HISTORY OF SAINT MICHAEL (80s & 90s

THE HISTORY OF SAINT MICHAEL

By Peggy Carr & Mary Malouf

80s and 90s: Over the course of our celebration year, we are walking through our history as a church, learning of the people who came before us and who paved the way for the church's current standing. This text records public events in our parish history: ground breakings, dedications of buildings, musical presentations, parish meetings, and so on. For those who have been in our parish for many years, it will trigger personal memories. For those who have recently joined our parish, it is a chance to understand how we have become a flourishing community. Over the next 75 years, we hope to continue to be "an embracing and engaging community of faith living our Baptismal Covenant". To see a digital, mobile-friendly, version of this timeline, visit saintmichael.org/history75.

1980

The Parish Show in January is titled “Bye Bye Bobby”, a farewell tribute to Fr. Estill. In August, the former rector, the Reverend George Kempsell, dies.

On September 14, the Reverend Robert Ratelle is instituted as rector of Saint Michael.

September 28 is designated “Paul Lindsley Thomas Day” in honor of the choir director’s 20 years of service. In October, Dr. Thomas is named a lay canon by Bishop Davies—the first time such an honor has ever been given to a lay person.

Text has been adapted from "Our First 50 years".

1981

In January, women at Saint Michael begin to train as acolytes, responding to Fr. Ratelle’s invitation in The Archangel.

Beginning September 13, the Sunday service in the Saint Michael Chapel is designated as a special family and children’s service. The Diocesan Youth Convention is held at Saint Michael.

1982

May 23 is officially named “Leon’s Day”. A celebration of Leon Farmer’s twenty years of service includes a special skit, “Good Old Reliable Leon”, and a balloon launch after the church service.

In June, a special convention of the Diocese of Dallas votes to divide itself, creating a new diocese with its seat in Fort Worth.

The Reverend Michael Wallens is called in September as priest in charge of Youth Ministry.

1983

On June 26, a reception is held for Frs. Akers and Frensley, whose resignations have been simultaneously accepted by Fr. Ratelle.

The Rev. B. Anderson McCarthy is called as chaplain of Saint Michael School. The Rev. Andrew Thomas Blackmon joins the clergy.

1985

In April, the Good Shepherd program, which divides the parish family into more intimate neighborhood groups, is established.

September 29 marks the 40th anniversary celebration of Saint Michael and All Angels Church.

On October 1, the newly installed organ, built by Schudi, is dedicated, and a concert is held in the church.

In December, the Reverend Canon Donald Henning dies.

1986

In February, Mrs. Elizabeth Barnes becomes the third directress of Saint Michael School. In March, Saint Michael undertakes its first STEP project.

1987

The first Ashley Horne Priddy Memorial Concert, featuring the Texas Brass Ensemble and Dr. Paul Thomas at the organ, is held on March 2, 1987.

Fr. McCarthy resigns in May and Fr. Mike Wallens accepts the call to become chaplain at Saint Michael School.

With Fr. Kevin Huddleston, “Rev. Kev”, as the new youth minister, the first youth newsletter is published in February. At first, it is called The Holy Mackerel; later it becomes, Free, Take One. The Rev. Charles W. Treadwell and the Rev. Tamara Newell, the parish’s first woman priest, join the clergy staff.

1990

The Decade of Evangelism begins. On March 18, the vestry, at Fr. Treadwell’s suggestion, calls for an end to the use of polystyrene cups. “Only paper products will be used at Saint Michael from now on.” The Ecology-Refreshment Fund is established to support the increased cost of paper products.

September 27 is proclaimed “Saint Michael School Day'' by Dallas Mayor Annette Strauss in honor of the schools’ 40th anniversary. A gala reception is held for alumni, parents, and special friends.

Saint Michael and All Angels celebrates its 45th anniversary.

