SMAA 75th Anniversary Book

BR I DGIN G T H E PA S T BUILDING THE FUTURE SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS 1 9 4 5 - 2 0 2 0

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he real story of Saint Michael can never be told—it’s

like the real story of our lives can never be told.

The significance of the power of Saint Michael is the dramatic events there on account of one event or another; those are the most remarkable and need to be told.

That is where miracles have occurred, where people have been delivered.

That’s the real work of the church.

-THE REV. HENRY COKE

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4 Photo Credit Haal Photography

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o the saints of our church who have gone before us.

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6 BRIDGING THE PAST Photo Credit Ray Hand Pictures

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nniversaries are exciting opportunities to celebrate. At Saint Michael, looking back at what we have accomplished and who we have become over our first 75 years is a joy. In countless ways, people of faith have given themselves over to the leading of the Holy Spirit to spread God’s love to one another and to our community.

When I first learned about Saint Michael and All Angels, the church was described to me as “a miracle.” Begun in the humblest of ways, with a vision that was rooted in the hope of God’s provision and grace, I dare say Saint Michael has grown beyond any of our founders’ imaginings. Looking back, Saint Michael can certainly be considered a miracle, yet I see something more beautifully simple: Saint Michael is a testament to the goodness of God. At the end of Jesus’s public ministry, he left his followers a clear directive: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Mt 28:19-20).” This final message, often referred to as the Great Commission, undergirded the founding of our church and continues to guide us in our mission and ministry today.

There are as many ways to tell our Saint Michael story as people who love this church. The book you’re holding is not meant to be an exhaustive history, but rather to expand our story and inspire our future. It’s filled with wonderful memories of our past and gorgeous images of our present, along with original prayers for all occasions, written by a host of former and current Saint Michael clergy. I hope that you will find this book beautiful enough to display and helpful enough to use as you celebrate your special life moments.

The Saint Michael story is inspirational, accomplished, and faithful, and our story is continuing to be written by each of us right now. As we look back at our first 75 years, we can celebrate all the ways in which we have been faithful to our call. Those amazing people of faith who helped bring us to this moment have laid a sure foundation for who we are and have passed on to us the opportunity to build our future.

As we write the story of our next 75 years, I can only imagine where we will go. May God continue to bless us as we spread the good news of God’s amazing love through Jesus Christ, building disciples every step of the way.

— THE REV. DR. CHRISTOPHER D. GIRATA, RECTOR

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September 2021 The People of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church ℅ The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata 8011 Douglas Ave., Dallas, TX 75225 On the 75th Anniversary of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas, Texas Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Congratulations on the 75th Anniversary of the founding and the establishment of your wonderful parish! I look forward to celebrating with you in person on Palm Sunday, and please be assured of my prayers for you all in the meantime.

It is a joy to bring you greetings as you celebrate this milestone, and a privilege to say a word of encouragement and thanksgiving for who you are as community. I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate and rejoice than to give thanks for an honorable past that followed the way of Jesus, while pursuing how best to share Christ’s love with others in the future.

For seventy-five years, Saint Michael and All Angels has been a bright light in Dallas and around the world. Your commitment to discipleship, your generosity in mission, and your courage to expand your work into the future is an inspiration.

We who follow and believe in Jesus the Christ are committed to the way of love—its practices, its disciplines, and its teachings—faithfully choosing community over chaos, love and compassion over self-centeredness. Our call is to follow Jesus as he calls us into God’s future, becoming God’s beloved community where there is plenty good room for all of God’s children.

Saint Michael, thank you for answering that call. Thank you for having the courage, faith, and fortitude to follow the way of love that our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us. You have created a fitting legacy to build upon for the next 75 years, and I thank God for each and every one of you.

May God bless you as you continue to bless the world. I remain Your brother in Christ, The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church .

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10 Photo Credit Haal Photography

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A P R AY E R F O R

SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS

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I N H O N O R O F O U R 75 T H A N N I V E R SA R Y

lmighty and most merciful God: hear our prayers on behalf of this parish,

grant to it all things needed for its spiritual welfare. Strengthen the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; restore the fallen; forgive the penitent; fill our hearts with gratitude for those who have gone before us, on whose foundation we continue to build our future.

And bring us all to be of one heart and mind that together we may be faithful witnesses to your love and mercy in this community and the world to the honor and glory of your blessed Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE REVEREND DR. WILLIAM J. A. POWER GUEST PREACHER ON OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY AUGUST 9, 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS B R I D G I N G T H E PA S T, B U I L D I N G T H E F U T U R E

PA G E 14

R E C T O R S & C L E R G Y PA G E 4 6 P R AY E R S & B L E S S I N G S PA G E 8 8 A L E G A C Y O F M U S I C PA G E 12 2 S T O R I E S & M E M O R I E S PA G E 13 6 A R T & A R C H I T E C T U R E O F S A I N T M I C H A E L

PA G E 15 4

W O R S H I P A N D S A C R A M E N T S PA G E 18 4 W O M E N O F S A I N T M I C H A E L

PA G E 2 12

S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S F A R M E R S M A R K E T

PA G E 2 2 2

J U B I L E E PA R K & C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R

PA G E 2 2 8

Photo Credit Haal Photography

A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S PA G E 2 3 6

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THE REV. DR. MARK S. ANSCHUTZ, SIXTH RECTOR OF SAINT MICHAEL, PREACHING DURING THE 2021 FEAST OF SAINT MICHAEL.

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75 Y E A R S AT S A I N T M I C H A E L A N D A L L A N G E L S

Photo Credit Haal Photography

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he Lord has blessed Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are filled with appreciation for the gifts God has bestowed upon us, guiding our growth from humble beginnings in a Boy Scout hut to become one of the largest and most vibrant Episcopal parishes in the country. It is with thanksgiving that we honor the past, celebrate the present and eagerly anticipate the future.

Saint Michael parishioners have responded over the years to God’s call to serve Him, each other, the community, and beyond. We have been guided and molded by outstanding leadership from beloved clergy and built on the devotion of an army of lay workers. We have grown the resources, the treasure and talent, to spread God’s love, to teach and learn the faith, to serve Christ within our congregation, and in the broader community.

People connect deeply with this church in many ways. It’s a liturgical church with a heart and soul, inspiring music, pastoral care, opportunities for Christian formation and intellectual exchange and a commitment to significant outreach and mission work. It’s a happenin’ church, prone to frequent fellowship, a cradle-to-grave church that reaches out to newcomers and feels like home. It is a caring community with a rich historical tradition.

G R O U N D E D I N T H E PA S T World War II was ending when Dallas Bishop Harry Tunis Moore pursued his dream of establishing a new church in North Dallas. The year was 1945 and Dallas had only three Episcopal churches north of the Trinity River. Bishop Moore chose the Rev. A.A. Taliaferro, recently returned from seminary, to establish the new parish that would be located north of Mockingbird Lane, to serve the Park Cities and Preston Hollow.

A small group of prospective members met in 100-degree heat on August 2, 1945, in a Boy Scout hut in Goar Park, next to University Park Town Hall. Thirty-two persons signed a

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petition asking the bishop to organize a North Dallas mission. The group moved to the auditorium at Southern Methodist University’s Fondren Library and soon grew to a few hundred. The name Saint Michael and All Angels, adopted at a parish meeting, was selected to mark the upcoming Feast Day of Saint Michael and All Angels on September 29.

The mission became a parish church in January 1946. At the end of that year, the vestry voted to spend $21,000 for a 9-acre property at the corner of Colgate and Douglas, where the first church building, a Gothic-style, Austin stone structure would be erected. The first service was held in the unfinished church on Easter Sunday 1948.

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Fr. Taliaferro was a charismatic leader, and the young church grew to be a thriving congregation of more than 2,000 members by the time he left in 1962. He led in the design and development of a larger, more modern church to replace the original 200-seat sanctuary that became the Saint Michael Chapel.

The new church of brick, granite and marble featured a gold-leaf cross and reredos of angels above the altar, a cloistered courtyard and campanile with clavier and bells. The cost was $1.5 million. Regular services began in the new church in 1961.

Saint Michael has a rich history of music. Recognizing the importance of music as part of worship, in 1960 Fr. Taliaferro hired Paul Lindsley Thomas as music director, beginning in earnest a legacy of music that has echoed through the decades with the addition of magnificent music directors: James Diaz, Jonathan Ryan, and Justin Brooks.

Rev. Stephen Swann joined the staff as chaplain of the Saint Michael School in 1971. He would later become the founding director of the Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD). The Saint Michael School merged with ESD, but the lower school remained on the Saint Michael campus until August 2019, when it moved to ESD’s newly-expanded Midway campus.

In 1950, the Saint Michael Day School opened as a parish school with 45 students. Mrs. Nedra Niles was the first director. It was organized as a separate entity from the church and grew to include preschool and six grades. Mrs. Elsie Monette became director in 1968. The

Following the merger of the Saint Michael School with ESD, the Saint Michael Episcopal School (SMES) was established as a ministry of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in 1986. At that time, it was solely a Mother’s Day Out program through two

1947: NEARLY LOST TO THE ANNALS OF TIME, EARLY SAINT MICHAELITES WORSHIPING AT SMU’S FONDREN LIBRARY

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JUNE 12, 1947 Founding families of Saint Michael at the groundbreaking for Saint Michael Chapel

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years of age. Over the years, SMES has evolved into a thriving early childhood experience, offering educational opportunities for children 12 months through kindergarten. SMES has grown into a successful early childhood option for Saint Michael members and other Dallas residents, providing a nurturing, individualized, inclusive early childhood experience based on the four pillars of service, education, love, and faith.

In 1958, the Women’s Auxiliary, later renamed the Women of Saint Michael (WOSM), opened the St. Michael Woman’s Exchange in Highland Park Village. The oldest shop in Highland Park Village—the oldest mall in America—it is largely run by the Women of Saint Michael. During the last 60 years, the WOSM have returned more than $10 million to a variety of charities from multiple sources, including the profits of the Woman’s Exchange and from fundraising activities such as the bi-annual Parish Party.

Annual grants from the Women of Saint Michael have supported over 200 different agencies, thereby extending the reputation of Saint Michael as a parish that helps others.

When Saint Michael was preparing to celebrate its 50th Jubilee anniversary, members decided to give back to the community. They identified a neighborhood in East Dallas that was economically disadvantaged and partnered with residents to rejuvenate the community. Now called Jubilee Park, the work with this dynamic community has become a defining ministry of Saint Michael and an important building block in the life of the church. Hundreds of members have been involved as tutors, mentors, homebuilders and more in the Jubilee neighborhood. It is but one of many outreach opportunicontinued p. 25

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ABOVE AND OPPOSITE | DECEMBER 16, 1956 A joyous moment as ground is broken for the church school activites building, the first phase of the new Saint Michael master plan.

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ties for parishioners at Saint Michael, ranging from Meals on Wheels to the anti-human trafficking Project Moses to international mission work in Bolivia and Honduras.

Saint Michael, launched in a prestigious area of Dallas, has always been a “big fish,” even when our pond was small. Today Saint Michael is a big fish in a bigger pond. The vacant lots and open fields north of Royal and Forest Lanes are gone, replaced by far-flung development. While Park Cities and Preston Hollow residents still form the core of the congregation, the geographical boundaries of membership extend into northern suburbs and adjoining counties. We are a neighborhood church with a mission that connects North Dallas with the world.

Many clergy leaders have contributed to the growth and continuity of Saint Michael, especially our rectors: The Reverend A. A. Taliaferro The Reverend George Kempsell The Reverend Dr. Donald Henning The Reverend Robert Estill The Reverend Robert Ratelle The Reverend Dr. Mark S. Anschutz The Reverend Dr. Robert S. Dannals The Reverend Dr. Christopher D. Girata

1945-1962 1963-1965 1965-1974 1974-1979 1980-1994 1996-2006 2007-2015 2016-present

For more details on the tenure of each rector, please see “Rectors & Clergy” in this book.

Our former rectors each made big impacts on the life of our church. Fr. Taliaferro’s legacy will always be that of the founding rector. Fr. Henning’s time will be remembered for the warmth that emanated from the hallways and sanctuary, the retiring of the mortgage, dedication of the Activity Center with parish hall, cafeteria and classrooms, and the fellowship enjoyed in parish shows and events. Fr. Estill built up Christian education and hired the Rev. Canon Dr. William J.A. Power, who would become, to many, the spiritual center of the church for years. Fr. Ratelle had the longest tenure as rector after Fr. Taliaferro and, during his years of steady growth, Saint Michael became the largest Episcopal Church in the U.S. with some 5,000 members. That growth led to the establishment of the neighborhood Good Shepherd program, an effort created in 1984 by parishioners Sue Patton and Litty Turner to provide a personal touch in a large church. Today the parish is divided into 101 neighborhoods, with shepherds who stay in contact with and respond to needs of their sheep.

JUNE 12, 1947 Groundbreaking for the original Saint Michael Church (Chapel)

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lee Park ministries. He added more services, renovated Saint Michael Chapel, gradually acquired land to the north, began Pathways to Ministry and created a Pastoral Care department. Fr. Dannals’ legacy includes returning the focus of the congregation from the national church’s conflicts over human sexuality to formation, pastoral care and outreach, inaugurating plans for the mixed-used development to the north, replacing the church’s south wall with stained glass doors and the founding of the Saint Michael Farmers’ Market.

Saint Michael and All Angels is about people—people who care for one another, learn together, share experiences and believe that they can make a difference in the community and the world. It’s known for mission and outreach, wide range of group activities and events, and dedicated laity.

Saint Michael has a vibrant and busy parish life, including but not limited to: Blessing of the Animals, Veterans’ Day, Epiphany Feast of Lights, Shrove Tuesday pancake and gumbo supper, Pie for 4th of July, Back to School/Fall Kickoff, Feast of Saint Michael, Crawfish Boil, Trunk or Treat for Halloween, Chili Cookoff and more.

Saint Michaelites love to socialize—the events are lively and fun, and Tish Visinsky, the Director of Parish Life events, is at the heart of most of them.

Our parish continues to pour out into the community through Mission and Outreach efforts. Saint Michael embraces the call from Micah 6:8 to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.” Over our 75 years, we have embraced those words as we seek to develop and sustain relationships with our community-based partners. This can be seen in the incredible work done through volunteerism at the St. Michael Woman’s Exchange, the transformative investment in Jubilee Park, and the regular gifts of time, talent, and treasure in local, national, and international ministries.

