St. Philip's Church Newsletter

S t . P h i l i p ’s C h u rc h

N ew s l e t t e r

2010

St. Philip’s Anglican/Episcopal Church

Special points of 334 MacDonough Street

interest: Brooklyn, N.Y 11233



 What is a Vestry?



 S.T.A.N.D Advent - Fr. Carver W. Israel





A

 Those Who Living in a household of It is my prayer that as

Serve sports fanatics, I understood we embark upon this season we

s we sat at clearly the term ‗pre-season‘. It is would do so prayerfully, working

 Messiah Concert

dinner a couple weeks ago, my the season when we are caught up towards enhancing our knowledge

 The Financial son lamented to his sister that in our team‘s evaluation process, and service of God, that in the

Committee things were about to get hectic in and a time when we hope for end we may hear his welcoming

the parish and will remain that deep joy and satisfaction at the voice, ―… Well done god and

 St. Augustine’s

way until the summer. He wryly play-offs. Yes, Advent is the pre- faithful servant, enter into the joy

Praise Dancers

smiled and said, ―That‘s not a season, and Christmas is the play- of your Lord‖ – Matthew 25: 23.

 Poetry Jam good thing for me. It means that offs. It is one of the Church‘s two

May you and yours be

Dad is going to be dragging me all introspective seasons, Lent being blessed in this season.

The Reverend Carver W. Israel, Rector over the place with him.‖ As I the other, when we are called

The Right Reverend Lawrence C. chuckled his sister asked him, upon to evaluate our Christian

Provenzano, Bishop

―what is about to happen that performance as it relates to our

Hugh Knight, Senior Organist would change things?‖ He sighed, interaction with others. It is also a

―Advent …and those bible stud- time when we look forward with

Office Hours: Monday— Thursday ies‖. He then asked, ―… and by great anticipation to the return of

9:00 AM—5:00PM the way, what really is Advent.‖ It our risen and ascended Lord, Jesus

was then that I heard the most Christ. It bids us to seek the vic-

simplistic and brilliant definition of tory of the Kingdom with Christ

Co-editors Advent. She responded, ―It is being our ‗Head Coach‘.

Sydney S. Moshette, Jr. Christmas‘ pre-season‖.

It is my prayer that as

Edna Moshette







What is a Vestry?



I n compliance with the bylaws of the

particular Diocese and Parish, Vestry

members perform the duties assigned to them.

for the Clergy, Vestry, and Parish; processing pledge enve-

lopes following Sunday Services; attending Diocesan and

Archdeaconry meetings as requested; serving as delegates

Each Vestry consists of congregants with a desire to the Annual Diocesan Convention; and serving in other

to serve; to give using their God given talents. capacities as may be requested for the good and welfare of

the Parish. The newest role for the Vestry is Shepherd.

St. Philip‘s Vestry meets at least once a

month, with the exception of July and August. Stay tuned…



Articles by: There is always an agenda that is followed and When the individuals on a Vestry coalesce into a

lively discussions on issues. team the Parish will thrive because the whole becomes

Fr. Carver W. Israel better than any one part. There is a willingness to take on

Vestry members are expected to par-

Bianca Coombs new tasks, to take risks, always keeping the best interests

ticipate in organizations within St. Philip‘s. Our

Dr. George Emil Moxey Vestry is responsible for planning, implementing, of the Parish in the forefront of all that is planned.

Wendy Malliet

and monitoring initiatives; covering Sunday Ser- atmosphere lends itself to the creative process.

vices as assigned; being a positive spokesperson The giving of their time, talent, and treasure is done with a

Page 2

New s l e tte r T i tl e

The Spirit of St. Philip’s—Bianca Coombs







S

ince its genesis Being the only black Sunday.

over one hun- female in her department puts

dred years ago, ―If they asked me, I

the all too familiar pressure on

strength, deter- might do it again‖, Kristia said. ―I

Aishah to be the representative

mination, persistence, and courage was just so overwhelmed by how

have all been the credo of Saint of an entire group and yet she

much people told me they liked

Philips Episcopal Church and the manages do so with sophistica-

it. I was thrilled.‖

legacy continues through its youth. tion. Once, Aishah was asked by

Although it has become abun- a student at school, who was Kristia is in her final

dantly clear that the percentage of African American, where she semester at St. John‘s University

youth in Saint Philips has dimin- double majoring in Psychology

was from and when she an-

ished, the values of our antece- and Television and film studies.

swered Brooklyn, the student Like Aishah, Kristia was unim-

dents have carried on with those

which have remained. Such stead- asked her if she had ever been pressed by the images of Blacks in

