From the Rector
We are all aware of the devastating effects that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have had on the Gulf Coast states in the past few weeks. From Texas to Florida, there has been widespread loss of life, a great deal of personal injury, and massive destruction of property. Families and individuals have been displaced and forced to live in temporary shelters and other housing. In some very tragic instances, families and friends have been separated and are desperately trying to find each other. The deep trauma and grief of such monumental personal loss is overwhelming. The recovery will take months at best and more likely it will be years before more normal conditions are restored.
Many of you have been involved in hurricane relief efforts at several different levels. Some have worked in the shelters in Chattanooga, some have offered homes for evacuees, some have donated clothing, and many have given money. St. Paul’s Church has been designated as a coordinating church in the Diocese of East Tennessee. As a part of this responsibility, the Reverend Suzanne Smitherman writes a weekly memo to the other parishes in the Chattanooga area advising them of our efforts and of relief opportunities. Father Nelson, together with St. Paul’s parishioners John Clark and Ashlee Seiferth made a two day trip to the Diocese of Mississippi last week to deliver supplies and to gain first hand knowledge of the needs of the victims there. St. Paul’s has a Hurricane Relief Committee which meets on a regular basis to determine and plan what we can do as a Parish Family.
One reality we face is that the needs in the hurricane affected area are so massive that our efforts can become diffused. We need an effective way to focus our relief efforts so that they really do some good. I believe we have found an effective approach. Through our regular contacts with the Diocese of Louisiana, we have entered into a partnering relationship with a parish church there.
At our regular meeting on September 19, 2005, our Vestry voted unanimously to begin a partnering relationship with St. Paul’s, New Orleans. This partnership has the approval of the Bishop of Louisiana, Charles Jenkins and the approval of our own Bishop, Charles vonRosenberg. When we receive a recommendation from the Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi, Duncan Gray III, we will enter into such a relationship with a parish church on the Mississippi Coast as well.
By focusing our relief efforts on these two parish churches, we believe that we can be more effective in assisting in their recovery. While the partnering relationship has not been specifically defined, our intention is to offer to them what we can to meet their needs. This is a long range commitment, because the recovery period will be lengthy. It is very possible that several parishes from across our country will join together in assisting a devastated church.
Let me tell you a little something about St. Paul’s, New Orleans. First of all, you can see for yourself by visiting their website: stpaulschurchno.org . Another way in which you can learn about them is to see the poster designed by Jas Milam, which will be on display by Sunday, October 2. Jas, who designed the cover for our last pictorial directory is very creative and talented, and she graciously agreed to produce this poster. It is my hope that it will help personalize the people of St. Paul’s, New Orleans; their history, their struggle in the aftermath of these hurricanes, and their courage and determination to rebuild.
St. Paul’s is the second oldest Episcopal Church in New Orleans, and the third oldest in the Diocese of Louisiana. The original church building, located on Camp Street, was consecrated by the first Bishop of Louisiana, Leonidas Polk, in 1840. During the early 1950’s, because of the construction of a bridge over the Mississippi River, St. Paul’s was forced to move and chose a location in the neighborhood of Lakewood, near Lake Pontchartrain. As a result of Katrina, the 17th Street canal levee collapsed, and St. Paul’s suffered massive flood damage when the lake poured into that area of the city. The church and school (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade), as well as the rectory, have been underwater ever since.
I have been in regular contact with the rector, the Reverend George Thomas Walker, Jr. and I can tell you from personal experience that he is a very courageous, determined, and faithful priest and pastor to his people. The parishioners of St. Paul’s are scattered all over the country. One of his biggest tasks now is to re-establish contact with them. Father Walker hopes that the church and school buildings can be restored, but is afraid that they may have to be demolished because of the massive water damage. It is possible that this will be true of the entire neighborhood. They are determined to rebuild St. Paul’s, and we have offered our support.
Father Walker is very grateful for our spiritual support. At every Eucharist, we will pray for our partner parish, St. Paul’s, New Orleans, and her Rector, George Walker. This means a great deal to them, and I urge you to remember them in your private prayers. At some time in the future, I hope to have him come to St. Paul’s Chattanooga to preach and to share his personal experiences with us.
As we continue in our efforts to support our sister parish church, let us remember the blessings that God has given to each of us. Let us remember that the people of St. Paul’s, New Orleans, will need our help in many ways for a very long time.
God bless you.
HHH+