In all we do, we choose to follow the risen Jesus Christ as his disciples as we serve others through the transformative power of the Gospel. We are committed to answer God’s call to serve and share the Good News with our community. The Resurrection defines our Christian faith and provides us with the ultimate message of hope that we can share beyond our own walls.

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our founding, we are thankful for visionary and dedicated clergy, for energetic lay leaders, and

for the commitment and enthusiasm of parishioners. Our memories are full, our momentum inspiring, and our mission challenging in the days ahead. We are grounded in the past, buoyed by the present and optimistic for the future.

B U OY E D BY T H E PR E S E N T In 2016, the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata was called from Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Memphis to be the eighth rector of Saint Michael and All Angels. The parish told the Rector Search Committee that the new rector needed to be a powerful preacher, accessible and approachable, a decisive and visionary leader, a good listener, and a friend and fellow traveler on our spiritual journey.

Chris, as he prefers to be called, had these characteristics.

Chris brought a new excitement to Saint Michael: working with new Director of Music Jonathan Ryan to expand choir and chorister programs for cherubs and boys and girls, adding more music services, and enhancing the contemporary services with the addition of Fr. Bob Johnston and Director of Contemporary Music Justin Brooks.

Chris also created a rector-led Bible study, and began offering clergy-led pilgrimages and trips, investing in technological advances with emphasis on live streaming and social media, and emphasizing outreach to the community and inter-faith dialogue.

He reorganized the staff, implemented a new successful business model, and hired a new vice-rector, the Rev. Kenneth Brannon, to lead internally as chief of staff, allowing Chris to be more future-focused. In addition to heavy investments in music and worship, infrastructure investments were made that included a significant expansion of our technological capacities across the campus. Worship, teachings, and special events could now be streamed. The ministry of our church began to draw audiences well beyond our walls, evidenced most dramatically after our first Interfaith Panel Discussion in 2018, featuring Fr. Chris and local faith leaders, Rabbi David Stern and Imam Omar Suleiman, which had been viewed nearly 10 million times by 2021.

At the beginning of 2020, the official 75th anniversary year, Saint Michael had 6,101 baptized members, 4,510 communicants and was serving 2,955 families. In the year leading up to 2020, Saint Michael conducted 1,143 worship services, with some 525 parishioners serving as choristers, acolytes, chalice bearers, vergers, ushers, greeters, lay readers and members of the Altar Guild. Giving has grown along continued p. 31

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INSET PHOTO 1957 ANNUAL SAINT MICHAEL CARNIVAL SPONSORED BY THE PARISH YOUTH 1959 “LOYALTY DINNER” WAS HOSTED AS PART OF THE FUNDRAISING EFFORTS SUPPORTING THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW CHURCH. BUILDING THE FUTURE

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ABOVE: September, 1959: In the skeleton of the new church, a member of the Altar Guild prepares the host and the wine

while communion is offered to those attending the Service Under the Steel.

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with engagement, shown clearly through our annual stewardship campaign, which increased more than 30% from 2016 to 2021.

2020 was both a challenging year and one of the most fulfilling. Challenging, because we could not gather for worship as usual due to restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fulfilling, because we learned that the church is not a building—the people are the church: clergy, staff, lay leaders, communicants, youth, children, visitors.

At the time, Saint Michael was riding a wave of momentum. After several years of planning for expansion, we were granted City Council rezoning for our entire campus, allowing the property to the north to be leased for commercial development. We had recently completed the Refresh, Renew, Revive project of campus improvements that included refreshing the window above the choir loft, rebuilding the angel doors, replacing the chapel’s red doors and pew cushions. Importantly, it included long needed upgrades to church technology, which proved to be prescient.

Beginning with the bishop’s shelter-in-place order effective March, 15, 2020, our lives changed overnight. We were restricted from public worship and at the same time, some 15 study groups were meeting during the week, along with fellowship and Pastoral Care groups such as the Prayer Shawl Ministry, Grief Ministry, Cancer Support Group, recovery groups and others. Christian Formation featured Sunday School classes for children, youth, and adults. A variety of services were held, including the addition of Sunday evening Compline and an occasional Evensong.

Even in the face of pandemic challenges, our 75th year was one of renewal and strength, and was the year our church left the building. Even though our Easter Sunday service in 2020 was limited to 10 people in the sanctuary, thousands worshipped with us online. That morning, Fr. Chris ended his sermon by saying, “The church has left the building. Be the church.” Inspired by that, the Women of Saint Michael made yard signs available to the parish with that phrase, bearing public witness to the many months, we were, as Fr. Chris said, “churched at home, which will be good for our souls.” The pandemic provided a pause for families to be together, for individuals to re-order their priorities, and for Christians to leave their comfort zones. Fr. Bob Johnston, in his Easter 2020 contemporary sermon, said the pandemic provided an opportunity for people to slow down and think about what’s important in life.

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The investment in technology made it possible to livestream church services and programs to anyone with access to the Internet. Under the agile leadership of clergy and the Communications department, services went completely virtual in March 2020 and remained largely online for the rest of the year and into 2021.

Bible studies and other activities also continued as parishioners were united by Internet applications and social media.

We participated in Holy Week and in what always had been standing-room-only Easter and Christmas services by watching on our TVs or devices. Just weeks after the quarantine order was given in 2020, nearly 6,000 households watched live services on Easter Day, reaching beyond the parish to other viewers across the nation and around the world and signaling what might be a wave of the future. Our clergy began daily podcasts. The church made a major investment in media and found significant reach through its digital platform, including livestream, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. The YouTube channel grew to over 40,000 subscribers, and the Saint Michael digital platform achieved more reach than any U.S. Episcopal parish.

During the pandemic, Fr. Girata consoled us, as we missed the congregational liturgy. “Church communities, especially Episcopal church communities, often seek God in the very sacred, sacramental actions we share. We have been taught and conditioned to find God in those extremely special moments. Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace given by Christ. I am convicted in the truth of God’s presence in the mystery of the sacraments, and rooting ourselves in them is a very good habit! However, we can find God in many places outside the sacraments, especially in one another.”

He also challenged us. “What our world was before this virus was not good enough. The inequality, insecurity, and pain of our neighbors and our world was not OK, and now this crisis gives us a chance to right those wrongs.”

During the pandemic, we found new ways to help our neighbors, mobilizing to provide food for those who were food insecure, partnering with agencies such as Jubilee Park, North Dallas Shared Ministries and Austin Street Center. The Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation (now the All Angels Foundation) activated funds to support families who were unable to bear the burden of at-home education; we invested in high-speed Internet for the Jubilee Park community. Women of Saint Michael made and delivered hundreds of facemasks to Jubilee Park

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SEPTEMBER 1959 “SERVICE UNDER THE STEEL” On the feast of Saint Michael and All Angels was an imaginative tour de force of fundraising with the goal of dramatizing the effort needed to complete the church. Over 1300 communicants participated in the day's special Eucharist, all held in the bare, blue steel structure that was already built. The rough concrete floor was cleaned and cleared, an altar was constructed, white canvas walled the church, a sound system was installed and all five choirs sang.

After each morning service, the congregation was invited on a guided tour of their as-yet imaginary church building, following the printed signs hung from the rafters to indicate where the church loft, the nave, and everything else would be one day. Because of severe overcrowding in the old church, the move into the new building took place even before the pews were installed. The move was covered by the Dallas Morning News, with photographs of the Women of Saint Michael carrying ironing boards and polishing silver.

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residents. Teams from St. Mary’s Guild, unable to sell baked items to parishioners on Sundays, baked weekly for a year to deliver individually wrapped baked goods to health care professionals at four area hospitals. Participants in the 2021 Lenten outreach project provided 230 “Help Them Home” baskets of household items for the homeless transitioning from Austin Street Center into permanent homes.

The church began to slowly open up again in 2021. An Easter sunrise service was held outdoors. Parishioners were able to walk the halls to “feel” the holiday and have family photos made, though they could not congregate indoors. On April 25, 2021, the church was allowed to open again at 50 percent capacity. Up to 200 people could attend services, sing together with masks on, receive communion directly from a clergy person. It was a glorious and welcome day. One parishioner said it brought tears. “I had no idea I would be so emotional about returning,” she said. That evening, parishioners gathered on the west lot for an outdoor tent event, to picnic from a food truck and hear a filmed concert as part of the Saint Michael Presents concert series.

New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and local vaccination progress resulted in a new directive from Bishop George Sumner that permitted Saint Michael to re-open the church on May 16, 2021. Reservations for worship were no longer required, capacity was no longer limited and facemasks were optional.

Clergy and parishioners alike looked forward to a full return to programs and ministries, as well as to the delayed year-long 75th anniversary celebration.

OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE At the 75-year mark, the Saint Michael campus encompasses the entire city block on which the original church was built and, having been through several building additions, is poised for additional growth as a result of the gradual purchase of land to the north.

In February 2020, years of work, led by former wardens, Jay Grogan, Stewart Thomas, and Matt Waller, culminated in the successful rezoning of our full church campus. This historic rezoning effort allowed Saint Michael to lease a portion of its property to the north for commercial development.

Ground was broken in May 2021 on the 8111 Douglas Avenue Project. This project is a land-lease between Saint Michael and Lincoln Property Company to create a mixed-use, income-producing development. The majority of the proceeds generated by the land lease income will go toward outreach, furthering the church’s desire to

make a significant impact in the community at large. A smaller portion of the proceeds will support unexpected capital expenditures and long-term needs of the church beyond annual maintenance. The development, expected to be completed in 2023, will include two midrise buildings containing office and luxury residential space, a restaurant with outdoor dining, a pavilion for the Saint Michael’s Farmers Market, underground church/school parking and new, public green spaces along Douglas Avenue, a wonderful amenity for the neighborhood.

As Fr. Girata told parishioners in April 2021, The 8111 Douglas project allows Saint Michael to be future-focused and offers a path to grow our ministry and mission. This initiative will activate and energize our property in new ways that enable us to engage more of our neighbors, while providing an increased investment in our mission to build Christian disciples for a transformed community.

Engaging our neighbors in new and different ways is important because, for the first time in history, we are living in a country where fewer than half of all adults belong to a church community. The church is no longer the center of social life as it was generations ago. While Saint Michael has bucked the nationwide trend of church decline, that’s not good enough.

He foresees building disciples by engaging people around service, creating a clearinghouse to connect people with service opportunities, offering more learning opportunities in small-group settings, meeting the social needs of people, and bringing in more young families by nurturing relationships with the Saint Michael Episcopal School.

Toward that end, the church has created a new master plan—one for a campus of the future. It will be designed to provide easily accessible spaces where people can gather socially and for learning, including a large parish hall. The current sanctuary and chapel will remain, although with some loving updates.

Soon after coming to Saint Michael in 2016, Chris declared: “Saint Michael can become a church of the future, confidently evolving and expanding into the dynamic and as-yet-undiscovered future of Christianity. Throughout Christian history, churches have reinterpreted the good news of the Gospel of Christ in order to respond to a changing world, and now we have an opportunity and responsibility to do so again.”

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Four years later, despite the limitations of coronavirus safety protocols, he remained optimistic, writing in the August 9, 2020 bulletin on the church’s actual 75th anniversary: Anniversaries are often a time to reflect on the past, things done and left undone.... Wonderful things have been done by incredibly faithful people in this congregation over the past 75 years. We have grown in our size and impact over the years, and the work done can make us all proud. The good news for us is that we do not stop at reflection alone. We are dreaming of our future, and our future is bright... Saint Michael remains committed to building Christian disciples for a transformed community – and our work is not done! Let’s celebrate who we are and what we have done, while we commit to a future of faith and purpose.

Required to postpone our 75th celebration, we rescheduled guest appearances by many of our former and current clergy for a year later than originally planned. Those scheduled to appear between August 21, 2021, and May 22, 2022, included Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE, and The Revs.

Mark Anschutz, Tom Blackmon, Bob Dannals, Chip Edens, Michael Harmuth, Kevin Huddleston, Amy Meaux, Bill Murray, Tamara Newell, Christie Olsen, Bill Power, Patty Willett Rhyne, Brenda Sol, Don Spafford, Jemonde Taylor, Chuck Treadwell, Mike Wallens, Dean E. Wolfe, with very special Palm Sunday guest The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Capping the celebration will be “Michael, a Musical,” scheduled for April 22, 2022.

Our anniversary is cause for a joyous celebration. “Celebrating our past helps us imagine how much more we can do in the future,” Fr. Girata said. “For 75 years, Saint Michael has been an embracing and engaging community of faith, living our baptismal covenant across Dallas and the entire North Texas region,” he continued. “We are well positioned to look to the future, build on the legacy of those parishioners who came before us, and ensure generations after us continue to extend God’s love.”

OPPOSITE The early brick reredos awaiting the cararra marble facing, and Umlauf sculpture of Saint Michael and the Archangels.

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LETTER FROM THE RECTOR A Christmas letter from Fr. Taliaferro announcing the closing of the property at Douglas and Colgate, and the Baptism of 6 month old Pamela Haworth (Barbera).

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A SAINT MICHAEL LEGACY Pamela Haworth, now Barbera, singing with the Saint Michael Choir. Many parishioners have, for many years, called this parish home.

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LEFT Fr. Ratelle leads a candlelit service ABOVE The Burning of the Mortgage with The Rev. Donald Henning

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CLOCKWISE Long-time acolytes Terry and Mark Demler after the service; Each service is full of details to have in order! Under the leadership of Tony Briggle the Acolyte Corps has recruited great young helpers like Allie Grace and Jordan Ott; the altar guild plays a crucial role in preparing for services.

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CLOCKWISE Two young acolytes prepare for the processional; Fr. Chuck Treadwell pictured here with students Meredith Fowler and Taylor Hazelton; Class is in session for the Saint Michael School.

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THE WORSHIP SERVICE REALITY OF COVID-19 With a shelter-in-place order from the govenor as well as the bishop, parishes were restricted from gathering together for worship, being forced to find new ways to reach out and stay connected with parishioners. This was the scene each Sunday during this time: streaming services online to world, with less than 10 people allowed in at the same time, unable to be closer than 10 feet apart.

