Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Service for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Service for the Second Sunday in Pentecost

Emmanuel Service for Trinity Sunday

Service for Pentecost

Service for the Fourth Sunday in Easter

Flowers for the Second Sunday of Easter

The Second Sunday of Easter

Our door step to yours: Palm Sunday to Easter

Welcome Happy Morning!

Flowering the Cross on Easter Morning

Bishop Haynes' Easter Message

Emmanuel Celebrates Confirmation and 175 Years

Bishop Magness was at Emmanuel, Chatham, on May 4 to help celebrate their 175th Anniversary and to Confirm six new Episcopalians. His sermon from that Sunday is available on the Diocesan website here. The Rt. Rev. A Heath Light, retired Bishop of Southwestern Virginia and a Chatham native, also participated in the celebration. Courtesy Diocesan eNews.

Emmanuel Welcomes the Reverend Becky Crites

On Sunday August 19th, approximately 60 Emmanuel parishioners and friends celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the Reverend Becky Crites and welcomed her and her husband Jim at a Reception following the service.

Bishop Hollerith Confirms Eight at Emmanuel

 On April 23rd, the second Sunday of Easter, Bishop Hollerith visited Emmanuel, Chatham. He celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the Rev. Dr. Regina Christianson and confirmed eight: four from Emmanuel Church and four from Chatham Hall where Regina+ also serves.

The service was followed by a reception in the Parish Hall for the confirmands, their families, guests, and fellow parishioners.

See more photos in the Photo Galleries.

Regina+ and Stephen Perform at Tartan Dinner and Ceilidh

On April 19, Regina+ and Stephen performed at the Virginia-Carolina Scottish Society's annual Tartan Dinner and Ceilidh at First Presbyterian Church in Danville.  Lots of kilts, tartan swags, shepherd's pie, scones, bagpipes, Celtic harp, Robbie Burns, and much, much more, in addition to haggis!

Chatham Concert Series - A Musical Trumpet Garden, Friday, March 31, 7 pm

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Southern Virginia's 125th Annual Council convened February 10-11 at the Williamsburg Lodge

Download the Diocesan Connection for January-March 2017

Confirmation Candidates Commit to a Holy Lent

Candidates for Confirmation and their Sponsors at Emmanuel on Sunday, February 26th.  Emily and Anne commit to a Holy Lent of devotion, study, and good works, in preparation for their Confirmation on the Second Sunday of Easter. They have already taken most of their classes, an invitation to life-long Christian formation.

Celtic Spirituality Retreat held at Chatham Hall

Chatham Hall was the site for a Celtic Spirituality Retreat on Saturday, February 4th. Celtic Spirituality embraces creation as God-blessed and God-revealing.  Early Christians found that it fit well with Christianity. 

Led by Dr. Regina Christianson, the retreat included times of reflecting on the wisdom within that tradition, as well as times of silence, guided meditation, spiritual conversation, music, art, and walking outdoors.  A simple lunch of soup, bread, and beverages was provided.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas Message

News from The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas message "This child came to show us how to change the world," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his Christmas Message 2016. "So this Christmas, make room for Him to change us. This Christmas help us change the world." Click here to watch Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas message. Click here to read his message (available in English and Spanish).

Blue Christmas Service, Dec. 14

The Rev. Jon Woodburn, UMC, in a meditative moment at the lighting of the candles.

Emmanuel Welcomes the Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson as Priest in Charge

Emmanuel recently welcomed the Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson as its new priest-in-charge.

Dr. Christianson comes to Chatham from Jericho & Underhill, Vermont where she served Calvary Episcopal Church, founded the Green Mountain Children’s Choir, led church music workshops, was an active member of the board for the local ecumenical food shelf and emergency fund, facilitated the local grief group, led Celtic spirituality retreats, and advised community clergy and others about mental health issues.

Regina began her career as a music teacher in an Episcopal Independent School in New York City, St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s. At that time she was a Sister in the Community of the Holy Spirit, the Episcopal Religious Order that founded, partly staffed, and owned the school during those years.

After leaving the Order, Regina became a private music educator and professional musician in New York City. Following several years of teaching and performing, she was invited to be the harpist-in-residence at the Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT, owned by the Von Trapps of Sound of Music Fame.

