest airline.

He has been encouraged by the fact that senior management wants to evolve his ministry in a growing capacity. The new Operations Control Center has an interfaith “prayer room” and an active Christian Employee Resource Group which Fr. McBrayer’s Monday Ministry is actively involved with.

“That tells me somebody down here knows that the Lord is needed in this massive new facility. The Lord has been in front of me and continues to be.”

Fr. Greg McBrayer completed his Anglican seminary studies at Trinity School for Ministry but chose to do his Anglican Heritage study at Nashotah House before being ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. “The Lord has blessed and used me, and my gift set is not that good… but God uses the gifts we have in the communities and circles in which he places us, God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.” he said. “He redeemed, equipped, and placed me in these circles to do the work of His Kingdom which is truly amazing when I think of where I came from and where I’ve been in my journey. To His Holy Name be all Praise and Glory!”

Ian Mikrut is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh. Mr. Mikrut has written for various newspapers, blogs, and a number of magazines.

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The Historic Friendship of the Oneida Tribe

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s Nashotah House approaches its 175th anniversary, we look back at its historic relationships among various people and dioceses. Among them are the Oneida Indian tribe of Wisconsin. Since the mid-1830s, the Oneida have had a rich tradition in both Wisconsin and Nashotah House. The Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, who was first missionary bishop to the Episcopal Church in the United States (1835-70), the Oneida knew as Ha-rero-wa-gon or “He who has the Power over all the Words”.

Also among the friends of the Oneida was third Bishop of New York and founder of General Theological Seminary, John Henry Hobart (1816-30). It was after Hobart that the Oneida named their first church, Hobart Church.

Current members of the Oneida Indian tribe, Diocese of Fond du Lac, WI, including Gordon McLester, recently met with The Very Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D., DeanPresident of Nashotah House, where they recounted the Oneida tribe and the seminary’s long-standing friendship of historic significance.

In 1843, two young Episcopal deacons, the Rev. James Lloyd Breck and the Rev. William Adams, six months after founding Nashotah House, made the four-day trip on foot from Nashotah to the Oneida community near

The Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, after whom the Oneida named their first church.

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The Rev. Cornelius Hill or Onangwatgo (“Big Medicine”), was a lifelong Episcopalian and ordained a priest at age 69. Active in Oneida life and culture, he ministered to his people until shortly before his death.

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Green Bay, WI, to be ordained to the priesthood in the recently-consecrated Hobart Church (1839), the nearest consecrated Episcopal church, and later named the Church of Holy Apostles.

Mr. Breck and Mr. Adams returned to Nashotah with three young men from the Oneida tribe to educate them at Nashotah House. One pupil, Cornelius Hill (b. 1834), eventually became their last chief and first priest. Hill’s Oneida name was, Onan-gwat-go, or “Great Medicine” and he faithfully served his people as interpreter and organist prior to ordination. After, Hill served as an advocate for his tribe, at one point writing on their behalf: “The civilization at which I and the greater part of my people aim is one of truth and honor; one that will raise us to a higher state of existence here on earth and fit us for a blessed one in the next world.” Mr. Hill died in 1907 and was buried in the Holy Apostles’ churchyard.

Fire, flood, smallpox, and the overall perils of frontier living continued for people in the newly-formed Wisconsin (1848). Civil law, churches, boarding schools, and unity among the people, however, continued in the state. And the resiliency of the Oneida continued. In 1870, they gave one day each week to quarrying their own stone to replace

The Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart Brown, first Bishop of Fond du Lac, and great friend to the Oneida.

Hobart Church, the second church the Oneida built, was consecrated by The Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, 1839, the first missionary bishop to the West. Hobart Church was the first Episcopal church in the Northwest Territory and where the Nashotah House founders were ordained.

the original church’s log structure. Women crafted and sold dolls; children gathered and sold berries, all to raise funds to build their new church. For the next 14 years, they were able to save $200 per year (approximately $3,600 today’s currency). Another gift, the church’s blueprints that would become Holy Apostles, were donated by the Rev. Charles Babcock, Cornell University, NY. In 1884, the money saved by the Oneida tribe was lost in a financial crash. Through their efforts, they had raised over $6,000 (approximately $109,000 today’s currency).

The Rev. Edward Goodnough, pastor of the church, and the Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart Brown, first Bishop of Fond du Lac (1875-1888), issued an appeal to raise $8,500 (approximately $207,000 today’s currency) on the their behalf. The Rev. Goodnough, known by his Oneida name Ka-yen-retta, or “Bright Blue Sky”, served as their priest from 1853-90. He was a Nashotah House graduate and sent there by Bishop Kemper; through his steadfast efforts, the third church was built.

the elder Oneida women together to teach them how to make their own clothes and to bake. Mrs. Goodnough’s detailed diary tells us much of what is known of the tribe’s relationship with each other and with the Church.

Finally, parish life thrived among the Oneida in Green Bay and surrounding areas until 1920 when the church was struck by lightning. Only the the original quarried stone survived. All was not lost and within two years the church had been rebuilt and was consecrated, where people continue to gather in worship today.

Portions of this article were reprinted with permission from The New York State Historical Association, Winter/Spring 2013; Our Anniversary Book: The Oneida Mission, 1822-1942; The Goodnoughs from the Nashotah House Archives; and The Oneida Indians in the Age of Allotment, 1860-1920, edited by Laurence M. Hauptman and L. Gordon McLester, III.

Further, his wife, Ellen Goodnough, was also instrumental in helping the Oneida rebuild. Mrs. Goodnough had arrived with her husband in Wisconsin at age 18. She helped to form the Women’s Guild, where she brought

Holy Apostles Church, consecrated 1887, is the Oneida’s third church where the faithful continue to worship. This stone church was built by the Oneida through great effort from Rev. E.A. Goodnough, a graduate of Nashotah House. All photos courtesy the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac.

Pictured are members of the Oneida tribe: Gordon (tan jacket) and Betty McLester (right); and Judy Skenadore (left) with Nashotah House’s Dean-President, The Very Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D. The group spent time in the Archives at Nashotah House’s Frances Donaldson Library researching Wisconsin Native Americans and their relationships with missionaries, including the seminary’s founders, the Revs. James Lloyd Breck and William Adams.

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 5297

The Missioner (ISSN 1521–5148) is published by Nashotah House, a theological seminary forming leaders in the Anglican tradition since 1842.

2777 Mission Rd., Nashotah, WI 53058–9793, Tel.: 262.646.6500. www.nashotah.edu