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RECTORS & CLERGY BRIDGING THE PAST

LOVE & RECONCILIATION | SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Photo Credit Ray Hand Photos BUILDING THE FUTURE

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R ECTOR S & CLERGY OF SA IN T MICH A EL A ND A LL A NGELS* 1. T H E R E V E R E N D A L B E R T A C H I L L E S TA L I A F E R R O R E C T O R , 19 4 5 -19 6 2 The Reverend Henry Platman The Reverend Grover Cleveland McElyea The Reverend Robert B. Standard The Reverend Miller Murray Cragon, Jr. The Reverend William Marcellus Anderson, III The Reverend Jesse Kimball Renew The Reverend Arthur Lloyd Sargent The Reverend Henry Cornick Coke, III The Reverend Clarence van Dyke Westapher

2. THE REVEREND GEORGE FRENCH KEMPSELL, JR. R E C T O R , 19 6 3 -19 6 5 The Reverent Charles Frederick Brooks The Right Reverend Sam Byron Hulsey

3. THE REVEREND CANON DONALD HENNING R E C T O R , 19 6 6 -19 7 5 The Reverend David Pierson Comegys, Jr. The Reverend David Ackley Jones The Reverend Stephen Barham Swann The Reverend Joseph Meakin Harte, Jr. The Reverend David Ronald Mouille The Reverend Dr. William Joseph Ambrose Power

*Clergy listings beneath each rector represent their start dates.

Some clergy served under multiple rectors.

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4. THE RIGHT REVEREND ROBERT WHITRIDGE ESTILL R E C T O R , 19 7 5 -19 8 0 The Reverend James Monroe Frensley The Reverend John Shelley Akers, III The Reverend William Clarkson, IV The Reverend John Drake, Jr.

5 . T H E R E V E R E N D R O B E R T E U G E N E R AT E L L E R E C T O R , 19 8 0 -19 9 4 The Reverend Michael Gary Wallens The Reverend Bartlett Anderson McCarthy The Reverend Andrew Thomas Blackmon The Reverend Kevin Douglas Huddleston The Reverend Charles William Treadwell The Reverend Tamara Locke Newell The Reverend Sharon Kaye Richey Turner The Reverend Thomas James Rasnick The Reverend Josh Acton The Reverend William Dee Dockery, Jr.

6. THE REVEREND DR. MARK SEMMES ANSCHUTZ R E C T O R , 19 9 6 - 2 0 0 6 The Reverend Don W. Spafford The Reverend Canon Michael Harmuth The Right Reverend Dean Elliott Wolfe The Reverend Chip Edens The Reverend Amy Heller The Reverend Pamela Theodore The Reverend Christiana Olsen The Reverend Amy Dafler Meaux The Reverend Robert Sherman The Reverend Robert Bowles The Reverend David Hathaway Knight The Reverend Neal Hern The Reverend Robert Leacock The Reverend Anna Neitzel

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7. T H E R E V E R E N D D R . B O B S . D A N N A L S R E C T O R , 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 15 The Reverend Kevin D. Huddleston The Reverend Carolyn West The Reverend Jemonde Taylor The Reverend Patty Willett Rhyne The Venerable James K. Webb The Reverend Ariel Gores The Reverend Nate Bostian The Reverend Gregory Doran Pickens The Reverend Brenda Sol The Reverend Lisa Flores Musser The Reverend Michael Dangelo The Reverend William S. “Bill” Murray IV The Reverend Hunter Ruffin The Reverend Oliver Martin Butler The Reverend Mary Lessmann The Reverend Rich Towers

8 . T H E R E V E R E N D D R . C H R I S T O P H E R D . G I R ATA R E C T O R , 2 0 16 – P R E S E N T The Reverend Bob Johnston III The Reverend Eric Liles The Reverend Hildtrude Nusser-Telfer The Reverend Canon Rene Somodevilla The Reverend Kenneth H. Brannon The Reverend Robert A. Scott The Reverend Tim Kennedy The Reverend M. Chanta Bhan The Reverend Dr. Andrew Grosso The Reverend Christian Basel

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BACK L-R The Reverends Mike Wallens, John Drake, Chuck Treadwell, The Rev. Dr. Bill Power, The Rev. Tamara Newell FRONT L-R The Rev. Tom Blackmon, Rector Bob Ratelle, The Rev. Dr. Kevin Huddleston

BACK L-R The Rev. Don Spafford, The Right Rev. James Stanton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, Bishop Suffragan of Dallas the Right Rev. Paul Lambert, the Rev. Neal Hern, Rector Mark Anschutz FRONT L-R The Reverends Amy Heller, Chip Edens, and Christi Olsen

BACK L-R Rector Bob Dannals, The Right Rev. James Stanton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, The Reverends Lisa Musser and Greg Pickens FRONT L-R The Rev. Dr. Bill Power, The Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth, The Rev. Dr. Kevin Huddleston and the Rev. Ariel Gores

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THE SAINT MICHAEL 2021 CLERGY BACK L-R The Rev. Canon René Somodevilla, The Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston III, The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso, The Rev. Greg Pickens, The Rev. Christian Basel FRONT L-R The Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon, Vice Rector; The Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth, The Rev. Mary Lessmann, The Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer, The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector.

NOT PICTURED The Rev. Nate Bostian, The Rev. Tim Kennedy

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SAINT MICHAEL REC TORS We have been led by eight rectors over 75 years, assisted by many beloved associate priests and interim rectors. Each of the rectors left a legacy. “Whatever rector we had, the next rector was going to have different qualifications. I saw every different kind of personality have that job and thought they were each one wonderful but just in a different way. All were different personalities but each one special in his or her way,” said Ann Mills, who worked on staff with five rectors and numerous associates over 40 years (1977-2017).

1945-1962 | THE REV.

A . A . TA LI A FER RO Born and raised in Dallas, Fr. Taliaferro, the founding rector, served 17 years. Known affectionately as “Tolly” (Taliaferro was pronounced Toliver), he was regarded as a charismatic leader, gifted teacher, beloved shepherd for a growing flock and builder of a strong foundation. He studied music at Brown University and the University of Michigan, where he became close friends with the famous French conductor, Pierre Monteaux. His love of music lasted his lifetime and had a profound influence on the church he helped found.

Taliaferro had enrolled in Berkeley divinity school in New Haven but doubted his vocation and decided to come home to Texas. He was the organist and choir instructor at Church of the Incarnation, as well as conductor of the city’s WPA orchestra, the Dallas Museum Sinfonietta. In 1942, Tolly was drafted, and ultimately unable to serve as a soldier due to scar tissue on his lungs. He later said that this experience helped in clarifying his vocation. So, with his wife, Alice, he moved to Evanston, Illinois to complete his theological training at Seabury Western Theological Seminary.

As the rector of Saint Michael, being an organist and a music lover, who moved easily from organ bench to the altar, he hired Paul Lindsley Thomas, who would serve 37 years as organist/choir director. Fr. Taliaferro oversaw the building of the church’s first structure, the 200-seat Gothic-style, Austin stone church that is now Saint Michael Chapel, followed by the larger, more modern and existing sanctuary, where regular Sunday services were first held on March 12, 1961. The Rev. Henry C. Coke joined as assistant priest in 1961, remaining until 1976.

In Fr. Tolly’s days, parish meetings often included informal skits, and a long tradition of a “parish show” began. He persuaded the Women of Saint Michael to buy the Woman’s Exchange in Highland Park Village from the Junior League of Dallas in 1958. In 1950, Saint Mary’s Guild was founded and formed by Fr. Taliaferro as an evening guild for working women, making it now one of the oldest organizations at the church. The guild began selling baked goods after services in 1962 with proceeds going to charities. Fr. Taliaferro resigned and preached his last sermon in November, 1962. The Rev. C. V. Westapher, who joined the clergy in 1962, stepped in as priest-in-charge, with Fr. Coke.

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1963-1965 | THE REV.

GEORGE K EMPSELL After the departure of Fr. Taliaferro, a special meeting of the vestry was called, where they voted to call the Reverend George French Kempsell, whose name had been presented by then-Presiding Bishop Arthur C. Lichtenberger. Henry Beck, a member of the committee who happened to be in New York City at the time, had interviewed Fr. Kempsell; that interview led to his visit to Dallas, resulting in Fr. Kempsell being instituted as the second rector of Saint Michael on April 21, 1963; the first Sunday after Easter.

Fr. Kempsell was a New York native, born February 26, 1922 and had been rector of St. James the Less in Scarsdale for 10 years before coming to Saint Michael from the diocese of New York. In his previous post he had been a controversial but popular Rector, preaching politics from the pulpit and in one famous incident, refusing to communicate a prominent family for its supposed anti-Semitic views. He was married, with six children, when he moved his family to Dallas.

Like Taliaferro, Kempsell was an accomplished musician, and he played a duet with Paul Thomas at his welcome roast, a harmonious beginning to what turned out to be his short-lived priesthood at Saint Michael. Following a dispute with the vestry in October 1965, less than two years after his institution, he submitted his resignation, citing “emotional differences” between himself and the vestry.

The familiar and well-liked Fr. Westapher, called “Father Wes,” stepped in as priest-in-charge for the second time.

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1966-1975 | THE REV. CANON

DONA LD HENNING Dr. Henning’s leadership provided happy years at Saint Michael. There are those who referred to his rectorship as “golden years”. C. V. Westapher, on the clergy staff at the time, remembers it as a time of “holy happiness”. Henning was 58 when he came to the church and he stayed for nine years. He had all the confidence of a man at the peak of his career—the door to his office was always open and he communicated easily with both parishioners and clergy. Punkin Power, wife of Dr. William Power, remembers her first meeting with Henning, “He walked into the room with his arms wide open and I thought, it’s Santa Claus!”

Saint Michael thrived under Fr. Henning’s cheerful leadership. Among the priests Fr. Henning brought on board were The Rev. David Comegys Jr. and The Rev. Dr. William J.A. (Bill) Power. Dr. Power recalled Fr. Henning as “a man with a big personality, a delightful speaker and an effective preacher.” He worked collegially with his clergy, and parishioners gravitated to his open arms and warm sense of humor. He was named “Diocesan Priest of the Year” in 1968 by the Bishop C. Avery Mason. Carolyn Gregg remembers the Don Henning years as “Camelot.” She said, “He had all the priests in the hall meeting and greeting between services. It was great, with fun and warmth. He always gave credit to the other priests and let them shine in their own way.”

In 1971, The Rev. Stephen Swann joined the staff as chaplain of Saint Michael School. Fr. Swann would see the need for Episcopal schooling beyond the sixth grade and later led the establishment of the Episcopal School of Dallas. In September of 1972 on the Feast of Saint Michael, parishioners joined Fr. Henning in the burning of the mortgage on the main church and dedication of the Activities Center, which included a parish hall, cafeteria, classrooms and athletic facilities. During Fr. Henning’s tenure, the Education Building, “Henning Hall”, was planned and completed in 1974. Fr. Henning retired from Saint Michael in 1975.

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1974 COMPLETION OF THE 3-STORY EDUCATION BUILDING

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1975-1979 | THE RIGHT REV.

ROBERT W. ESTILL Fr. Estill moved to Dallas with his wife, Joyce, and their three children, from Alexandria, Virginia, becoming rector for four years at Saint Michael. During this time, he skillfully navigated the waters between the national church and the parish. He had previously been director of the Center of Continuing Education at the Episcopal Theological Seminary, rector of Saint Alban’s church in Washington D.C., and before that Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Louisville, KY. He had teaching experience, having been on the faculty of Episcopal Theological Seminary in Kentucky, as well as the faculty of Virginia Seminary and the National Cathedral School for Girls in Washington D.C. He attended the 1975 national convention that addressed such issues as revision of the Book of Common Prayer and the ordination of women to the order of priest and bishop. He was an early supporter of women in lay and ordained ministry. Fr. Estill had a mandate to build up Christian education, and called The Rev. Canon Dr. William J.A. Power to work as a consultant in Christian Education. Fr. Power wrote: “Bob’s most lasting contribution to this parish was the Christian education program. He hired a staff and was responsible for organizing a program that was designed to nurture both children and adults from the cradle to the grave.”

Fr. Estill was also responsible for the hiring of experienced teachers like Shelly Vescovo, Nancy Solana, Nancy Somodevilla, Alice Aston Bass, Bill Clarkson, Ann Mills, and others to establish a program that lasted for 20 years. Bob Estill was regarded as gracious, smart and funny and is remembered for his ironic self-deprecatory sense of humor. He had a gift for caricature and entertained parishioners with his cartoons. He left the parish when he was elected Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of North Carolina and later became the IX Bishop of North Carolina.

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1980-1994 | THE REV.

ROBERT R ATELLE Rev. Robert Eugene Ratelle was called as the 5th rector of Saint Michael, and served 15 years; the longest serving rector after founding priest Fr. Taliaferro. Born June 18, 1924, in New Orleans, Ratelle earned his B.A. from Tulane University in 1944, then did graduate work and taught at Tulane University before earning his Bachelor and Master of Divinity from the University of the South. Ratelle was ordained Deacon in June, 1947 by Bishop Jackson of Louisiana and ordained a priest in November 1948 by Bishop Juhan for Louisiana.

Fr. Ratelle was known for his grace, vision, gentleness and faithfulness to the parish. “Bob Ratelle was one of the most spiritual human beings I’ve ever known. In his quiet demeanor, if you ever needed him, you had him right there going through whatever you were going through; he never elevated himself,” said longtime staff member Ann Mills. During Fr. Ratelle’s tenure, the parish launched Spreading Our Wings, a building campaign with the goal of adding space for programs and Christian education. Fr. Ratelle’s tenure was a time of sturdy growth. He was known for encouraging and nurturing strong lay leadership.

The Good Shepherd program was started when Fr. Ratelle was rector, with Sue Patton and Litty Turner as the organizers. Volunteers continue to reach out to parishioners in 101 neighborhoods. He brought female acolytes to the altar and appointed the first women to the leadership of the vestry and priesthood.

The first female priest hired was The Rev. Tamara Newell, who served from 1989-1993. The Rev. Sharon Turner followed shortly after in 1994, establishing a pattern for female clergy that would continue under future rectors. Fr. Ratelle expanded the Sunday adult education program. He initiated a Sunday morning Chapel service designed for young children to attend with their families. During his years, Saint Michael became the largest Episcopal church in the U.S.; the congregation grew to roughly 5,000. He retired May, 1994, after overseeing completion of the 2-story Education/Recreation Center.

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Pentecost Sunday at the Meyerson celebrating the culmination of the Spreading Our Wings capital campaign. Our parish family joined together in a joint service with a lunch following the service.

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1996-2006 | THE REV. DR.

