Trio of dedications held in Robertsdale

Story and photos by Cindy McCrory, Editor

The Coastline

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ROBERTSDALE, AL —  On a warm night in early September, parishioners of St. John the Evangelist, Robertsdale, gathered outside under the new drive-through handicap entrance to the church for the dedication and consecration of three spaces at the church: a new drive-through handicap entrance, the Gilbert Room which replaces an area which burned five years ago, and the Rawls Choir Area. The multiple dedications culminated with The Holy Eucharist in the newly  renovated Nave.

The night was an enchanting one, particularly for those who were remembering the fire that occurred five years ago.  But the primary celebration was the completion of a commitment the Vestry and the people of St. John’s made several years ago: to make the church completely accessible for those living with handicaps. Often there are “secret” entrances for handicap entrances, and St. John’s had one. But it was in the back, and was not easily seen.  The first step towards handicap accessibility, however, began in the worship space by bringing the altar rail forward so that no one would have to go up steps. The final result is a wide and open altar area on the same level as the floor of the nave, expanded with spacious floor space for easy maneuvering.

Next was the exciting work to replace the building that had burned. With the parish’s work with the Family Promise program for homeless families, the building committee decided to incorporate showers in the restrooms, which would be completely accessible. Through a grant from Janice Roper-Graham and her company, the showers became a reality.

Finally, for the church to be “totally accessible”, the planners felt a drive-through driveway with a covered drop-off area would be a necessity for those with walkers and wheelchairs, as well as space for handicap parking.  St. John’s applied to the United Thank Offering (UTO) of the Episcopal Church and through the recommendation of our Bishop, St. John’s received a grant for $30,600!  This accessible area includes a corridor which goes directly into the worship space from the Gilbert Room, the new addition.  The corridor leads to the choir area, as well.

Bishop Duncan led the procession through each area to be dedicated.

The Rawls Choir Loft is named for Betty Rawls, organist for 17 years at St. John’s.

The Gilbert Room is named for Jimmy and Margaret Gilbert who have been members of St. John the Evangelist since 1950, and residents of Robertsdale since 1927.

Following Holy Eucharist, everyone gathered in the bright, newly decorated Gilbert Room for a beautiful reception.

Service music

Hymn in Procession: “Praise my soul the King of heaven”

Sequence Hymn: “We all are one in mission”

Offertory: “Give thanks for life”

Music at Communion: “Bless the Lord my Soul” (Taize’) and “Eat This Bread, Drink This Wine”

Hymn in Procession: “Lord you give the great commission”

The Feast of Constance and her Companions

It was appropriate that the dedication of the space containing showers to be used by homeless families, and the handicap entrance, funded greatly by the United Thank Offering, was held on the feast day of Constance and her Companions.  In August 1978, Yellow Fever invaded Memphis for a third time. As cases multiplied, death tolls averaged 200 daily.  In this time of panic and flight, many brave women and men, lay and cleric, remained at their posts despite the risk. Notable among those heroes were Constance, Superior of the work of the Sisters of St. Mary in Memphis, and her Companions.  Helping were six of Constance’s fellow sisters, and a group of Episcopal clerics, along with some physicians, two of whom were ordained Episcopal priests.  They became known as “The Martyrs of Memphis.” The Cathedral, where they labored to help the sick, was locate in the most infected area of Memphis. Only two of the workers escaped the fever. The martyrs are buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis and the monument marking the join graves bears the inscription, “Greater Love Hath No Man.”