Regina's study in church history and spirituality led to her Master’s and Doctoral thesis on Hildegard of Bingen, a 12^th century mystic, theologian, and composer, receiving both her M. Div. and D. Min. from the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., well known for its pastoral orientation.

Dr. Christianson is also an experienced interfaith mental health chaplain. She is currently completing her qualification for certification as a Spiritual Director.

Regina met her husband, Stephen Whiteley, M. Mus., when they both sang as professional choir members at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Madison Avenue, where they were later married. They love to garden, travel, go camping, listen to the ocean, and make music together.

Dr. Christianson will also serve as Episcopal Chaplain at Chatham Hall. She may be reached by email at [email protected].

Kenyon Scott Returns to Emmanuel

Kenyon Scott has rejoined Emmanuel as Organist and Choirmaster effective September 4th. Kenyon previously served as our Organist and Choirmaster from 1996 through 2011. Please join us in welcoming Kenyon back to Emmanuel!

Emmanuel Calls the Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson

The Vestry of Emmanuel is pleased to announce that The Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson has accepted our call to become Priest in Charge at Emmanuel. She is in the process of moving from Vermont to Chatham and is expected to begin her ministry at Emmanuel on September 11. Dr. Christianson will also serve as Episcopal Chaplain at Chatham Hall. Her husband, Stephen Whitely, will be teaching private music lessons in Chatham.

Dr. Christianson most recently served as rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Underhill, Vermont.

 

Vestry Installed for 2016

On Sunday, January 31, The Reverend Gene Anderson installed the vestry of Emmanuel for 2016. Members, and their terms and offices, are as follows:

- Jayne de Paulo (2016), Senior Warden
- Langhorne Jones (2018), Junior Warden
- Janice Chaney (2017)

- Walter Coles (2018)
- Mary Hicks Heitzler (2017)
- Eric Roberts (2016), Treasurer
- Martha Jane Rush (2017)

- Jayne de Paulo (2016), Senior Warden
- Langhorne Jones (2018), Junior Warden
- Janice Chaney (2017)

- Walter Coles (2018)
- Mary Hicks Heitzler (2017)
- Eric Roberts (2016), Treasurer
- Martha Jane Rush (2017)

Stop Hunger Now ships meals to Dominican Republic

Stop Hunger Now indicates shipment of the ten thousand meals we purchased and packed has been sent to the Dominican Republic.  Thank you for helping.

 

Fr R Christopher Heying

 

 

Friends of Stop Hunger Now,

 

We are delighted to announce that meals from your meal packaging event have been shipped in a container with 285,120 meals from our Lynchburg warehouse. The meals will be received by our in-country partner CitiHope International.

 

With 42% of the population below the poverty line, food shortage is prevalent throughout the Dominican Republic. CitiHope provides food and other resources to schools, orphanages and other needy people and takes an active role in the distribution and monitoring. CitiHope supports sustainable educational and development programs that empower locals to create strong, self-sufficient communities. 

 

Citihope's country director in the Dominican Re

​public says,

"We consider this not to be 'charity' but a real investment in humanity. The school and orphanage programs help our country so much by creating a future of responsible citizens that contribute to the improvement of our society. These children come from families that cannot supply even one meal a day for their children and don't understand the purpose of education. So the motivation comes from the food!...These SHN donations are a defining component that heals a nation, multi-dimensionally."

 

For more information, please visit:  http://citihope.org/

 

Visit www.stophungernow.org for more information on how to continue your involvement in the fight against hunger and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stophungernow for updates, videos and photos from the field.  

Thank you for generously donating your time as a volunteer with Stop Hunger Now. 

Emmanuel's Rejoicing for October 2014 Is Now Online

  The October 2014 issue of Emmanuel's Rejoicing, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• 2014 Annual Picnic a Delight (more photos here),

• A Call to Trust and Transformation,

• Centering Prayer,

• Stop Hunger Now,

• The Reader's Reward, and

• Blessing the Coles' Window.

 

Click  here to read the October issue online.

Earlier issues of Emmanuel Newsletters may be viewed here.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

2014 Emmanuel Picnic at Coles Hill

 

More photos here.

 

Nearly 70 people came out on September 20^th for the festive picnic at Coles Hill.  We are grateful for the generous hospitality of Alice and Walter Coles and the amazing logistical support provided by many people, especially Charles Williams who worked tirelessly before and during the event.  Most of all we are grateful for the time we were able to spend together with friends.  Thank you.