M A R K S. A NSCHU TZ

Due to the sheer size of the parish, the rector search committee had determined that the next rector should be a “people person”. The Rev. Dr. William J. A. Power served as priest-in-charge during the search which culminated in the call of the Rev. Dr. Mark Semmes Anschutz. He became church’s sixth rector on January 25, 1996. Mark brought a new vitality to Saint Michael as it was turning the corner on 50 years. One lay leader described him as “an idea person. He was open to a lot of things.”

An engaging, personal priest, he also brought a new informality, preferring to be called Mark. Staff members remember him as hard working and an evangelist. In 1996, not long after Mark came, the numerical attendance on Sunday was higher than it had ever been in parish history. The balance of the debt on Spreading Our Wings, the capital campaign to build classroom space and make other improvements, was retired in 1999.

The church saw a lot of action during the Anschutz era, including the expansion of overseas ministries. The Pathways to Ministry was begun, leading to the ordination of 35 younger persons who were involved. The Parish Council was reactivated, the Department of Pastoral Care established, and the Funeral Guild started. He completed the 50-year celebrations, which included 11 cast bells installed in the

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tower. 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 was created. The first columbarium was completed and planning for the second columbarium began. Under Mark, the number of services expanded to include the Joy Mass, Sunday Morning Prayers for Healing, and the Saturday Candlelight Mass. He also agreed to the suggested wearing of nametags, a popular practice that continues.

OPPOSITE

Chapel Restoration and the Columbarium, THIS PAGE Pathways to Ministry Interns, The dedication of Davids’ Place at Jubilee Park, Hill Riddle with Amy Meaux.

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PAT H W AY S T O M I N I S T R Y Pathways to Ministry was a ministry of Saint Michael and All Angels that offered interested, young adults the opportunity to explore the possibility of ordained ministry in the Episcopal church. Pathways engaged these youth and young adults through an annual High school conference, a summer internship, a 10-month internship, and one theologian in residence, Rob Leacock. Currently there are 34 active priests that are alumni of Pathways to Ministry.

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R E F L E C T I O N O N PAT H W AY S T O M I N I S T R Y When I think of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, the word that comes to mind is “hospitality.” I received the warmest welcome when I arrived in September of 2000. I was fresh out of college and had accepted the Pathways to Ministry ten-month internship, a new part of the program that had started several years before. In my interviews, I had been clear that I did not want to be ordained. Fortunately, Mark Anschutz, the Rector at the time, and Martha Lang, the Pathways Director, told me, “not to worry, come on anyway.” Upon my arrival, I met my co-intern, Thames Thuston (now Schoenvogel). We had bonded immediately, and we remain friends to this day.

I cannot overstate the impact that year had on me. Thames and I were graciously integrated into the bustling life of the parish. The clergy welcomed us at their weekly breakfasts, and I still remember conversations I had with Bill Power, sitting in his office surrounded by towering bookshelves packed to the brim. The staff was so helpful and committed to our formation, inviting us to participate in whatever we wanted to try. The congregation embraced us from the start, and I had a wonderful lay committee led by Nancy Solana that supported and challenged me as I processed all that I was experiencing. At some point in the year, as I realized how much I loved what I was doing, I began to wonder why I was so sure that I didn’t want to be ordained. Saint Michael continued to support me as I began the formal discernment process. I will celebrate my 16th ordination to the priesthood this year. I am beyond grateful for the privilege of this ministry and for the hospitality of Saint Michael that brought me to it.

—The Reverend Andie Wigodsky Rohrs

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2007-2015 | THE REV. DR.

ROBERT S. DA NNA LS

Fr. Dannals returned the focus of the congregation from the national church’s conflicts to pastoral care, formation, and outreach, He also expanded the reach and participation in Jubilee Park. Fr. Dannals explored ideas for non-traditional worship and brought about changes in Sunday classes in an effort to address cultural trends. He recognized demographic shifts in church-going habits and explored ways to reach younger people. His years brought about some physical changes and innovations.

The Saint Michael Farmers’ Market was established as a way to reach out to the community and to engage parishioners. Saint Michael Presents, an annual concert series, was inaugurated to bring in outstanding musicians for community concerts. The Gathering was started, with parishioners serving the spiritual needs and nutritious meals, each month, to hundreds of homeless persons, in downtown Dallas. The north parking lot was built, and a pre-school playground added north of the church. On the south side of the property, the expanded columbarium and Nave courtyard were dedicated in 2013, along with installation of stained-glass doors, designed by Bart Forbes, in the south wall of the church.

During Fr. Dannal’s tenure, Saint Michael called The Rev. Bill Murray in 2014 to be vicar, and he assumed a major role in the life of the church. Two associate priests who joined Saint Michael under Fr. Dannals remained at the church at the time of the 75th anniversary: The Rev. Gregory Pickens and The Rev.

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Mary Lessmann. He increased the diversity of the parish staff and clergy, including calling the first African-American priest and the first openly gay priest to serve on staff. When Fr. Dannals retired, The Very Rev. Douglas Travis ably served as interim rector while the parish conducted a nationwide search for a new rector. Fr. Travis hired The Rev. Bob Johnston to invigorate the contemporary service and reach out to a younger generation.

OPPOSITE Dedication of the new Columbarium, A Sunday Saint Acolyte Corps team.

CLOCKWISE ABOVE Edna and Leon Farmer at the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Fr. Dannals with a child at Jubilee Park, The Rev. Bob Johnston, Revs. Bill Murray and Doug Travis, Rector Bob Dannals with parishioners,

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78 BRIDGING THE PAST Photo Credit Dickie Hill Photography

2016-PRESENT | THE REV. DR.

CHR ISTOPHER D. GIR ATA

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata began his ministry as the eighth rector of Saint Michael on August 15, 2016. The 36-year-old Fr. Girata, known to all as Chris, brought renewed and dynamic energy to Saint Michael. Regular attendance increased, as well as the annual investment of the congregation, with giving increasing more than 30% from 2016 to 2021. That increased investment fueled growth in our shared mission and ministry.

The structure of the staff has evolved considerably under Fr. Girata’s leadership. He brought in the Rev. Kenneth Brannon to Vice Rector and function as chief of staff. The Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso was added to the clergy staff, along with connecting assisting clergy such as the Rev. Dr. Hiltrude Nusser-Telfer and the Rev. Cn. René Somodevilla. There was a dramatic expansion of the music program with new choirs for children and youth and the complete overhaul and development of the music staff, including the hiring of music directors Jonathan Ryan and Justin Brooks. He added a continued p. 85

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&

LOVE RECONCILIATION SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 LOVE & RECONCILIATION was acknowledged as the first time in history that a sitting Archbishop Of Canterbury and Presiding Bishop were in the same place at the same time on American soil.

The Most Reverend And The Most Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury joined The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop Of The Episopcal Church to discuss today’s great need for Love & Reconciliation. Rector Chris Girata moderated.

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Photo Credit Haal Photography

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 The Saint Michael Staff And Clergy Were Joined

By The The Most Rev. And The Most Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury, and his wife Caroline During The Love & Reconciliation Event

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Photo Credit Ray Hand Photos

CLOCKWISE (TOP) “Ashes to Go”: Rector Chris Girata administers the disposition of Ashes to bypassers at Preston Center, Chris and cooking teammates after a parish cooking competition, Chris with his wife Nicole, and children, Chris with Bob Buchanan at Ashes to Go, Rector Chris Girata and family at the Saint Michael Episcopal School Barnyard Bash.

OPPOSITE Rector Chris Girata with the Revs Becca Stevens (of Thistle Farms) and Eric Liles, along with Project Moses leaders Terry and Mark Demler, and abuse survivors, at the “Fighting For Freedom” symposium on fighting against sexual trafficking

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Sunday night Compline service and seasonal Choral Evensongs to the schedule. In addition, he led a significant investment and expansion of technology, preparing Saint Michael to engage parishioners in new ways, as well as connecting with people across the country and the world.

An engaging teacher, he launched a mid-week morning Rector’s Bible Study that regularly drew an audience of 125-150 in the chapel. During the 2020-21 pandemic, his Bible Study expanded to draw hundreds more online, creating a large online audience, second only to the online audience for the 9 a.m. Sunday traditional service. To reach out to the community, he began taking ashes to Preston Center on Ash Wednesday, has invited Muslim and Jewish leaders for interfaith conversations, led multiple community emergency responses, including regional hurricanes and the October 2019 tornado that hit the Preston Hollow/Preston Royal area, and authors a regular column in the North Dallas community newspaper. Growth in our church community mirrored the growth to our campus, and Fr. Girata’s vision for our future will change the course of our church for generations to come.

The “always smiling rector”, Chris will be remembered as a personable, welcoming, optimistic and visionary leader. As one parishioner quipped, “From the first time I ever met Chris I loved the smile on his face. He’s smart, he’s friendly, he’s funny and he wants to be connected with everyone in the church.”

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CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE | DECEMBER 24, 2018 RECTOR CHRIS GIRATA CAPTURES THE IMAGINATION OF THE CHILDREN AS HE SHARES WITH THEM A BIBLE STORY Photo Credit Haal Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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PR AYERS & BLESSINGS BRIDGING THE PAST

THE REV. DR. CHRISTOPHER D. GIRATA, RECTOR, CELEBRATES DURING THE 2021 FEAST OF SAINT MICHAEL Photo Credit Haal Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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90 BRIDGING THE PAST Photo Credit Michael Blachly Photography

A PR AYER FOR

G

A DV ENT racious Lord, we give you thanks that you love us unconditionally. We have

endured so much over the years and our lives often feel out of sorts.

There is a yearning in our hearts for meaning, for direction, to know what the futures holds.

Help us to remember that our peace begins with you.

As we approach Christmas and we reflect on the experience of vulnerability that Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus felt, help us surrender our fears, needs, and hopes to you.

Help us to remember that it’s okay to be human - that it’s in our weakness that we discover your love, power and mercy.

Thank you for the eternal commitment you have made to us as your sons and daughters, and most of all, for being our Savior.

Amen.

— CHIP EDENS

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A PR AYER FOR

G

CHR ISTM A S od, who is love, may the love born anew in the Infant of Bethlehem be given

new life in all that we are and all that we are about. May the very center of our Christmastide celebrations be a renewed and deep desire to bring this Child’s peace, healing, grace, hope, justice and love into our worlds.

In all of this, render to us courage, quicken our minds, enliven our spirits, strengthen our resolve, and enlarge our imaginations that our very lives be-

come a bright star leading to Him who has opened to us the way of boundless love and eternal life.

Amen.

— MARK ANSCHUTZ

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A PR AYER FOR

B

EPIPH A N Y e with us, Lord, as we journey to be with you The night is dark The temperatures drop The way is hard and difficult We seek after your star We seek your light We seek you

Be with us, Lord, as we journey to be with you

— BILL MURRAY

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A PR AYER FOR

G

LENT

ood and gracious God, our lives spring from your love, and the fullness of that

love was revealed in Jesus of Nazareth.

His ability to love came not from his own power, but from the power of the Holy Spirit, in whom he rested day and night.

On our Lenten journey, teach us to rest in your Spirit, so that even when we are laid low, still we will sing your praise.

And may that song of faith grow and rise, until Easter is not just a season longed for, but a reality known and revealed; through the mercy of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

— KEN BRANNON

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98 BRIDGING THE PAST Photo Credit Haal Photography

A PR AYER FOR

Y

E A STER ou are our resurrection to new life, O God.

You are our hope, guide, counselor, and deliverer.

In the midst of fear and uncertainty in our world and in our lives and when the powerless and vulnerable of the world are overwhelmed by mighty forces recall us to our true source of help, restoration and reconciliation.

Awaken us again to your loving presence within us and beyond us.

Awaken us again to hope and the pure freedom of serving you and your children, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

— BOB DANNALS

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A PR AYER FOR

C

PENTECOST ome Holy Spirit and kindle the fire that is in us.

Take our lips and speak through them.

Take our hearts and see through them.

Take our souls and set them on fire.

Amen.

— DEAN WOLFE

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s you go out into the world, Go in peace, Repay no one evil for evil, Help the weak, Strengthen the fainthearted and love God But more importantly LET GOD LOVE YOU!

— KEVIN HUDDLESTON

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W EEK LY SA BBATH God, in the course of this busy life you give us times of refresh-

ment and peace: Grant that we may use our Sabbath to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation, and our lives refreshed by the bounty of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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racious God, you have sanctified days of rest for all your people,

and have called us to bear witness before the world to the graciousness and wisdom of the Sabbath.

Be with us now as we lay aside our work; hallow our rest, our recreation, and our leisure, and bring us to the new week refreshed and restored in body, mind, and spirit.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, in whom we find our true rest, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

— CURTIS ALMQUIST

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W EEK LY SA BBATH God of all creation, we thank you for the gift of our Sabbath rest.

Keep company with us as we take up our work again, and help us to know that, even in the midst of busy lives, our hearts rest in you.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus, who is himself our True Sabbath, and who abides with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.

Amen.

— CURTIS ALMQUIST

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A NNI V ER SA RY lmighty God, you have blessed us with so many gifts, especially the gift of your Son, who offered himself in love for each of us.

We return thanks for the sacrament of marriage, through which we practice this same sacrificial love for each other.

Strengthen us Lord that each year we may: add to the respect we have for each other, evermore put our spouse ahead of our own selfish desires, and continue to be a couple who finds happiness and joy in each other’s company.

Finally Lord, help us to be truly present to each other in all facets of our remaining years together – for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death.

Amen — GREG PICKENS

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eavenly Father, every year we rejoice in the birth of Jesus.

Throughout the year we also rejoice in the various births of Jesus’ followers whom he loves.

We ask your blessing upon your servant [Name].

Bestow upon him/her the gifts of wisdom, gentleness, and kindness.

Strengthen him/her in mind, body, and spirit that [Name] may live in peace all the days of his/her life.

Now may The Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord’s face shine upon you and be kind to you; and may God watch over you always and grant you peace.

Amen.

— MICHAEL HARMUTH

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GR A DUATION racious God, we ask your blessing upon those who are graduating.

We give thanks for knowledge acquired, friendships gained, and experiences that have prepared them for their future journeys.

Give them hope and an assurance of your care and presence as they move into the next chapter of their life.

Kindle within them a fire for the vocation to which you are calling them.

May they know themselves to be loved and supported, especially when faced with challenges and difficulties.

And, Lord, inspire and guide them such that their endeavors would further your redemptive work in the world.