1991

Dr. Power, a member of the faculty for 30 years, is honored in March at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. The William Joseph Ambrose Power Professorship of Biblical Hebrew and Old Testament Interpretation is a million-dollar-endowed chair focusing on Hebrew and Old Testament scholarship. Fr. Wallens submits his resignation.

Saint Michael and All Angels becomes a smoke-free facility and the church offers a new class, “How to Quit Smoking”.

The Rancho San Miguel Auction Party stars the “Dixie Chicks”.

1992

April 5 is “Lift Off Sunday”. Plans and information about the new building program, “Spreading Our Wings”, are displayed throughout the church.

April 26 is Youth Sunday: The children and youth of the church read the lessons, usher, sing, and preach.

The first Annual Barnyard Bash, a fundraising family picnic with a petting zoo, is held at the home of Peter Wiggins.

The “Spreading Our Wings” building campaign is inaugurated at Pentecost on June 7 wih a service held at The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, followed by a gala brunch. On September 27, the groundbreaking service is held for the new building

In November, the Rev. James M. Stanton is elected Bishop of Dallas.

1993

On February 8, the pre-elementary school at Saint Michael School moves to Congregation Shearith Israel where classes will be held the rest of the year while the school building is being renovated.

The Rev. Tamara Newell resigns after four years to join her family in Mexico. Fr. Chuck Treadwell is called to become rector of Saint Peter’s in McKinney.

In November, columbarium crypts are first available for sale, pending completion of construction. By November 21, the two-story Education Building is mostly finished so a 9:30 a.m. Eucharist is held with combined choirs and Bishop Stanton preaching. After the last blessing, strains of mariachi music burst into the church and everyone enjoys the “Sneak Preview” party in the new building.

1994

The dedication of the new Education Building on May 8 features a Dixieland jazz band, washable tattoos, refreshments (including a cake with a portrait of the building in icing), and the blessing of Bishop Stanton. After 15 years as rector, with the building program complete and the new facilities dedicated, Fr. Ratelle offers his resignation, effective in 1995. The Reverend Sharon Kay Turner joins the staff on July 1.

On July 7, the Texas Department of Human Services awards the Caring Sharing Service Award for the Needy Family Fund to Saint Michael for “outstanding community service to the people of Texas”.

On July 18, Fr. Huddleston is called to become rector of Good Shepherd in Cedar Hill and on August 7, Fr. Thomas Rasnick joins the clergy staff. In September, the first annual parish picnic is held on the grounds of the church.

On November 30, Mrs. Elizabeth Barnes resigns as directress of Saint Michael School.

1995

On April 7, the merger of the Episcopal School of Dallas and the Saint Michael School is announced.

On May 28, a celebration of ministry is held to mark Fr. Ratelle’s retirement. On Sunday, September 17, it is announced that the Rev. Mark S. Anschutz has accepted the church’s call as rector.

In October, Shout the Glad Tidings, the music of Paul Lindsley Thomas and the choir is available on CD and cassette tape.

Willie Polk retires on December 10, after 29 years of custodial service.

1996

On January 25, the Reverend Mark Anschutz is instituted as the sixth rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

Saint Michael Chapel was renovated, with a new organ, bell tower, stained glass windows created by Anne Coke and Bart Forbes, and the Garden Cloister created.

One of the most important legacies of Anschutz's tenure was the church’s adoption of Jubilee, a 62-block area in the shadow of Fair Park in East Dallas, as a defining and long-lasting ministry. Thousands of volunteers have contributed thousands of hours to Jubilee Center and its activities over the years. The parish also was involved in mission recovery efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

The 19 tower bells were cast in bronze in England and dedicated. The bells are controlled by a keyboard in the choir loft. Each bell has its own name: Archangel, Blessing, Creator, Faith, Family, Freedom, Friendship, Glory, Grace, Hope, Joy, Kingdom, Love, Mission, Reconciliation, Savior, Spirit, Tidings, Wisdom.

Our Saint Michael historical recap continues in the next issue of the Archangel Magazine!