Emmanuel's Rejoicing - Michaelmas 2013 Is Now Online

The Michaelmas 2013 issue of Emmanuel's Rejoicing, a Pruden Parish Press newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is being published this week.

The current issue includes:

• All Saints' Sunday,

• Church Picnic,

• My Spiritual Journey,

• Vestry Notes, and

• Upcoming Concerts at Emmanuel.

 

Download the 2013 Michaelmas pdf.

Earlier newsletter issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

Blessing of Animals

Numerous parishioners and their pets turned out for this afternoon's

Blessing of Animals on the Emmanuel Lawn.

June Parish Picnic Attracts Large Crowd

Despite a brief spring shower (or was that just the bright sun?), Emmanuel parishioners and friends enjoyed a festive outdoor Eucharist and great fellowhip at this year's Parish Picnic on June 16th, graciously hosted by Janis and Billy Simpson at their Chatham home.

See more photos in the Photo Gallery.

Overflow Crowd Enjoys Mother's Day Brunch

Click here to see more photos

An overflow crowd of some 70 parishioners and friends gathered at Emmanuel on Mother's Day to enjoy a sumptuous Mother's Day brunch of fried chicken and barbeque with all the trimmings prepared and hosted by Charles Williams and Michael Rose.

The Pruden Parish Press for May 2013 Is Now Online

The May 2013 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is being published this week. The current issue includes:

• Mother's Day Brunch May 12th,

• Greetings from your vestry,

• My Spiritual Journey,

• Calendar Notes for May - July,

• Hall and Gallops Close Chatham Concert Series,

• Easter Season at Emmanuel, and

• Spotlight on the Vestry - Carol Ann Fletcher.

 

Click  here to read the May issue online.

Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

Hall & Gallops Close Chatham Concert Season

By Susan Paynter

Wow.  Talk about a grand finale!  The April 5 Chatham Concert Series season finale, held at Emmanuel, was nothing short of an all-out love fest.

The concert-goers loved Ashley Hall’s charming engagement with the audience as she personally introduced each piece she played: relaying here a story from her own career, there a tale about the composer or a famous performer of the upcoming number.

More important, we were astounded by Hall’s virtuosity on the cornet.  Joe, who in his youth dabbled on the trumpet, kept whispering to me, “How does she do that?”

I couldn’t help but glance from time to time at a friend across the aisle who used to play brass in big bands.  He was mesmerized, smiling and shaking his head, and he leapt to his feet with applause after the final note before intermission.

But even those of us who’ve never blown a horn knew we were in the presence of something very special.  To say the applause was extended doesn’t do it justice: we were smitten!

Then there was Wayne Gallops on the piano.  What pizzazz.  His background in popular and classical music as well as jazz enabled him to match the temper and style of each piece of the varied program.  The two played wonderfully in concert and we were all astounded to hear this was their first performance together. 

Hall and Gallops showed their appreciation for each other in that way musicians do during an ovation.  You could tell it was anything but a de rigueur gesture.  They were genuinely delighted with one another.

And with us.  They say there’s nothing a musician values more than an appreciative audience and we certainly gave them that, to their obvious pleasure.

Hall selected a diverse program, designed to display the many moods and colors the cornet is capable of evoking and representing composers of the 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st centuries from the U.S., the U.K, and Europe.

Each piece had its charm, but if I had to bet on the audience favorites I’d put my money on Jules Levy’s “Grand Russian Fantasia” and Jean-Baptiste Arban’s variations on “Le Carnaval de Venise.”  Both were written to show what the cornet is capable of doing and it was thrilling to hear what that instrument, on the lips and in the hands of a master like Hall, can do.

Chatham Concert Series Finale Friday, April 5th at 7 pm - A Trumpeter's Holiday

Trumpeter Ashley Hall and pianist Dr. R. Wayne Gallops will present a fun and engaging evening of music written for the cornet, which was one of the primary forms of entertainment in America in the early twentieth century.

Cornet soloists like Jules Levy and Herbert L. Clarke, were the pop stars of the day, drawing huge crowds of people to witness their mind-boggling virtuosity, technique and artistry.  This program will consist of colorful and virtuosic works for the cornet from the United States, France and England and will explore the variety of colors that the cornet is capable of producing. 