Aishah & Mom

fast parishioners including Aishah shot before― Some project how mainstream media. Although

Scott, Kristia Coombs, Imani they feel I will act [to them] there has been much improve-

Moore, Clyde Brown, and toward me, as opposed to how I ment; quality, award winning

Adrian Israel embody the great- roles are still non existent for

really am because of how self

ness necessary to restore the minority women in particular and

―Academia is conscious they are.‖

vigorous presence of youth to Kristia seeks to make this a thing

very much a male

Saint Philips Having grown up in of the past.

dominated field‖, says

the church surrounded by posi-

Aishah when discussing Strength: Aishah Inspiration for her work

tive peers all her life, she has

her feelings about Scott, 23, has been attending comes from various sources,

always been baffled by stereo-

Saint Philips since the age of ten. particularly comedic television

usually being the only types of African Americans. The

She graduated from Bard High‘s shows. But as for her inspiration

representative of her focus of Aishah‘s dissertation is

early college program with her for continuing to attend service

the effect/affect of the AIDS

demographic. ―There high school diploma as well as an she jokes, ―I used to come with

epidemic on the African Ameri-

are few black men in associate‘s degree. Currently, my grandmother as a kid. I

can population. Aishah believes

the history department Aishah is a third year doctoral stopped for a while and came

that by way of education, she

but I am the only black student in Twentieth Century back at around nineteen. Father

can not only show how many

American History at Stoneybrook Israel encouraged me to get in-

female.‖ people living with the virus led

and continues to make an effort to volved, and now that I am I have

common, not corrupt lives be-

attend service while on break. to keep coming.‖

fore their diagnosis, but also

Aishah is not just the only African bifurcate the African American

American woman in her program, Persistence: Acolytes

caricature from the every day

but in its entire department. She is at Saint Philips vary in age: They

Black American. When asked

also the youngest person period in can be anywhere from age 6 to

how she feels about her accom-

her department. 65. Imani Moore, 9, and

plishments Aishah responded

Clyde Brown, 16, have been

with, ―Yes but not too proud

―Academia is very much acolytes for two and four years

because that‘s when you start to

a male dominated field‖, says Ai- respectively. Imani is in the fourth

mess up.‖

grade attending P.S. 262 and

shah when discussing her feelings

Clyde is a senior at Boys and

about usually being the only repre- Determination:

Girls High. He wants to be an

sentative of her demographic. Kristia Coombs, 21, has be-

engineer.

come well known in Saint Philips

―There are few black men in the

after her Youth Sunday address.

history department but I am the It must be difficult being

In order to demonstrate the

only black female.‖ faithful church goers during a

youth‘s presence in the church,

time when your generation is an

Father Israel asks that a young

endangered species in the church,

congregant give a sermon every

Page 3









The Spirit of St. Philip‘s—S.T.A.N.D

right? Wrong. Both Imani and Adrian admits that com- .A relationship is impor-

Clyde say that they are frequently ing to church can feel like a ―flow‖ tant. You can be blessed in a car,

surrounding themselves with in a sense that it fits into his you can do it in a supermarket…

friends that are also involved in weekly routine being that he is the

you can even do it in your

their church. son of the rector, but it can be

much more than that. For Adrian, house‖, he says. ―I saw a home-

―I like the Christmas church is a safe haven and it ap- less man in a restaurant [lay] out

parties, and coming with my peases him to know that his father all his belongings and food and

is always in a safe place. Con- pray.‖

grandparents,‖ says Imani. Imani is

versely, Adrian worries his

brought to church regularly by her Like Imani and Clyde, Adrian finds

mother is not so secure because

grandparents Renee and Don she is frequently alone in Philadel- that lots of his friends are in-

Gregory. Imani aspires to one day phia as his youngster sister is in volved in their church. So then

be a fashion designer. the family‘s home country of St. how can it be that the youth ADRIAN AND HIS MOTHER



Vincent and the Grenadines, and seems to be dwindling in the SUZETTE ISRAEL



Since the death of his his oldest sister is completing her church? With S.T.A.N.D celebrat-

father in September, 2008 Clyde third year at George Washington ing its first year anniversary, the

has remained a regular face on the University. youth and all of the church must “Adrian finds that

altar. Although his father mainly be reminded of its mission: to

encouraged his attendance at St. At age eleven, an age show the presence of the youth lots of his friends

