St. Mark’s was in the middle of a transition as they prepared to celebrate the arrival of new Rector, Joe Morris Doss on September 16th, 1985 with a special Celebration of New Ministry. Some familiar faces were chairing the committee, including Mary Beth Train and Ann Barbee.
In the meantime, St. Mark’s was also preparing to say goodbye to Interim Rector, Fr. Richard Ford with a potluck salad bar brunch after the 10 am Sunday Service on September 8th…which was also the traditional Rally Day. On Rally Day parents registered their parents for Sunday School…the Messenger also indicated that Sunday School teachers were needed at all levels!
Douglas Butler, the new organist/choirmaster, started work on September 1st.
Other activities included:
- A successful talent show which raised $309 for the Hope International Foundation to be used for agricultural scholarships in Uganda.
- The fall kick off for Journey Groups, small groups of 12 which gathered to share “lives, stories, and faith.”
- Preparation for the fall Rummage Sale
- The pizza kick-off meeting for the EYC (Youth Group)
- The first fall meeting of the ECW (Episcopal Church Women)
The Messenger noted special thanks to Kathy Politzer who served on the Search Committee:
“Search Committee members kept confidential all information about applicant priests, but naturally their families knew of trips they made. Stephen Politzer knew that Kathy, with others, visited New Orleans. In June, Joe and Susan Doss came anonymously to St. Mark’s. After services, Georgia Longsdon guided Susan to Coffee Hour, introducing her as “my friend Susan who is visiting.” Among those introduced to Susan was Stephan Politzer. As Steve and Susan chatted, Georgia was called away, but they continued their conversation and were learning that each has two children when Kathy aproahced. “Susan, I’d like you to meet my wife, Kathy,” Steve said. The women smiled, shook hands, said “How do you do?” “Susan’s a visitor,” said Steve. “Where are you from Susan?” “I’m from New Orleans,” she replied. Stephan’s mouth closed firmly and his eyes opened wide as he realized that this was the woman his wife had met in New Orleans in May. All Search Committee members were admonished to maintain strict confidentiality, but Kathy Politzer gets St. Mark’s Messenger Medal for Discretion.”