Amen.

— MARY LESSMANN

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TH A NK SGI V ING racious God, we give you thanks for the beautiful gift of life

and for all our many blessings.

As we gather with family and friends, we remember those we love but see no longer and those who are alone.

As we eat this food, we remember those who are hungry.

As we find joy in one another, we remember those burdened by fear and pain.

Be present with each of us and give us grace to love one another and courage to be your light in the darkest places.

All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

— CHRIS GIRATA

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TH A NK SGI V ING racious God, we give you thanks for calling this church into existence and

blessing it in so many ways that it might be a blessing to others.

We thank you for the years of fruitful ministry in and through this place.

As we celebrate the past, may we also lean into your ongoing call.

Help us to be fully open to your leading and equipped to share hope and love in the world. In all we do, may you be glorified.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

— BOB JOHNSTON

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LOSS

lmighty and everliving God, who gave your own life that we may live, we re-

member before you all those who suffer loss.

Guide us as we comfort those who mourn: help us to listen and pray.

Comfort those who mourn: give them steadfast courage and hope to meet the days ahead.

Turn our sorrow into joy: make us ever present to the power of your Spirit working among us.

Draw us closer to your reconciling will: help us to offer all our lives to you through the merits of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Amen.

— AMY DAFLER MEAUX

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LOSS OF A PET ear Lord, Be with me in my grief for the loss of my pet.

I will sorely miss my friend and companion, yet I hope in your mercy that when I die I will see a soft light at the end of a tunnel and dashing toward me is my dear pet bounding to welcome me and to escort me toward the soft light of Heaven, greeted by the Maker of my pet, my Lord and Savior, and also by my loved ones.

I thank you, gracious Lord, for my dear companion in this life and in the life to come.

Amen — ANNE COKE

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JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS | DECEMBER 23, 2020 Christmas 2020 was in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and protocols were in place that prohibited traditional celebrations of Christmas at the church. Saint Michael held a “Journey to Christmas” giving parishioners an opportunity to have a Christmas experience at the church with a walk through Eucharist with some Christmas lessons along the way.

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8PM CHORAL COMPLINE Each Sunday evening Director Of Music Jonathan Ryan leads the Compline Choir for this holy and introspective music-only worship service Photo Credit Haal Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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Saint Michael’s Music Directors: Dr. Paul Thomas, James Diaz, Jonathan Ryan, and Justin Brooks.

THE LEGAC Y The ministry of Saint Michael through music, and remembering the late Dr. Paul Thomas.

Portions provided by former choristers, 1980-1995 When it came time to replace himself, Fr. Taliaferro wrote to outstanding organists all over the country, including Alec Wyton at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City.

He asked for the names of qualified people who might be interested in working in the little parish of Saint Michael in Texas. Dr. Paul Lindsey Thomas was one on a list of 16 names Wyton sent to Fr. Taliaferro. A recent graduate of the Yale School of Music, the star of his class, Thomas had taken the top prizes in organ and composition. On the Fellow of the American Guild of Organists examination, the highest certification for organists, he had scored higher than anyone else in the United States. Thomas and Fr. Taliaferro exchanged letters and it wasn’t long before Thomas was offered the job of Director of Music and Organist at Saint Michael and All Angels and Director of Music at Saint Michael School; a post he would hold for 37 years.

Dr. Thomas’ landmark anthem was a joy to perform, especially on Christmas Eve with brass, percussion and returning college-aged “alumni” singers. Yes, there were others including The Lord Bless You, O Saving Victim, and Psalm 46; however, Shout the Glad Tidings was fast, furious and loud. One needed to be ready and committed from the first movement of Paul’s baton.

Ironically, Dr. Thomas did not shout at his choristers. He motivated them in other ways including Oreo cookies and Dr. Pepper for after school rehearsals, as well as father/son softball games and trips to Six Flags and Whitewater. He led musicals including Noah’s Flood and his opera Everyman, performed with wife Joyce, and also hilarious parish shows. All were made better by our world-renowned organist, choirmaster, and composer.

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It is hard to imagine how different our Saint Michael history would be if Paul had not gotten that call in 1960 from Fr. Taliaferro which began a music ministry lasting until 1997. Paul’s car parked at the northeast corner of the campus was as much a fixture as the “Episcopal Church Welcomes You” sign. And it is not just our Saint Michael history, it is the lasting impact on the lives of the choristers that he led over several decades. Not only did we receive professional voice and music training, but the choristers also had weekly lessons in patience and persistence. Paul was a gentle giant who had a positive influence on the lives and voices of so many.

Dr. Thomas summarized his approach to church choral music when he wrote, “As much as possible, we must pursue excellence; the point is that we offer the best we have. With all my adult and children’s choirs, I would always remind them that we offer God not just our money but our time and talent to the best of our capability. The result was incredibly beautiful, even though the musicians were volunteers, because the inspiration of the moment took over. It was often that I got goosebumps as I directed. Individual musicians with varying levels of expertise outperformed their supposed capabilities. That was the Holy Spirit at work.”

Thomas was a composer, organist and choir director. In 1980, he was named Canon of Church Music, Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, and a year-long celebration honored his 20 years of service to Saint Michael. By that time, he had built nine choirs with combined membership of 200 and established an unparalleled church music program.

Dr. Thomas was followed by two other talented music directors/organists. James Diaz, a nationally renowned organist choirmaster and composer, served from 1998 to 2017, and critcally acclaimed international organist, Jonathan Ryan, became music director in 2017, creating a new boys and girls chorister program, mixed-voice choirs, and an education program based on the Royal School of Church Music. Still in concert-demand around the world, Ryan also tours while continuing to grow the traditional music programs to new heights. Over the years, many people have come to Saint Michael to hear the glorious music. A choir member once told a local publication that music on Sunday at Saint Michael, with its 68-stop organ, choir and occasional instrumentalists, “is some of the best music in town. It’s like coming to a concert every week.”

Acclaimed saxophone player Shelley Carrol during the 2019 Jazz Christmas Service.

2017 saw Saint Michael’s continued expansion from the traditional/classical forms of worship music, integrating contemporary worship more deeply into weekly contemporary worship services. Veteran composer, stage and studio musician Justin Brooks was hired to elevate this crucial work, allowing Saint Michael to continue to set the bar for worship, now in both traditional and contemporary services. A national touring artist and veteran of Deep Ellum stages, Brooks is also a songwriter and composer for The Church, serving as a resource for creating modern liturgical workhip music and experiences for services worldwide. He collaborates with some of the most exciting contemporary, Indie, and jazz artists in the country. Today, the worship band brings together nationally-acclaimed artists in jazz, blues, and other contemporary forms.

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CHRISTMAS LESSONS & CAROLS | DECEMBER 22, 2019 Photo Credit Haal Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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CONTEMPORARY MUSIC DIRECTOR JUSTIN BROOKS During The Filming Of The 2020 Lessons & Carols Special Photo Credit Haal Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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CHRISTMAS LESSONS & CAROLS | DECEMBER 23, 2018 Photo Credit DeLuca Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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CONTEMPORARY MUSIC DIRECTOR JUSTIN BROOKS With the Contemporary Worship Band as they lead parishioners in worship.

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 | SAINT MICHAEL CHORISTERS FIRST SING Such A Thrilling Moment To Present The Founding Members Of The Choristers!

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VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION | NOVEMBER 11, 2018 It Is An Honor For These Gallant Soldiers To Join Us. Thank You For Your Service To Us And Our Country!

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“

I have been privileged to experience so many special moments at Saint Michael over the last 45 years. However, one stands out as the most significant.

On Maundy Thursday during the service, the Altar Guild strips the Altar and Chancel of all vestments and appointments and the blessed elements are removed to the Altar of Repose in Bishop Moore Chapel in preparation for Good Friday. At the Great Easter Vigil on Saturday night, the Altar Guild redresses the Altar during the service for Easter.

My year as Altar Guild Directress, it was my duty to set the chalice on the Altar after the frontal and linen were in place. As I finished placing the vested chalice, I looked up towards the choir from behind the Altar and slowly the dark space was becoming light with ribbons, banners, bells ringing, the procession and music heralding the first celebration of Easter. It was a completely unexpected and mesmerizing experience. As a lay person, the Church from that vantage point is rarely seen. For me it was mesmerizing and magical.

-KITTYE PEELER

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“

The Saint Michael knitting ministry began in the early 2000s with knitters making baby caps, blankets and booties for an Anglican church in Jerusalem.

Rector Mark Anschutz visited another Episcopal church in Memphis and came back with the idea and instructions for making prayer shawls for people who were sick or needy. Our knitters were thrilled to have a new project and the shawls were a huge hit with clergy and parishioners. In 2005 when I joined, we met every Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. and usually had 12 -15 knitters. At the same time, women who were employed or stay-at-home mothers could knit at home.

On Sundays, a shawl would be placed on a credence table in the aisle, the presiding priest would bless it, and the members of the congregation could touch the shawl and bless it too, on the way to receive communion. The clergy then gave the shawls to congregants in the hospital or going through a hard time. We also made scarves for mission and outreach to celebrate at Christmas. We donated hundreds of scarves to Rosebud Reservation, Jubilee neighborhood, and Meals on Wheels.

When the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 hit us, people started knitting at home and soon multiple bags of knitted and crocheted scarves and shawls began arriving on my front porch and at co-leader Peggy Carr’s front door.

Several said the knitting saved their sanity during the quarantine. Now we are stitching at church again, glad to be back together and doing God’s work for others!

-BYRD TEAGUE

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I have been involved in various activities in the church. One of my favorites was the Brotherhood of St. Andrews. It is the least known activity in the parish for men. When it began there were five men and Bill Archer was the leader. Now it has more than 20 men. We made lunches for Habitat for Humanity and assisted with the Diocesan Golf Tournament.

-DON WADDINGTON

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My favorite thing about being at Saint Michael is the people, and the fact that there are so many varied groups and personalities. I really get great joy from getting to know everyone I come across, from parishioners in the pews to dedicated choristers to our adult choir members to the dedicated members of various committees I interact with. The people make the place, and Saint Michael is vibrant because of its people.

-MEG HARPER

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND ORGANIST

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Beginning in 1984, a committee was formed to meet the needs of families in the parish. We had heard how big and “unfriendly” Saint Michael was and wanted to meet this problem head-on. In a parish of 4,000 plus, what could be done to make it more personal, closer? We wanted to reach out to neighbors who had specific needs, such as a death in the family, serious illness, new baby, coming home from the hospital, or being a new family in the neighborhood. We wanted to be better connected. The main thrust of the program was “neighbors caring for neighbors.” Our goals included providing a meal to families in distress, welcoming newcomers, sending cards, and getting together.

During the first year, Litty Turner and I took the church directory and plotted everyone on a map and began to make neighborhoods. We spent about two years setting it up. We initially had 66 neighborhoods and began the task of finding 66 shepherds. It was a job that took about 20 hours a week.

Fr. Andy McCarthy was the priest in charge and then Fr. Mike Wallens. They were invaluable. Today, there are 101 neighborhoods.

Why do this? In obedience and observance of our Lord’s commands: to love one another and to “feed my sheep.” Bill Power once said, ”The Good Shepherd program is one of the best things we do at Saint Michael.”

-SUE PATTON

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“

My favorite event is Lessons and Carols. My favorite service at the church is Compline. One of my favorite memories was when our Cherubs first sang in the big church. With our newly pressed white vestments, the Cherubs marched across the front of the altar to sing. One of our youngest Cherubs turned to the piano and stared the entire time at Owen (Reid, organ scholar) who was playing. We had some who danced, others who cried and some who clearly are meant for the spotlight. The piece was called “Thankful” and I am thankful for their beautiful singing that morning. It was a great moment to have the church filled with young families and to witness these young worship leaders in action.

-MONICA AWBREY

ASSISTANT CHOIRMASTER AND DIRECTOR OF CHERUB CHOIRS

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“

I was the youngest of a single parent home. My mother was plagued with mental health issues all of her life. It was important to her for us to go to church even if she didn’t go.

SMAA supported me and my broken family in so many ways. Members would bring meals to us, mow the grass, drive my mother to doctor appointments, cheer me on at soccer games. The church helped us financially with paying bills, going on a youth retreat and so much more. The church helped to raise me and lead me to know and love God. I would not be here today without the support of SMAA and the numerous members who bolstered me.

- NANCY SCRIPPS

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“

When Gus and I began dating, we found that we had Saint Michael in common and married in the Saint Michael Chapel in February 1996. Sharon Turner officiated. We decided to make the church the center of our marriage.

My favorite events at Saint Michael have been small group opportunities to get to know other members. Some of our longtime friends have come from those events, such as: weekend retreats held by the “second-halfers”; spiritual retreats (led by Shelly Vescovo to the Benedictine Abbey at Pecos, N.M.); retreats to the Society of Saint John the Evangelist in Massachusetts; weekly Advent and Lenten home communion services at various homes; mission trips to New Orleans to muck houses and to the Lakota Sioux Reservation in South Dakota; monthly “Neighborhood Nights” sponsored by the Good Shepherds. Other activities I have enjoyed include Farmers Market, Veteran’s Day celebration, Chili Cookoff, Saint Michael Presents Concerts, Christmas Contemporary Jazz Mass, chef competitions and women’s luncheons. A particular ministry that I have enjoyed during the past 10 years is the Funeral Reception Guild. I love working in the kitchen to arrange the tasty and beautiful offerings on the reception table and enjoy the ladies who are drawn to this ministry.

Pastoral Care as a group has been the most influential interest we, as a couple, have had. Jay Jacks recognized Gus as a good listener as did the Rev. Sharon Turner. They encouraged both of us to call on those who were in the hospital or nursing homes. We had practical training under Sharon Turner and Christie Olsen. We were then both trained as LEVs. An individual who has been a great influence on me is Elizabeth Lang. Under her leadership in the Education for Ministry course, I gained a better understanding and education in my Christian faith and a confidence in further studies.

Patty Willett is probably the priest who has had the biggest influence on me personally. Patty had an innate ability to determine a person’s skills and use them in the best way possible for the church and the individual. I recently “retired” after 10 years as Pastoral Care communications coordinator, a volunteer position Patty Willett created for me.