Philips, Clyde continues to come when most kids are selfish want as well as bring new young people

through his own autonomy. ―I like

what they want—when they want

to St. Philips. Fortunately, so are involved in

it here because of the people, who many of us on the path to success

it— Adrian is selfless: ―I hope I die

give their time.‖ are surrounded by others who their church”

before they do, because I wouldn‘t are doing the same, but with this

Courage: Leaving home want to witness it.‖ anniversary, it is imperative that

and having to start over in a new we remember that evangelism is

city is difficult at any age. For So how is it that Adrian

the Christian mission. Through

Adrian Israel, 11, it has been is able to manage his own emo-

our devoted young people, St.

particularly difficult adapting to tions and remain altruistic? The

Philips‘s vision of filling its pews

New York City coming from answer is prayer. Adrian realizes

with fresh faces can finally be-

Philadelphia. At St. Marks Day that a relationship with God is

come an actuality. S.T.A.N.D’s

School, Adrian often encounters more important than coming to

annual Poetry Slam will be

bullies making him miss his old church religiously

held on Friday, October 22 at

friends even more. ―The kids are 6pm. Tickets are $5 in ad-

different here‖, he says. vance and $7at the door.









―I like the Christmas

parties, and coming

with my

grandparents,‖ says

Imani









Imani Moore &

Clyde Brown

Page 4

S t. Phi l i p‘s C hurc h New s l e tte r

To Those Who Served 55 Years Ago—SSM

The questioning news reports from Afghanistan and Iraq have given thought to the large

wall plaque niche to the left of the entrance to the Nathaniel Peterson Boyd Chapel with its list-

ing of some 270 names of parishioners who entered the Armed Forces. The bronzed words state

"In honor of those serving in the Armed Forces - March 18, 1945." Here are less than one-third

of the list, arbitrarily selected, just to touch some memories: -



Denis Antrobus Doris Clark Joseph C. Hardy Henry Nance

Carlton Ashby Walter F. Clarke Edgar C. Henry Carewe A. Phillips

George Atwell Dudley Cox David L. Hinson Cecil Payne

Gladstone Atwell Elren Cumberbatch Emil Hodge Bernard Parris

Selwyn Atwell Risley R. Dent Clarence Holmes Samuel Riley

Clyde G. Atwell Harry J. Eli David J. Hurd William P. Smith

Benjamin Butler George Eutemey Ernest Henry Sydney Stewart

Kenneth Briggs Eric P. Findlay Donald Irish James R. Spurgeon

Dudley Barker George M. Fleary Reginald Jackson William C. Thompson

Lloyd Best Walter Fleary William Jenkins Jr. Leonard Tyson

Henry Bramwell Nathan Fleary Fred Jones Noel Tyson

Blythe B. Bolling Leonard Fitchett Walter Lynch Rupert Waithe

Edward Bishop James Gittens Hughie Meggs Leslie Whitfield

Hilton B Cornelius Gordon Vincent Meggs Dudley Williams

“Did you know of Calvin Cain Evan W. Gordon Leon E. Modeste Hilton Worrell

Kenneth Caulk Sybil Gowdy Henry McIntosh Percy Walton

the 270 names of Robert C. Chapman Walter Greenidge James Yearwood

Wilbur Chapman Leslie Hinds

parishioners who

These 270 names, including two women ( Doris Clark and Sybil Gowdy) could easily weave a com-

pelling story of the contributions of these citizens, all of whom ( I believe) returned to pursue

entered the Armed family and civilian life. They were multi-talented and served St. Philips and the community.

Noteworthy are the Rev. Robert C. Chapman, our parish Rector and a renown civil rights advo-

Forces two women cate. The legal field attracted Henry Bramwell (U.S. District Court Judge), William Thompson,

New York Supreme Court Justice; Risley Dent, attorney and elected official, NAACP champion

are included” along with Judge George Fleary . Acolytes were enriched by Dudley Cox, Sam Riley, Sydney

Stewart and Scouting attracted William "Bubby" Smith, Ben Butler, Walter Clarke. Police de-

partment welcomed, Donald Irish, Leonard Fitchett, Calvin Cain, Dudley Barker. Medical practi-

tioners included Evans Gordon, George Atwell, Bernard Parris, Noel Tyson (pharmacist). Edu-

cation was served by Gladstone ―Sonny‖ Atwell, Nathan Fleary, Clarence Holmes. Leon

Modeste served the Urban League with over two decades as its Director of the Syracuse branch.

Musicians included Ernest Henry, Cecil Payne, Edgar Henry, Denis Antrobus. { Note- We wel-

come any follow-up comments and information relating to this Parish recognition. SSM.









What is a Vestry?