Ashley is originally from Wytheville, Virginia, is the principal trumpeter of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and is an internationally recognized trumpet soloist. Dr. R. Wayne Gallops serves as Director of Bands and Music Education at Radford University and has recorded with numerous classical / jazz ensembles and artists.

7:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street, Chatham

New Archbishop of Canterbury to be Enthroned March 21st

The Right Reverend Justin Welby was announced as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury on Friday 9 November 2012.

Archbishop Justin Welby's public ministry will commence on Thursday, March 21st when he is enthroned - or 'installed' - in two special seats in Canterbury Cathedral.

Continue reading

The Pruden Parish Press for March 2013 Is Now Online

The March 2013 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Prepares for Holy Week,

• Prayer Shawl Ministry,

• A Lot to Celebrate!

• Calendar Notes for Mar - May,

• Chatham Concert Series Continues,

• Sunday Forums Become Fireside Chats, and

• Emmanuel Blood Drive.

 

Click  here to read the March issue online.

Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

Emmanuel Sponsors Blood Drive

On Friday, February 22, Emmanuel's Parish Hall resembled a M.A.S.H. unit as we worked with the Red Cross to sponsor a community blood drive.

Many Emmanuel hands were on deck -- before during and after -- to get the word out, move furniture, prepare food to restore the strength of donors, register those who came to give the gift of life, and put the place back in order when the drive ended.

Parishioners also generously donated blood, giving the gift of life, and the Red Cross representative was pleased with the number of blood donations made.

Many thanks to all who chipped in to help those undergoing surgical operations, cancer and other disease treatment, and those suffering traumatic injuries.

This was a significant manifestation of the Lenten spirit!

Chatham Concert Series Continues March 2 with a Recital by Kathleen O'Hare

The Chatham Concert Series Presents

 

A Piano Recital
featuring
Kathleen Hurt O'Hare

 

 

Music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin & Granados

 

Saturday, March 2nd at 7:00 pm

 Emmanuel Episcopal Church
66 N. Main St.
Chatham, VA

directions

Admission by Donation for the Artist
Kevin Matheson, Artistic Director [email protected]

121st Annual Council marked by hope for the future

Bishop's Address

Our 121st Annual Council opened with Bishop Hollerith's Address. "Today, I find that I am especially thankful and feeling more joyous about our common life in Southern Virginia than ever before," said Bishop Hollerith. "Something is different in our diocese.  We seem to be turning a corner!  And for that I give God thanks and praise.  All of my remarks this morning will be framed by a deep sense of hope that is developing in my heart about our future." 

Click here for the full text of Bishop Hollerith's address. Click below to watch the video of Bishop Hollerith's address.

January 11th Concert a Big Draw at Emmanuel

Kevin & Bryan Matheson, Helen Rifas at rehearsal

(More photos above right under Photo Galleries)

By Susan Paynter

On Friday evening, January 11, Emmanuel drew a large crowd from around the county for Music for Flute, Harp and Strings: Celtic to French Impressionism, the second of five chamber music concerts in the Chatham Concert Series.

The evening featured Helen Rifas, principal harpist of the Greensboro Symphony and Flutist Julee Hickcox of the Roanoke Symphony along with the Classic Strings Duo of the Matheson brothers: Kevin on violin and Bryan on viola.

In a concert series tradition, one piece was performed by a young music student.  This evening’s young artist was Monifa Williams of Danville.  Ms Williams is a music student at Old Dominion University and play’s in the university’s wind ensemble and symphony orchestra.

Harpist Rifas alternated between a concert harp and a folk harp.  The first had a set of pedals; the second was equipped with keys that required setting in.  She began the program with traditional solo Celtic pieces and was later joined by Flutist Hickcox for the enduring favorites “I Saw Three Ships” and “Danny Boy.”

Before intermission the two were joined by Bryan Matheson and his viola for the three-movement Debussy “Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp.”  The light and lyrical French Impressionist sonata reflected the unusual Spring-like weather outside.

Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist - Jan. 13

The Rt. Rev. A. Heath Light, Bishop of Southwestern Virginia (retired), will be present at the 11 a.m. Eucharist on Sunday, 13 January 2013, that day being the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.

A son of Emmanuel Church and the Chatham community, Bishop Light has many friends
here. We are delighted that Bishop Light will be able to be with us.

With the permission of the Rt. Rev. Holly Hollerith, Bishop of Southern Virginia, Bishop Light will baptize, confirm, receive, preach, and preside at the Eucharist.