- MARILLYN SEEBERGER BUILDING THE FUTURE

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Being a newly-formed Episcopalian in the late 1980s, I took things slowly as to becoming active at St. Michael. It was easy to join St. Mary’s Guild (I love to bake!) and to become a driver for Meals on Wheels; but when Fr. Don Spafford asked me to join the VIPs, that was a bridge too far. How could he possibly see me as a fit with “old people” when I was 52 years old? He urged me on with the need for “young blood” in the mix of the seniors group. Reluctantly, I signed up, and 35 years later Prime Timers is my favorite thing about Saint Mike! Senior friends are the richest in experience, wisdom and camaraderie. These are my Golden Friends, and, now, I’m one of the elders, looking for that “young blood” that doesn’t know what it’s missing!

- RUTH B. MASON

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“

My parents, Mary and Palmer Haworth, were some of the founding members of Saint Michael. I was baptized on December 23, 1945, in Fondren Library by Fr. Taliaferro, the second church baby to be baptized.

The choir was and is my favorite part of going to church. I joined the All Angels choir in 1954 and have been singing ever since. Joining the Oratorio Choir was so special. What a talented, caring group of people.

One of the things we had were Secret Angel cards, which were sent to a member if they were in need of a pick-me-up. Our choir now has a pumpkin that gets dressed up for each holiday. It sits on the piano. Nobody knows who dresses it each time, but it is very clever and lifts everyone’s spirit. I went on many of the choir trips—twice to Europe, twice to sing In New York City, and to sing at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. One of my best memories is from New York, when we took a boat trip around the harbor. As we passed the Statue of Liberty, someone started singing “God Bless America.” We all joined in (some even sang parts) and we sang many patriotic songs that night.

- PAM BARBERA

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“

I came to Saint Michael in 2004 from St. Andrews in Little Rock where we had a vibrant Prayer Team. Historically, the “awe and mystery” of God intersected my life when I was very young and I was imprinted forever with deep trust that God’s love for us is bigger, more joyful and more mysterious than anything we can imagine. What has deepened my journey: Alpha, Amistad, Cursillo, Friends in Christ, The Gathering, working with refugees and trafficking in the UK and Africa, retreats with the Carmelites, Benedictines, and Jesuits as well as reaching Guggenheim Bilbao and the Santiago Cathedral in Spain. At Saint Michael, I am ever grateful for the faithful lives of the Rev. Bill Power, the Rev. Jim Webb, and the Rev. Greg Pickens.

- JOAN FAUBION

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“

I was baptized as a baby at Saint Michael in 1961 by Fr. Henry Coke, and currently serve as the co-chairman of St. Mary’s Guild and The Good Shepherd Ministry.

My favorite early memories are of attending The St. Michael School through the fourth grade. It gave me a superb academic foundation, and I still have many friends from that time! Mark (Anschutz) once said: One thing we Episcopalians do well is educate. We’ll always have a school here. As a child, this school was so important to me. Fr. (Sam) Hulsey and Fr. (David) Comegys were the children’s chaplains.

St. Mary’s Guild is a wonderful, fun, welcoming place. We’re kind of like the welcome wagon. It’s the chatty place where everybody congregates, greets one another, and buys baked goods between Sunday services. It’s nice to be part of one of the oldest ministries, founded in 1950. Proceeds from each 75-cent cookie we sell go to local philanthropies. During the pandemic when the church was locked down, St. Mary’s Guild and Friends continued to bake weekly and deliver the goods to health care workers at local hospitals as part of the Guild’s mission and outreach function. Many front line workers were so appreciative, and as a result, Saint Michael is known by many as a giving and caring place.

- SHANNON WILSON CALLEWART

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In 1977, the Rev. Dr. Bill Power received a grant to establish a professional Christian Education Department at Saint Michael, and Ann Mills was hired as the Administrative Assistant for that new department. Ann was charged with being creative in meeting the formation needs of the large Saint Michael community. After being promoted to the Director of Congregational Care, Ann assembled a great team of volunteers to create structure and programs for all ages, including the establishment of the Good Shepherd Ministry. Through every stage of her forty-year ministry, Ann worked tirelessly to meet the needs of parishioners, particularly when they were at their most vulnerable or when significant changes happened in their lives.

Providing support, food, and other needs from the birth of a child to the death of a loved one has been a ministry from my heart.

In 2018, Leon Farmer and Ann Mills retired, bringing an era of generous service to an end. Their commitment to and love for Saint Michael was celebrated with festive receptions, and their legacies have been honored with icons of St. Michael and Jesus the Good Shepherd, hung proudly in the narthex of the Saint Michael Chapel. We are blessed to have walked for so

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long with such faithful disciples.

There are in the world certain people who seem to know everyone—people who don’t simply know the names of folk present but who know the connections that matter. Ann Mills was and is one of those people who knows everyone, knows how they are related, and works tirelessly to make sure that they feel loved.

– BILL MURRAY

There are no words worthy enough to fully celebrate Leon, a man who embodies the heart and soul of Saint Michael. Leon manifested the light of Christ each and every day. His time, his presence, and his sweet spirit helped make Saint Michael the church it is today, and we will all be forever grateful.

- CHRIS GIRATA

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We come to Saint Michael and All Angels year after year because we are given to believe that the Lord is in this place. Our Lord has angels among us that help accomplish all things…Leon Farmer is such a man.

- FR. COKE .

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P.T. CRUISERS | OCTOBER 17, 2019 Our “Prime Timers” are always on the lookout for a great event—here they are cruising White Rock Lake aboard the Spirit of Dallas!

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EPIPHANY SERVICE | JANUARY 5, 2020 Photo Credit Haal Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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THE CHURCH The Nave of the church, dedicated in September 1961, was designed by architect Harwood K. Smith, who worked closely with the first rector, the Rev. A.A. Taliaferro. Mr. Smith stated, “I will design a church that will do business with the past and do business with the future.” The result was a lofty, contemporary basilica-style nave seating approximately 700 people.

Regional artists created a worship space that inspires both reverent awe with the cross and soaring angels on the reredos, and a sense of energy and motion in the abstract color symbolism of the brilliant windows. Fr. Taliaferro said, “You come into the church and know that something is going on.”

Smith, a a member of the church, had been selected as the architect for the entire master plan, with his associate Jim Clutts as lead designer. Henry Beck volunteered his expertise in construction man-

agement as his labor of love. They envisioned the new Saint Michael Church as a thoroughly contemporary building with a marble sanctuary and terrazzo flooring throughout. It was adorned with glass walls looking out on the courtyards and lawns. The South entrance and a series of halls would link the new church to the old church as well as a small Chapel, intended to be open 24 hours a day. The practical designs allowed the old and new churches to share the same sacristies.

The new church was conceived as a music box, a basilica with hard surfaces that would allow for sound reverberation; and acousticians advised the designers every step of the way. With the encouragement of Henry Beck, who started attending Saint Michael in the 1950s, and the enthusiastic building committee, church members had pledged “some $700,000” for construction of the church, with the adjoining education buildings. Landscaping designed by Lambert landscape of Dallas was part of the basic contract. William Parker McFadden of Dallas was retained as consultant on colors and textures.

A news release was sent out by the church announcing the groundbreaking ceremony for the “million-dollar church”, Chapel, and administration building.

The prudent plan was to build a church on a cash-in-hand basis. The first phase, the foundation and steel frame, cost $200,000. Once the steel frame was erected, it was painted bright turquoise blue, a color

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“...Beauty is a prime motive in the worship of God. No church can be too beautiful. If a new church is to be built for the congregation of Saint Michael and All Angels, it should be built to stand for the ages and should be the outward and visible sign of the most beautiful thing in human life —the Presence of God.” —Fr. Taliaferro

chosen by Clutts, and marked the corner of Colgate and Douglas for many months while money was raised to complete the building.

described in one article as “transitional modern architecture”—a meaningful term, according to Clutts.

Because of severe overcrowding in the old church, the move into the new building took place even before the pews were installed. The move was covered by the Dallas Morning News, with photographs of the women of Saint Michael carrying ironing boards and polishing silver, doing the “women’s work” of moving.

Cecil Lang Casebier, the well-known glass artist, was commissioned to design the windows for the new church and for the Bishop Harry Tunis Moore Memorial Chapel.

When it was finally completed, the new church, constructed from “St. Joe” brick with an interior of Italian Cremo marble above brick and dark-stained oak, received considerable media attention. It was

Fr. Taliaferro and Casebier talked for hours about the symbolism of color and there’s no doubt that the rector’s ideas are reflected in the stained glass, although appreciation for their beauty doesn’t require a translation of the symbolism. The windows depict the creation, the birth and life of Christ, and the old and new testaments.

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T H E C R E AT I O N W I N D O W White represents the purity and perfection of God the creator as powerful swirls brood in the lower right and, under the swirls, the brown tones of earth begin to appear. Everything in the window is motion; nothing is static. The red in the lower left corner denotes: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

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T H E S TA I N E D G L A S S W I N D O W S Stained glass windows first adorned Christian churches in the 11th and 12th centuries. The windows served two purposes: 1) to provide beauty and light, and 2) to provide instruction for worshipers. Few people then could read and the Bible and Mass were not yet translated. Windows were designed to tell stories from Scripture.

Images play a powerful role both as art and as vehicles of worship. Stained glass windows are either pictorial (as in Saint Michael Chapel) or symbolic (as in the Church nave). Such images encroach actively and vividly on the viewer. We are encouraged to see our windows as an aid to meditation, stillness and prayer, always with eyes open to new revelation.

The original stained glass windows adorn the north and south sides of the altar, the east end of the church behind the choir loft, and run along the top of the church’s north and south walls. They were designed by Cecil Casebier (1922-1996) and were created by the Orco Studio in San Antonio. Incorporating the use of colors for purpose, the windows tell the story of the Old and New Testaments and the Church to the last day.

THE COLORS OF THE STAINED GLASS REPRESENT: WHITE without shadow, the purity and perfection of God RED the blood and spirit of Jesus Christ BLUE the wisdom of the Holy Spirit GREEN the growth of all living things BROWNS & GRAY the earth, matter GOLD illumination, God’s light and rule

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T H E S T O R Y O F S A LVAT I O N The windows on the north side of the nave depict the green of growing things as the breath of God brings life to the earth. Various patterns of color represent the Fall, the Flood, the promise to Abraham, Moses and the Law, and the coming of the prophets.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST These windows portray the birth and life of Christ. The red becomes more prominent, representing the gospel narratives about His ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing.

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The crucifixion of Christ is depicted in the large window on the north side of the nave. The red of Christ’s blood flows down toward the altar, where the Eucharist is celebrated, “having in remembrance His blessed passion and precious death, His mighty resurrection and glorious ascension.”

Photo Credit Haal Photography

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THE RESURRECTION WINDOW

Photo Credit Haal Photography

The resurrection is represented in the large window on the south side of the altar. Red, the blood of Christ, the redemption of creation, rises powerfully from the altar into this window. We are a new creation in the illuminating presence and purity of God, represented by the swirling lines of yellow and white.

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THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH These windows on the south side of the nave depict the history of the church since the first Easter Day with colors representing human endeavors in philosophy, art, literature, science, economic, and social action.

FULL CIRCLE Finally, the perfection of the Last Day and the Holy Trinity (three circles) are represented as we are returned to the Creation Window.

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THE COLUMBARIUM DOORS The stained glass doors in the church were created by renown artist and parishioner Bart Forbes. They were commissioned to provide access to the new Nave Courtyard and Columbarium, and were installed in 2014. Forbes’ doors complement the original stained glass windows. The doors represent the Holy Spirit, depicted by the traditional symbol of a dove, and red, the color most closely associated with the Holy Spirit.

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WORSHIP CENTER John Szymak, a Dallas silversmith and artist was the designer and craftsman of the aumbry, baptismal font, candlesticks and pavement lights. The enamel inlay in the silver reflects the color symbolism of the church’s windows. The sense of motion and abstract wing motif of the design complement the graceful reredos angels.

A LTA R R A I L K N E E L E R S A N D B E N C H C U S H I O N S The Altar Rail kneelers and bench cushions were designed by Keith Haralson. Twenty-five women of St. Martha’s Guild crafted and signed the kneelers, which bear a unique design containing three white lines, which connect each to the adjacent cushion. Abstract color patterns reflect the Casebier windows.

A C O LY T E A N D P R I E S T B E N C H C U S H I O N S Created in 1998 and signed by the needle workers, the acolyte and priest bench cushions depict the symbols of 11 apostles, St. Paul, St. Michael, the Holy Eucharist and the seal of Saint Michael and All Angels parish. The four priests’ bench cushions bear the symbols of the four evangelists: Matthew, a winged man; Mark, a winged lion; Luke, a winged ox; and John, an eagle.

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THE CHURCH SCHUDI ORGAN The church organ was dedicated in October, 1985, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the parish. It was built by the Schudi Organ Company with a sound and installation that complement the nave’s architecture. Special attention was given to not obstruct the Creation Window (behind the choir loft). Neal Lacey was the architectural consultant, and Dr. Paul Thomas was tonal consultant.

Construction was made possible by a challenge gift by Ashley and Kathryn Priddy in memory of Ashley’s parents. The four manual, 68 stop organ contains 30 retained and reworked ranks from the church’s previous organ.

The Positif de dos on the gallery railing was the first installed in Dallas.

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THE CARILLON TOWER BELLS The 19 tower bells were cast in bronze in England and dedicated in 1996 and 2001. 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, and Wisdom.

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THE REREDOS: SAINT MICHAEL AND THE ARCHANGEL S | CHARLES UML AUF A distinguishing feature of the design of Saint Michael is the number of outstanding regional artists involved. Of these, Charles Umlauf is probably the most well-known. Umlauf was Professor of Fine Arts at the University of Texas when he was commissioned to execute the sculpture on the reredos. Umlauf had been commissioned earlier that year by the city of Dallas to make the “Spirit of Flight” sculpture at Love Field, and the “Torchbearer” at Fair Park Music Hall. His work may also be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Saint Michael reredos rises 35 feet from the floor of the sanctuary. The bas-relief sculpture Umlauf planned measured 10’ x 15’. His first design was of Saint Michael slaying the dragon, but Church Architect of Record James A. Clutts, FAIA, had a different vision and while talking it over with Umlauf, took a pencil and sketched out what he had in mind. Umlauf then designed a group of archangels, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel, with their worshipful attention directed at a large gold leaf cross. His inspiration taken from the epistle for the feast of Saint Michael and All Angels, “There was a war in heaven; That Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and the dragon fought...and they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

Chosen because the pattern of the stone resembles wings, the marble came from the same quarry in Carrara, Italy, where Michelangelo procured his marble. Umlauf himself selected the stone, then it was shipped to the Vermont Marble Company where the initial carvings were done, working from Umlauf’s plaster model. Once the blocks were in place on the reredos, he did the final polishing of the work before it was unveiled.