Stepping out in faith the team is able

to accomplish more than thought possible in the Guinness Book of World Records

beginning. The smile and sometimes with laugh-

ter. It is not all hard work because there are Mrs. Adele U. Trapp

many able and willing hands to do the job.

Longest serving Den Mother with

If you think that this is a group that

you would like to become an active participant - 53 years with Cub Pack 263

please talk to Mrs. Norma Holder the Nominat-

ing Committee chairperson. (St. Philip‘s Episcopal Church



Until the next time, MacDonough Street, Brooklyn)

Peace & Joy Greater New York Council of Boy Scouts

Inez Lambert

Claim ID No. 280138 – April 26, 2010

By Dr. George Emil Moxey

Initially published in The Dominion—Diocese of Long Island edition of the national

Episcopal News Monthly newspaper—July/August 2009









S t. Philip‘s< MacDonough Street patrons and

friends alike were treated to a thrilling rendition of Parts II

. This concert was also very strongly supported by

local businesses, organizations, church member, and friends,

which covered overall production costs and provided other

funds for the church. The Senior Choir is overwhelmingly

and III of Handel‘s ―Messiah‖ by the Senior Choir on May 2.

grateful for the support received throughout the diocese and

The concert was the year‘s highlight of the 111th Anniversary

beyond. The Co-Chairs, Diane Johnson and Monica Sylvester,

Celebration of this historic church‘s life in the Episcopal Dio-

the Concert Coordinator Jacqueline Charity, and the Concert

cese of Long Island and Stuyvesant Heights in the Village of

Committee should be roundly commended for this program.

Bedford-Stuyvesant. This ever-popular oratorio was being

The choirmaster and choristers continue to receive plaudits

presented 250 years after Handel‘s death

from the community for what was a musically uplifting, spiri-

The Senior Choir has always enjoyed a long tradi- tual experience.

tion of a full repertoire of classical liturgical works, spirituals,

and other musical forms, long before the parish‘s relocation

from Dean Street, to its present site that was formerly the

Church of the Good Shepherd. The Reverend Carver W.

Israel in the current rector.



The long preparatory months of comprehensive

choral and solo rehearsals paid off most handsomely for the

30 singers, including soprano soloists Diane Johnson Audrey

Miller-Sydney, and Claire Nicholls, mezzo-soprano soloist

Monica Sylvester, tenor soloist Kerry Stubbs, and bass soloists

Charles Carter and Marvin Lowe. The oratorio was con-

ducted by Hugh Manley Knight, AAGO, organist and choir-

master of the St. Philip‘s Senior Choir. He was ably assisted

by instrumental Ensemble Sepia which was coordinated by

Melvin Greenwich, and accompanied on continuo and organ

by H.L. Smith II.M.M.

Page 7







For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

(Luke 12:34 and Matthew 6:21)









T his is the first of what will be a regular column from the Finance Committee.

The purpose of each article is to share information that will give you, the Parish-

ioners, insight into the Church’s financial operations.

Each year a budget is prepared that estimates income and expenses based on histori-

cal data and actual commitments. Income for the most part is derived from the pledges re-

ceived from Parishioners. Hopefully, you recall that in November the sermons focused on

Stewardship. We ended the Stewardship series with Commitment Sunday which was our op-

portunity as Parishioners to commit - or recommit - our “treasures” that we would provide for

the benefit of the Church. One of the “treasures” that we can provide is to pledge to give each

week, month, quarter or year to assist with the day to day expenses of the Church. When pre-

paring a budget, it is beneficial for the Finance Committee and Vestry to know what to expect

as income from pledges so that plans can be made to cover anticipated expenses. Receiving

pledges also provides an indication of when income will be received and enables better man-

agement of the church’s finances.

One of the “treasures”

The summer months are upon us and it is a time when most people take a break from

that we can provide

their usual activities – students are out of school; adults schedule time away from work; and

organizations suspend meeting for a few months. Even our worship service schedule is to pledge to give

changes for July through mid September in anticipation of lower attendance at services.

each week, month,

Although schedules are adjusted to coincide with the expected absences, many day–

to-day activities of the normal routine do not change – school buildings are still open, the quarter or year to

workplace still functions and the Church must still be available. For those things to occur, assist with the day to

expenses must be incurred.

day expenses of the

Since our focus is on our Church, let’s highlight some specific expenses that are in-

curred regardless of the number of Parishioners who attend service: Church.



Utilities (light, gas and telephone)

Salaries

Music Ministry

Altar Supplies

Insurance

Maintenance of the Sanctuary, Parish Hall and Rectory





Many times, the decrease in atten- dance at the worship service also re-

sults in a decrease in income from pledges. As a result, managing the

finances of the Church is difficult during the summer months.