Celtic Harp concert this Friday

Join us this Friday (January 11) for the Chatham Concert Series’ next event, “Celtic to French Impressionism: Music for Flute, Harp and Strings”. The musicians are Roanoke Symphony Flutist Julee Hickcox, Greensboro and Winston-Salem Symphony Principal Harpist Helen Rifas and Kevin and Bryan Matheson of the Classic Strings Duo. 

Celtic harp and flute duets set the stage for the beautiful Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp by Claude Debussy, the first of its kind. The program continues with Two Interludes by Jacques Ibert for flute, violin and harp, and C. P. E. Hoffman’s quartet for harp, flute, violin and viola. The program will conclude with Beethoven’s famous Serenade for flute, violin and viola.

A special treat will be young flutist Monifa Williams, from Danville.

The concert begins at 7:00 p. m. and is held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street, Chatham. Admission is by donation for the musicians.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2013 Is Now Online

The January 2013 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Elects Three to Vestry,

• Baptism & Confirmation - January 13,

• The Greening of the Church,

• Calendar Notes for Jan - Mar,

• Chatham Concert Series Returns to Emmanuel,

• What a joy! and

• Spotlight on the Vestry.

 

Click  here to read the January issue online.

Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

Follow Us in Photos - the Greening of the Church 2012

Chatham Concert Series Opens Fifth Season at Emmanuel

By Susan Paynter

On Saturday evening, November 17, Emmanuel hosted the fifth season opener of the Chatham Concert Series and post-concert reception.   Playing to a house of about 75, the ever-popular Rainier Trio and returning Clarinetist Alex Jones presented a program of Romantic European and Contemporary American chamber music.

Making up the Rainier Trio are the series’ Artistic Director Kevin Matheson on violin, his brother Bryan Matheson on viola and Brenda Wittwer on piano.  Alex Jones plays first clarinet for the Pittsburgh Philharmonic.

The foursome began and ended the program with romantic masterpieces. A trio by German composer Carl Reinecke began the program.  The final piece was a quartet by Viennese composer Walter Rabl: his Opus 1.  Interestingly, the Reinecke trio was written in the composer’s 79^th year, and the Rabl composition (the opus number is a hint) was written at the beginning of Rabl’s career.  While one was a veteran and the other a novice, both composers were writing at peak performance.

Peak performance is also what the musicians brought to the music.  The Matheson brothers are always a delight.  Both are top performers technically and artistically, but to watch them is to see the differences: Bryan plays in a straightforward, matter-of-fact style and Kevin in a more emotive fashion.  Differing styles aside, when you close your eyes their strings marry so beautifully, their combined sound is so rich, strong and complementary that it seems to spring from a single source.

Sandwiched between the Europeans was the music of two contemporary American composers: Peter Schickele and Rick Sowash.  This writer’s preference was for the less complicated more soulful Sowash.  It was his Daweswood Suite, written while Sowash was composer in residence at Ohio’s Daweswood Arboretum.  Inspired by the budding, blossoming and bearing of the trees there, Sowash wrote this lovely meditation on the endless cycles of life.

The musicians performed beautifully on both.  The Schickele may have been more demanding, and Jones, Wittwer and Kevin Matheson managed it with great skill.  The Sowash seemed (undoubtedly deceptively) to simply flow organically from the four instruments of the Matheson brothers, Wittwer and Jones.

Brenda Wittwer must be the other musicians’ dream pianist.  She plays with grace and precision and -- though capable of great flourish -- she never upstages.  She plays in concert with the other artists.

This was a return engagement for Alex Jones as well.  He was back by popular demand, and there’s no surprise there.  Does any instrument exceed the clarinet for versatility of mood?  With Jones’ skill (and lung capacity!) and with this particular program, attendees had a chance to hear this wind instrument put through its emotional paces. 

The Chatham Concert Series has an important and charming tradition.  As often as possible, a young music student is invited to perform one piece.  It’s not only valuable performance experience for the student; it’s a gift to the future of fine art music in Southside Virginia.

The student performer this evening was Chatham resident Trevor Percario, 11.  Trevor attends Epiphany School and is a piano student of Susan Barrett via Chatham Arts.  He played J.S. Bach’s Minuet in G Major and did an admirable job.  Bravo, Trevor!