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THE SAINT MICHAEL CHAPEL The original Saint Michael and All Angels Church, designed by Marion Fooshee of Fooshee & Cheek, is now the Saint Michael Chapel. The traditional Gothic style, 200 seat Austin stone sanctuary was completed in 1948. The congregation celebrated Easter that year in the unfinished structure. The exterior door is red, symbolizing salvation through Jesus Christ. The Chapel was restored and refurbished in 2002 and 2003.

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A letter from Fr. Taliaferro found during the Chapel Restoration under the original altar in a copper receptacle buried on Sunday, February 8, 1948 opened in 2002.

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THE CHANCEL WINDOWS The windows over the altar were designed

by Georgia McIntosh and crafted in the late 1940s at her studio in East Dallas. She chose glass from Belgium and France, constructed the windows, painting faces and small details, which were baked into the glass. The Center Panel, or Trinity Window, is dominated by the figure of the Risen Christ. Above is a symbol for God the Father—hand of the Creator. The Holy Spirit is represented by seven descending doves—the seven gifts of the Spirit. At the feet of Christ are symbols of Baptism and the Eucharist. The Shields of the Apostles are represented in the side window panels and in the needlework of the altar rail cushions. The window’s background evokes the 15th chapter of John’s gospel: “I am the vine; you are the branches.”

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THE NOR TH SIDE WINDOWS (ABOVE) Seven windows whose center medallions depict events in the life of Christ were designed at the Willet Stained Glass Studio in Philadelphia. The sequence begins at the organ and moves toward the altar. It includes: The Annunciation—the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. The Magi—gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus in the Temple—surrounded by learned men with Mary at his side. The Temptation—rocks for transformation into bread, the pinnacle of the Temple, and an earthly crown for earthly kingdoms. Wedding at Cana—jugs, attendants, Jesus, Mary, marriage symbols. The Commission—the globe, a baptismal shell, the Word. The Last Supper—Jesus sits at a table surrounded by his disciples. Judas, set apart and colorless, flees with a bag of money.

THE SOUTH SIDE WINDOWS (BELOW ) These eight windows, also designed at the Willet Studio, depict the Beatitudes. Angels, the messengers of God, appear in each window with wings and unshod feet symbolizing swift readiness. Many hold objects suggesting their mission: adoration, judgment, justice, victory, and purity. The sequence begins in the Children’s Chapel with Blessed are the peacemakers “and a little child shall lead them” and is completed in the Memorial Chapel with Blessed are those that mourn, picturing the three crosses of Calvary.

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THE RESURREC TION WINDOW The large window in the Memorial Chapel depicts the Risen Christ as Lord of interstellar space (Hymn 459). Anne Coke designed the window based on passages from Amos 5:8 and from Psalms 57: 10, 11; 147: 3, 4. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars and calls them by their names.” Jesus holds an orb – “the whole world in his hands.” Of special interest are the angels with poly-chromed wings and the border of crosses, echoing the adjacent Beatitude window.

Local stained glass artist John Kebrle executed the design and collaborated on windows for the Children’s Chapel and the archival space.

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THE CHILDREN’S CHAPEL Anne Coke chose the theme of Jesus and the children with His words: “Suffer the little children to come unto me.” Jesus sits with a child on His lap surrounded by children (one in a Saint Michael school uniform) and their pets. A palm tree represents the hosannas at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem followed by His rejection and betrayal. The sycamore tree represents the story of Zaccheus, a small man honored by Jesus.

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THE LEGAC Y ROOM The Legacy Room is a passageway from the driveway into the Memorial Chapel. One wall displays a picture gallery of significant photographs and memorabilia of parish history. The two Kebrle stained glass windows were designed by Anne Coke to be read left to right. The Saint Michael window pictures Fr. Talliaferro, shovel in hand, at the church’s groundbreaking, as well as the Chapel and the Church.

Saint Michael the Archangel hovers above. The inscription reads,“Praise Him in His Holy Temple.”

(Psalm 150). The All Angels window on the right depicts angels ascending with the instruments of praise. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150) These companion windows imply the name of the church and affirm a common duty to praise God in His holy places with angels, archangels and all the company of heaven.

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THE ANGEL DOORS AND CIT Y OF JERUSALEM Parishioner Bart Forbes designed the doors representing the Archangel Michael, and the herald and guardian angels that frame the narthex and lead into the Memorial Chapel. The relief effect was created by the use of a special sculpted slump glass technique at the Stanton Glass Studio in Waco.

The City of Jerusalem arched windows over the chapel entrance were designed by Forbes based on a passage from Revelation 22: 1-6. The scene depicts the holy city, Jerusalem, with the river of the water of life bright as crystal, the tree of life, and Christ as the Lamb. “The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.”

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THE CHAPEL ORGAN The Saint Michael Chapel pipe organ was designed and built by Orgues Letourneau Limitee of Quebec, Canada, and designated Opus 84 by the company. It is played from an attached console controlling 15 stops and almost 1,000 pipes. Made from solid red oak wood, the organ has pipes that are made from a 70 percent tin alloy and hand polished. The pipes, built to exact specifications, were tuned by a team of voicers, who spent more than two months perfecting the sound of each one.

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OTHER SIGNIFICANT ART THE BISHOP HARRY TUNIS MOORE MEMORIAL CHAPEL The chapel was named for the Bishop of Dallas when the mission which was to become Saint Michael and All Angels Church was founded in 1945. The altar candlesticks, bearing bishop’s crosiers, were given by Peter Wiggins Jr., in honor of Bishop and Mrs. Moore. Their daughter, Reeme Moore Rogers, supervised the design. Above the door hangs a triumphant Christus Rex, crafted in England, which was commissioned by the Women of Saint Michael in memory of Beth Smalling Henning, wife of the church’s third rector.

R E V E L AT I O N The sculpture, Revelation, by Harold Fooshee Clayton, grandson of Saint Michael’s architect Marion Fooshee, was carved from a 2,400 pound block of Georgia marble. It was dedicated in 1979. Its oval shape recalls the helmet St. Michael wore as captain of the angel host, and it also resembles an egg, with its connotations of birth.

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SAINT FR ANCIS BY JOSSET The massive concrete statue of Saint Francis in the Garden Cloister was created by artist Raoul Josset for parishioners Pauline and E.J. Muth in 1955. It remained in the gardens of their home until 1999 when the family gave it to the church. Josset created public works of art around the world. He came to Dallas in 1936 where he created the statue Spirit of the Centennial and other works in Fair Park.

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SA I NT FR A N CIS BY UML AUF The Saint Francis statue found in the garden just off the church Parlor was created by Charles Umlauf, who sculpted the reredos angels. Created in 1958, it was given by The Rose Wheaton Beard Memorial Fund and dedicated in 1964.

THE MADONNA AND CHILD The wooden statue of The Madonna and Child found just inside the left wall of the Children’s Chapel was given in memory of William Hutchinson in 1969 by his widow, Mary Jane Hutchinson, and the couple’s four children.

VIA CRUCIS Currently on loan from TIA Fine Art Ltd., and hanging in the Narthex are 14 bas-relief sculptures by Italian artist Federico Severino.

Known as Via Crucis, they comprise one of two castings of the 14 Stations of the Cross commissioned for the Basilica of the Pantheon in Rome in 2009. The stations follow Christ’s journey from being condemned and then crucified and buried.

Sculptures included: 1. Jesus is condemned to death 2. Jesus bears the cross 3. Jesus falls for the first time 4. Jesus meets his mother 5. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene 6. Veronica dries the face of Jesus 7. Jesus falls a second time 8. Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem 9. Jesus falls for the third time 10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes 11. Christ is nailed to the cross 12. Jesus dies on the cross 13. Jesus is taken down from the cross 14. Jesus is laid in the sepulcher Saint Michael has been home since 2018 to the sculptures, which provide an opportunity for viewers to reflect on Christ’s last journey and his sacrifice for humanity.

Severino departs from the traditional stations of the cross as the last station depicts the Resurrection.

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THE SAINT MICHAEL ACOLYTE CORPS ...serves at the heart of parish worship. Under the leadership of parishioner Tony Briggle, nearly 200 members serve across all services faithfully!

L-R Will Chestnut, Tony Briggle, Jeanne & J.C. Snead Photo Credit Haal Photography BUILDING THE FUTURE

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SAINT MICHAEL WORSHIP Worship and discipleship are the heart of Saint Michael, and the Holy Eucharist at the heart of worship. Gathering together, we as Christians unite ourselves with others to acknowledge the holiness of God, hear His Word, offer prayers and supplecations, and celebrate the sacraments as outlined for us in scripture. The following pages are a tribute to worship at Saint Michael. To the parishioners who faithfully engage in God’s word and community with each other: singles, couples, families, children, and our fabulous seniors— we are so blessed to have the community God has given us!

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VICE RECTOR KEN BRANNON Taken on his first Sunday at Saint Michael, the Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon is seen here during communion. Ken plays an extremely important role leading the staff in much the same way a “chief of staff” would. He internal leadership allows Rector Chris Girata to focus outwardly on ministry opportunities and growth in the community.

Photo Credit Haal Photography

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PALM SUNDAY PARADE Palm Sunday is a festive, worshipful time at Saint Michael. One of the most anticipated portions of it is the pre-service parade, complete with bagpipe corps and donkey, ridden by one of our younger parishioners. Many a time during the parade have small neighborhood heads popped up over home fences to see the sight!

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SAINT MICHAEL CONTEMPORARY SERVICE is such an important offering for worship at Saint Michael! Seen here is the Rev. Bob Johnston preaching to a crowded room during the weekly Sunday service.

INSET The Rev. Dr. Eric J. Liles celebrates communion with some help from the children!

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SAINT MICHAEL TRADITIONAL SERVICE Rector Bob Dannals with Celebrant Rev. Greg Pickens, clergy and acolytes during the opening procession.

Photo Credit Ray Hand Pictures

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BAPTISM The Book of Common Prayer defines Holy Baptism as the sacrament by which “God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” Over the years at Saint Michael, we have celebrated the baptism of over 10,381 Christians who are marked as Christ’s own forever. Memories of baptism at Saint Michael include Bob Ratelle parading newly baptized infants high over his head down the aisle asking us to welcome this new Christian and giving a lighted candle to the newly baptized charging them to be a light in the world.

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Photo Credit Haal Photography

For Christmas 2020 all of the Christmas Eve services were livestreamed. The choirs and musicians were socially-distanced and held recording sessions for their contributions to the worship services.

A new Jazz service was also introduced.

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SAINT MICHAEL KIDS! Children have always played such an important role in the growth and life of Saint Michael. The ministry of the Rev. Canon Michael Harmuth, together with the Rev. Greg Pickens, has been a consistent force in the spiritual formation of our younger parishioners!

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AT- H O M E L E N T E N A LTA R S Still in the throes of a siloed, shelter-in-place existence during Lent 2021, we sought for a way for parishioners to come together, somehow, as part of our Lenten discipline. It was decided that one way was to come together in a shared experience: creating holy space, together, in each of our homes. The foundation of these at-home sacred spaces was a blessed cloth sent from the church, to which many personalized to create a unique place of worship for their family. We’re so thankful not only for the hard-fought ministry of the church, but also for those that engaged, staying connected to both their faith and their parish!

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Photo Credit Haal Photography

EASTER SUNDAY 2020 The effects of the pandemic were ravaging most of the country, and only a handful of persons were allowed inside—in one room—at the same time. This was Easter Sunday. The only way to comemmorate those that served was to go outside.

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SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN’S LESSON Former Vice Rector Rev. Bill Murray takes the kids on a journey through one of the lessons of the day.

CONFIRMATION Confirmation is at the forefront of our Christian formation, and plays a vital role in the spiritual growth of our parishioners. Seen opposite top is the Right Rev. Paul Lambert, Biship Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, at the youth confirmation, with The Right Rev. James Stanton, Biship of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas with our adult confirmands.

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WOMEN

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N OF SAINT MICHAEL

WOMEN IN MINISTRY PANEL September 13, 2021 | The Women of Saint Michael hosted a special panel event, as part of the 75th Anniversary celebration, celebrating women in ministry, and discussing their experiences.

Featured panelists were past and present Saint Michael women clergy members: The Very Rev. Amy Meaux, The Rev. Patty Willett Rhyne, and The Rev. Tamara Newell, moderated by The Rev. Mary Lessman.

Photo Credit Haal Photography

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2019 PARISH PARTY The Women Of Saint Michael Parish Party was the largest yet, a huge fundraising success—and a total blast!

The mission of the WOSM Parish Party is “to promote fellowship while raising money to be returned through grants from the Gifts C-ommittee to agencies fighting proverty in our community.”

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WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL All women who are members of our parish are members of Women of Saint Michael (WOSM). Our purpose is to “be the extension of Christ’s Kingdom by uniting the women of the parish in a program of worship, study, service, and fellowship, and leading them into the service for the Church, in the parish, the community, the diocese, the nation, and the world.”

Since 1945, the women have had organized activities that included, in the early days, publishing cookbooks, organizing home tours, producing musical performances, and holding Christmas bazaars.

Today’s robust programming offers luncheon speakers addressing a wide range of timely topics and representatives of nonprofit agencies speaking about their important work in the community, along with parish-wide evening programs, the Parish Party or Mardi Gras Party, annual Spring Luncheon, and numerous volunteer opportunities within the church and the Dallas community.

Hearkening back to an earlier tradition of putting on a musical revue, the WOSM will sponsor the 75th Anniversary Parish Party in April 2022 that will feature an original musical titled “Michael! (The Musical)” whose idea emanated from the popular “Hamilton.”

Every year, the WOSM Gifts Committee makes grants to nonprofit agencies with funds generated from sales at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange and from fundraising activities, such as the Parish Party, and from generous individual donations. Since 1958, the WOSM have distributed over $10 million to more than 200 different agencies, reviewing some 70 grant applications each year. WOSM grants focus on supporting crisis needs and addressing financial stability for those living in poverty in Dallas County and beyond. The Gifts Committee uses the criteria outlined in the book of Matthew.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.” – Matthew 25:35-36 Through the years, the WOSM have grown and adapted to societal changes—women working in an office as well as from home, everchanging technology that allows for new methods of communication and cooperation, a demand for different kinds of volunteer outreach, and a variety of ways to be involved in the parish. The WOSM have continued to provide a warm outlet for fellowship and involvement for all women of the parish. The WOSM offer a place for connection and the creation of lifelong friendships while serving God and the Saint Michael and All Angels community.