Reading this article has hopefully made you more aware of the Church’s budget proc-

ess. Also, that making a commitment or pledge to contribute to the financial well-being of the

Church is one of the responsibilities of a Parishioner; and that there is a need for you to fulfill

your pledge on a regular basis throughout the year.

Have you made your pledge and are you fulfilling that pledge on a regular basis?

Hopefully the answer is yes!

Wendy P. Malliet, Chairman, Finance Committee

St. Augustine’s Praise Dancers

at St.Philip’s

S .T.A.N.D.’s Poetry Slam



If you missed S.T.A.N.D.‘s third annual Poetry Slam on Friday, October 29 th, you missed another brilliant

show. Last year‘s Amanda Staine came back with her fierce poems of affirmation and returning champion, Tyreen Sims,

wowed the crowd with her socially conscious urban flow. Newcomers Angelique Israel and Nzinga Shury gave praise their

homelands and emphasized the lessons learned from love and loss. Pedro Jimenez‘s use of tone, his humor and eccentricity

were all modern and served as relief between the more solemn poems of the night.

Andre Milano ended the night with a smooth, romantic sound which resonated with the

entire crowd. This year, the show was not a competition, but just a night of spectacular

poetry. An open call for poets was added to the lineup during intermission. Several

outstanding poets from the audience entertained with their own comedy routine or

poetry. Not one person left the show without giving accolades to all the members of the

youth group which include Shanecka Gulston, Sheryl Gulston, Christopher Corbin (also

a member of the vestry), Kristia Coombs, Bianca Coombs, Aisha Scott, and Ty

Harris. S.T.A.N.D.‘s annual poetry slam is not just another event offered by a club of

St. Philips, but an expected inclusive occasion for the church community.



Bianca Coombs







The Revered Custodian & Protector



of The Macon Branch Library









M r. and Mrs. Frank- Adina Cham-

bers (circa 1920’s), parents of

Louise (Virginia), Olga Ellsworth (Brooklyn- our parish-

ioner), Lester –MIT graduate and mechanical engineer

– deceased, and Enid (Sweden). As previously re-

ported, Mr. Chambers served as custodian at the

Macon Branch-Brooklyn Public Library and Grand

Army Plaza as supervisor for several decades. The

Chambers retired to their native St. Vincent’s for their

remaining years. (Photo- courtesy of Mrs. Ellsworth).









Mr. & Mrs. Frank Chambers

Center Shot Archers

Group

Roberta Jones



(Instructor)

St. Augustine’s

Praise Dancers at St. Philip’s

St. Philip’s Church Newsletter



MEMBERS OF THE VESTRY



Senior Warden Mrs. Inex Lambert,2010



Junior Warden Mr. Charles Lester Beck, 2010



Clerk Ms. Norma Holder, 2012



Treasurer Mrs. Phylis Arrington, 2012



Assistant Treasurer MS. Patricia Moorhead, 2012

St. Philip’s Church

Mr. Thurman Ransom, 2012 Mr. Glyne Bowen, 2011

334 MacDonough Street

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11233 Mr. Howard Dabney, 2011 Mrs. Cheryl deBarros-Butcher, 2010

Church Phone: (718) 778-8700

Mrs. Mrs. Jemma King, 2011 Mr. Deborah Sealy-Adams, 2011

Rectory Phone: (718)-467-5250

Fax: (718) 778-0165

Mrs. Renee Gregory, 2010 Mr. Christopher Corbin, 2012

stphilipschurch@optonline.net

Mrs. Annette Alleyne-Merritt, 2010



Office Staff



Othneil Miles, Part-time Sexton



Pauline Samuel, Parish Secretary





The Ministers of Jesus Christ



The Priest and People of St. Philip’s, Including



Senior Organist and Choirmaster Mr. Hugh Knight, AAGO



Assistant Organist Ms. Patrice Evans



Gospel Choir Director Mr. Elton Thorpe



Handbell Choir Director Ms. Selvena Mosley



Altar Guide Director Mrs. Annie Walkes



BOSA/Crusaders Guild Mr. James Tempro



Acolyte Master Mr. Darnley Jones



Youth Advisors Mr. Leon Phillips

Do You Remember

―Burning the Midnight Oil‖ Mrs. Lisa Boatwright



Episcopal Church Women President Mrs. Audrey Slade



Women’s Guild President Mrs. Norma Holder



Sunday School Director Ms. Geri Davis Bell