After the concert, attendees enjoyed a reception in the social hall.  Music lovers were able to chat with the musicians, friends and neighbors over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Emmanuel Church is pleased to serve, along with Chatham First, as venue and facilitator of the Chatham Concert Series.

The next concert will be held on Friday evening, January 11.  The program will be “Music for Flute, Harp and Strings: Celtic to French Impressionism,” featuring Roanoke Symphony Flutist Julie Hickcox and Greensboro Symphony Principal Harpist Helen Rifas.  Also performing: the Matheson brothers’ Classic Strings Duo.

The Pruden Parish Press for November 2012 Is Now Online

The November 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Welcomes Father Heying,

• Bishop Light to Visit Emmanuel January 13,

• Celebrating the Life of Dr. George Dame,

• Calendar Notes for Nov - Jan,

• An Interview with Father R Christopher Heying,

• Chatham Concert Series 2012 - 2013 Schedule,

• Honoring Father Jim Mathieson, and

• Parish Photos.

 

Click  here to read the November issue online.

Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

Jim Mathieson Day at Emmanuel

Honoring Jim Mathieson for his ministry at Emmanuel: Senior Warden, Billy Simpson with The Reverend James W. Mathieson on Sunday, September 23, 2012

 Click here for more photos.

Celebrating the Life of Dr. George W. Dame

David Grimes and the St. Mary's Choir from Chatham Hall.

By Susan Paynter

On Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30, Emmanuel paid tribute to her founder, the Reverend Dr. George Washington Dame, on the bicentennial of his birth.

A reception and church tour kicked off events on Saturday morning.  Honored guests were Dame descendants who’d traveled here for observances at Emmanuel and Danville’s Church of the Epiphany.  Ruth Jones was reception hostess, Langhorne Jones tour director.

The congregation was joined by local history buffs and many from Chatham Hall for an “antique” worship service with liturgy from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer, which Dame would have used.

The Reverend James Mathieson was celebrant, Chatham Hall Rector Dr. Gary Fountain the lector.  Organist Sally Ford was joined by the 28 voices of Chatham Hall’s St. Mary’s Choir under the direction of David Grimes.

Janis and Billy Simpson produced a keepsake Sunday bulletin featuring the 1789 liturgy.

Dr. Dame reignited  the Episcopal faith in our area.  Southside residents had rejected the Anglican Communion along with British rule during the Revolutionary era.  When Dame was appointed rector of the four-county Camden Parish, he found only eight Episcopalians.

Dame brought sufficient numbers back to the faith to establish Epiphany, Emmanuel and several rural churches. He also served as a first trustee of what is now Chatham Hall.

On hand to enjoy the festivities was the Reverend Dr. John Ruef, a man who served both Chatham Hall, as chaplain from 1985 to 1993, and Emmanuel, as rector from 1992 to 2005. John also served two stints at Emmanuel as priest in charge, and his continued presence is a comfort to many.

Emmanuel Calls The Reverend R Christopher Heying as Rector

After 20 years without a full-time priest and two years in search of the most fitting candidate, Emmanuel has called the Reverend R Christopher Heying to lead the parish. 

Father Heying (“Chris”) will come to us in October.  The rest of the family—wife Cindy and children Mary Grace, 13; John Luke, 10; and Patrick, 4—will follow after completing the school year.

Chris has been the rector of Saint Stephen’s in Forest, Virginia since 2004.  He has served various communities and churches in multiple ways.

Perhaps his most challenging and meaningful service was on and in the days following September 11, 2001 when, as curate at New York City’s Church of the Transfiguration, “The Little Church around the Corner,” near the World Trade Center, he tended to the emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually shocked survivors of the September 11 attacks.

Other ways Chris has served his communities include university chaplain, mediator, and boarding school teacher and counselor.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of North Texas in Denton and his Master of Divinity at Nashotah House Theological Seminary near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He was ordained deacon and priest in 1998.

In addition to the Virginia and New York churches, Chris has served Saint Paul’s in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Saint Stephen’s, Wichita Falls; Saint John, Burkburnett; and Saint John’s, Forth Worth - all in Texas.

Father Heying will take up his duties at Emmanuel on October 1^st and celebrate his first Eucharist with us on Sunday, October 7^th. Read more about Father Heying in the September issue of The Pruden Parish Press

Please join us in welcoming Father Heying and his family to Chatham.