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AT LEFT | MARCH 2, 1949 The women of the church serve over 700 pancakes to 200 parishioners at Saint Michael’s first pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday. A flour company donates the pancake mix including instructions to teach the women how to cook on such a large scale.

BELOW One of the most far-reaching ministries of the Women of Saint Michael is the “Interfaith Panel”. Physical attendance was packed—but online YouTube views of the two sessions are in excess of 10 million views!

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S T. M I C H A E L’ S WOMAN’S E XCHANGE In 1939, “The Woman’s Exchange” opened in Highland Park Village as a consignment shop. The store served as a source of income for consignors, for whom jobs were scarce. Several years later, the Junior League of Dallas purchased the store to be a fundraising project. By 1958, The Women of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church bought the store from The Junior League for $1,500 to create the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange we all enjoy today. Our store has occupied #5 Highland Park Village for over six decades and is an institution in the shopping center.

On the surface, the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange may look like other chic gift shops. But it isn’t. Our store is run by volunteers and is a real community effort, and we love that. Each year, the proceeds from the store are distributed to those in need by the WOSM Gifts Committee.

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ABOVE: Our amazing volunteer staff at the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange. They recently celebrated 60 years of service to the community, being tenant #1 in America’s oldest mall, Highland Park Village.

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SAINT MICHAEL’S FARMERS 20 17 MARKET

WINNER

Best of Big D The

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD FARMERS MARKET

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Photo Credit Haal Photography

T H E S A I N T M I C H A E L’ S F A R M E R S M A R K E T

by Tricia Stewart The Saint Michael’s Farmers Market was founded in 2012 by The Rev. Bob Dannals and Guy Griffeth with a $71,000 grant from the Saint Michael Foundation. Its mission is to provide convenient access to fresh, natural, local food for Saint Michael parishioners and our neighbors. It serves as a venue for extending the church’s fellowship to the community while providing opportunities for outreach to those in need in the larger Dallas area.

In its first couple of years, the Rev. Brenda Sol acted as clergy liaison and was very involved with the market. Nancy Powers led the market for the first three years until Meg Carstens, a parishioner, took it over. She led it for a year before moving to Alabama. A group of committed Saint Michaelites who love the market decided they could run it until a new director could be found. Each member took on a specific role. They also founded the Friends of the Farmers Market as a way to raise money when the church was no longer funding it.

This dedicated group of volunteers successfully ran the market for three years and included Nancy Wilbur, vendor liaison and director; John Ellerman, chairman and finance; Marillyn Seeberger, publicity; Gus Seeberger and Jose Aviles, volunteers; Mary Ruth and Steve McKenney, outreach; Suzanne Charriere, Mary Kardell, Mike Cohlmia, Joe Walker, Mary Henderson, David Henderson and Margaret Ratelle, members at large. During this time, the market grew and was awarded the Best Neighborhood Market by D Magazine in 2017. Tricia Stewart was hired as director in 2019 and the seasonal market, staged on the north lot, continued to grow and thrive with an average of 35 - 40 vendors and 950 patrons each week. In 2020, it continued its ninth season following pandemic protocols.

The market also collects clothing for One Man’s Treasure and Family Gateway, continuing a tradition of outreach.

Our baptismal covenant is lived out at the market every Saturday in season. It is a place of fellowship and breaking of bread; a place of proclaiming by word and example the good news of God in Christ; and a place to seek and serve Christ in all persons, respecting the dignity of every human being. We have vendors and guests from all walks of life coming together to share the freshest local food in a welcoming and safe environment. The Saint Michael’s Farmers Market, temporarily located on the west lot in 2021 because of construction, will have a permanent home in the new development to the north of the church and looks forward to continuing its ministry of building community, providing fresh local food to the neighborhood, supporting small business owners, and offering opportunities for outreach.

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ABOVE: The 2020 farmers market had the opportunity to “pop up” at Klyde Warren Park opening it up to a much wider group of patrons who loved it!

BELOW L-R: Market Director Tricia Stewart with volunteer and husband, Tom; Katherine nad Michael Blachly with Steve Mckenney, former long-time Director Nancy Wilbur with assistants Marillyn and Gus Seeberger.

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TOP Rector Chris Girata seen here with market volunteers, without whom we could not succeed!

BOTTOM Captain America eagerly reaching for more halloween candy during a packed Family Day event.

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TOP The market has worked hard, gaining a reputation for high quality products and great vendors—ultimately earning D Magazine’s 2017 “Best of Big D, Best Farmers Market” award.

BOTTOM The market has something for everyone and has become a favorite place to meet up as well as shop for the week.

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JUBILEE PARK & COMMUNITY CENTER

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“DISCIPLES AT JUBILEE” November 11, 2021 Photo Credit Monique Black BUILDING THE FUTURE

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25 YEARS AND GROWING The Jubilee Park community was once a robust, working-class neighborhood. Then a major highway was built right through its center, and a nearby factory (where most people worked) closed its doors.

For 30 years, people struggled to keep their neighborhood safe amid rampant crime. Local police started calling Jubilee “the military zone” and trash collectors stopped coming to the neighborhood for fear of being shot.

A new opportunity rekindled the hopeful spirit of this resilient community. This new effort was led by Walt Humann, who served as the General Chairman. In addition, Jim Cunningham led the financial and legal committees, Bill Johnson headed up fund-raising efforts, and Harriet Cousins coordinated volunteer staffing. Dozens of volunteer leaders from Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church invested themselves in the early years of the “Jubilee Project.”

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In a fund-raising letter sent to the Saint Michael parish in 1997, Jubilee was described as “a major effort on the part of our parish family to improve the quality of life in a carefully designated neighborhood of East Dallas.” The letter went on to invite the parish to raise enough money to launch the project in celebration of Saint Michael’s Jubilee Anniversary, hoping that “every member of the parish will make a financial commitment to raise the initial $200,000 that will implement the building of the Jubilee Project.”

Those first brave volunteers and community leaders cleaned the trash and debris from the neighborhood, inviting their new neighbors to join them in their mission to spark comprehensive community revitalization in Southeast Dallas. Working alongside the community, Jubilee soon identified the need for playground facilities and the need for a safe place to congregate. continued p. 233

OPPOSITE: November 14, 2014 | Construction begins on the LEED homes on the Jubilee Campus. Fr. Bob Dannals (right) is accompanied by (L-R) David Martin, Tom Harbison, Bob Axley, Richard Kelley, and Mike Davis.

ABOVE CLOCKWISE: Groundbreaking for new Jubilee Park affordable housing, one of the LEEDS-certified houses under construction, current housing, former Dallas Chief of Police David Brown with former City of Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert in attendance at the dedication of the Walt Humann & T. Boone Pickens Community Center

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ABOVE CLOCKWISE: The Mother-Daughter Tea is always a favorite, ladies and officers representing the Women of Saint Michael on hand, working the Mother-Daughter Tea event, attendees to the tea wore their Sunday best, Saint Michaelite Jubilee volunteers gather after one of the many events.

OPPOSITE: The 2019 Women of Saint Michael Day of Service was a a great success!

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Beginning with two small houses built as multi-use spaces, Jubilee soon became a hub of neighborhood activity, engagement, and opportunity for young and old alike. Nearly twenty-five years later, the Jubilee campus now includes the Walt Humann—T. Boone Pickens Community Center, a Resource Center housing a police substation, two Head Start facilities, a senior housing complex, The Old Church housing a food pantry and mental health counseling, and a 3-acre park.

From the beginning, the wholistic approach taken by Saint Michael in the creation of Jubilee Park has proven successful, providing a multi-generational support network anchored in five key pillars of impact: safety, housing, health, education, and opportunity. These fields of work mirror a hierarchy of needs at the core of which are healthy bodies and minds to build the foundation of a productive

neighborhood. Jubilee can be proud of their visible impact on the community. There has been a reduction in crime of 74% since 1997, and Jubilee serves 2,000 neighbors of all ages each year.

Today, there is much to be jubilant about in Jubilee Park: new homes, safe streets, children making strides in reading and math, and seniors enjoying warm meals and new friends. Hundreds of Saint Michaelites continue to volunteer countless hours of time, energy, and money to make Jubilee Park a model of community revitalization here in Dallas and across the country.

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Photo Credit DeLuca Photography

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 7 5 T H A N N I V E R S A RY U N D E R W R I T I N G

aint Michael and All Angels gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following people, helping to underwrite the cost of this 75th Anniversary Celebration Year!

Mary and Jerry Andrlik

Nicole and Chris Girata

Mary Ruth and Steve McKenney

Ginger Baden

Marion (Mimi) and Paxson Glenn

Lisbeth McNabb

Dianne Betts

Grace-anne and David Greenblatt

Ellen and Robert Muth

Barbara and Randy Biddle

Jane and Greg Greene

Kittye and Bill Peeler

Kathleen and Robert Blair

Shelley Gregg

Katherine and Bob Penn

Kalita and Ed Blessing

Whitney and Jay Grogan

Sally and Chris Pfeiffer

Sylvia and Ron Bogard

Lainey and Steve Haal

Patricia Plettner

Rachel and Ken Brannon

Anne and George Harper

Dianne and Hervey Priddy

Elizabeth and Bob Buchanan

Nancy and Howell Harralson

Lutetia and Jack Raley

Pam Busbee

Kathy Hayes

Jeff and Darrel Rice

Katy Bynum

Debbie and Goose Hayhurst

Cynthia C. Sample

Shannon Wilson Callewart

Mary Louise and David Hopson

Erica and Charlie Sartain

Jan Calloway

Ann and Frank Houseman

Sally and Chris Schupp

Lynne and Bob Campbell

Marilyn and John Hubble

Betty and Rob Shiels

Cathy Carr

Bitsy and Matt Hudnall

Lila and Dave Soelter

Peggy Carr

Monica and Michael Huggins

Rand Spencer

Cindy and Jay Carter

Joyce and Blake Hull

Joan Stansbury

Becky and Mike Casey

Kay and Jack Hyland

LaRee Stein

Merrilee and Michael Cate

Jane and Pat Jenevein

Tricia and Tom Stewart

Nita and Cullum Clark

Dianne Jopling

Drew and John Stull

Gail and Bob Clark

Kathy and Kevin Kelley

Betty and John Taylor, Jr.

Anne Coke

Charlotte Kroeker and Robert Mann

Madalyn Teal

Jean and George Coleman

Chuck Lathem

Donna and Wayne Tenney

Kelly Compton

Kathleen and Frank Lauinger

Michelle and Stewart Thomas

Leslie and George Conant

Caroline Law

Kathy and Gary Wall

Harriet and Ralph Cousins

Suzanne and Jay Lipscomb

Barbara and Roy Washburn

Betsy and Bennett Cullum

Stacey and Ken Malcolmson

Linda and Rob Westerburg

Maureen and Robert Decherd

Ted Manikas

Barbara Wiggins

Nancy and Lowell Duncan

Shirley Marsh

Donell and Phillip Wiggins

Terese Finitzo

Mary Ann and Bob Marshall

Karen and Jim Wiley

Debbie and David Fosdick

Maria and David Martin

Elizabeth and Chris Williams

Elizabeth and Eric Gambrell

Melinda Mathes

Nancy Wilson

Ruthie Garrett

Tara and Steve McCown

Sheryl and Phillip Wylie

Dare and Dale Gillette

Linda and John McFarland

Barbara and Michael York

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 7 5 T H A N N I V E R S A RY B O O K

aint Michael and All Angels would like to thank the following people for their tireless time and efforts, without

which, this historic 75th Anniversary edition photo book would not have been possible:

75TH ANNIVERSARY CO-CHAIRS Harriet Cousins Kelly Compton EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Steve Haal ART DIRECTION Steve Haal CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Carolyn Barta Peggy Carr Harriet Cousins Whitney Grogan Karen Wiley DESIGN LAYOUT & PHOTO EDITING Kelly Crawford Steve Haal Travis Harvey Jenna Howard CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carolyn Barta Peggy Carr Kelly Crawford Lowell Duncan Steve Haal Mary Malouf Some text adapted from the 50th Anniversary Book and All Things Bright and Beautiful

HISTORIANS Carolyn Barta Tony Briggle Peggy Carr

Harriet Cousins Kelly Crawford Whitney Grogan Steve Haal Karen Wiley Tish Visinsky HISTORICAL ARCHIVING Kelly Crawford Tish Visinsky HISTORICAL ARCHIVING CONSULTANT Leslie Anne Mertz LLC PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Bachman Michael Blachly Photography Monique Black David Boldrick DeLuca Photography Haal Photography Jenna Howard Ray Hand Pictures Smokey Goodrich Photography Cesar Valdez Many thanks to the unknown photographers of the past whose bequest of amazing photos have blessed and enriched our historical heritage.

TYPOGRAPHY Steve Haal Travis Harvey Jenna Howard Special thanks to clergy and friends who contributed to the Prayers & Blessings portion of this book. They are each credited on their individual pages.

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CLOSING or more than 75 years, Saint Michael and All Angels has walked the path of discipleship. Our church has provided opportunities for spiritual growth through Christian formation, worship, stewardship, and service in the community.

Today, Saint Michael continues to grow as a community of faith in Dallas and beyond.

The opportunities ahead of us are significant, and I want us to receive the profound invitation to lean in. Every person reading this knows the deep yearning to be purposeful, connected, and transformed by God. Saint Michael provides a myriad of opportunities to do just that. We are called to invest in the eternal truth of God, the way to true freedom.

At Saint Michael, we meet God, discover our purpose, and make an impact in the world. That spiritual journey continues every day of our lives—there is always another step to take or another layer to uncover. God’s infinite goodness is here to be discovered, and the invitation is ours.

As we celebrate our past, we are even more hopeful for our future. We are in the midst of physically transforming our campus, a change that will enliven and inspire our community for years to come. The new tools we will gain will help us to deepen our faith and extend the love of Christ in ways we can only imagine. What we have done in our first 75 years is an inspiration, and we have great hope that the best is yet to come.

May our prayer be for the courage and vision to live boldly and faithfully as God’s people.

- CHRIS GIRATA

Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

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Photo Credit Ray Hand Pictures