BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FAREWELLS

An organization is only as strong as its leadership, particularly its volunteer Board members who compassionately and generously share their time, knowledge capital, financial resources, and expertise to ensure our mission and vision is implemented strategically and effectively.

St. Philip’s School and Community Center is fortunate to have such dedicated members of its Board of Trustees. We salute four outgoing trustees for their faith-filled and dynamic service – Aubrey Connatser, Sarah Hinkley, Rev. Paul Rasmussen, and Arnold Spencer. We are also pleased to welcome nine new members, two of whom are St. Philip’s alumni – Brandi Chilian, Gilbert Gerst, Scott Griggs, Luther Harris, Dr. Jesse Hernandez (Class of ‘01) , Ashlee Kleinert, Marshall Mills, Ja-Mes Sloan (Class of ‘95), and Jeremy Wilkins

Great things lie ahead!

JOHN MCSTAY (1942 – 2023)

St. Philip’s School and Community Center extends its deepest sympathies to the McStay family in the passing of their beloved husband, father and friend John McStay, a decades-long ambassador in the Dallas community dedicated to leading with ccompassion. He had a heart for philanthropy to various civic and religious organizations. It was a tremendous privilege to honor John and his wife, Ellen, as our 2023 Mona & David Munson Humanitarian Award recipients at this year’s 23rd Destiny Award Luncheon.

The Vernon, TX native was a reserve elder at Highland Park Presbyterian Church where was a dedicated member. The McStays established the Morning Star Family Foundation over three decades ago, with a primary mission to partner with Dallas area faith-based non-profits dedicated to providing basic human needs to the marginalized and disenfranchised in our community. He later formalized his mentoring process by forming the Faith Based Forum, a collective of 35 faith-based organizations. It provides opportunities for education and networking that result in more effective ministry and service to those dealing with the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of individuals and families in our community. St. Philips is a member of this group.

For St. Philip’s, the McStays' support runs deep, as both have served on our board of trustees and in other volunteer leadership roles. Their giving has emboldened our students’ spiritual and intellectual development. They made possible a true chapel for regular praise and worship, complete with custom stained-glass windows showing the Old and New Testament miracles and St. Philip’s unique story. Our outdoor chapel and garden space was made possible through the efforts of their children and grandson. We are blessed to have three generations of McStays engaged with our ministry.

John was a loving father, with a strong sense of responsibility to impart his Christian values and understanding of how to live in this world to his children. He was intentional and purposeful in how he lived his life and through his legacy, his life will continue to touch those who loved him and were impacted by his heart for service and faith.

CHARLES CANFIELD (1930 – 2023)

We send our prayers to the Canfield family with the passing of former trustee, Charles Canfield. A life-long Texan and graduate of SMU, he also served in the Army after receiving his degree in mechanical engineering. He held several high-level roles in the oil and gas industry including President of both Gillring Oil Company and Canfield Oil & Gas Corporation. In addition to belonging to several oil and gas organizations, Charles was granted several patents in his life. He was a faithful member of Saint Michael and All Angels Church for over 70 years.

St. Philip’s is proud to call Charles a friend and supporter of 30 years. He will be remembered for his incredible generosity to his family and his love of quality time with his grandchildren. Described as a curious learner and creative problem solver, his wisdom was a cherished trait that will be truly missed.

PAUL

MCARDLE (1951 – 2023)

It is with great sympathy that we send our condolences to the McArdle family on the passing of beloved husband and father Paul K. McArdle. Often described as wise and giving of his knowledge, his friends and former colleagues shared he was a good man who loved his family. Paul and his wife, Mary, became friends of St. Philip’s over 25 years ago and have continued to support our ministry in various capacities over the years. His presence as a true gentleman with a kind soul and enormous heart will be missed dearly.

A native of Maine, Paul graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, became a Certified Public Accountant, and spent the remainder of his career as a partner with Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young.

JERRIE MARCUS SMITH (1937 – 2023)

Our heartfelt prayers are with the Smith family and Juliette Smith Aston, friend and former trustee, in the passing of her mother. Jerrie, a long-time friend of St. Philip’s, was the oldest daughter of the late Stanley Marcus. Often noted for her effortless style, she was also a gifted storyteller. A proud graduate of The Hockaday School and Smith College, she later served on the board of The Hockaday School and during her tenure introduced the green-and-white plaid cotton skirts that are still part of the student uniform.

In the mid-70s, Smith was a partner in the creation of D Magazine. She coined the magazine's name and brokered a plan to make the magazine a success from its very first issue. One of Mrs. Smith's great passions was being a docent at the Dallas Museum of Art. Mrs. Smith's political interests inspired Stanley Marcus' key support of Eddie Bernice Johnson in her campaigns for a seat in the Texas House and her long service in Congress. Jerrie will be remembered for her beautiful spirit and we are grateful for a life well lived.

St. Philip’s would also like to extend its deepest sympathies and condolences to Telissha Wesson, Hunt Family Director of Early Childhood, in the passing of her mother-in-law Lois Jackson.