From the RectorDear Parishioners and Friends, Every parish church has some sort of dedication and corresponding feast day. For churches like us, which are dedicated to particular Saints, the day is obvious. For others, which are dedicated to moments in the life of Christ, (Nativity, Epiphany, Transfiguration, Resurrection, Ascension), we can also easily identify the holy day. Then there are the many churches dedicated to the doctrine of the Trinity, also easy. When it comes to places with names like Grace, it becomes a little more difficult. I've often said that I can accurately date the founding of any given Episcopal church by its name. For example, Christ is usually the oldest church in town, followed by Trinity, then the "safely Anglican" Saints like Andrew, George, Peter, and Paul. Mary is generally associated with parishes founded in the 19th century at the time of the Oxford Movement. It was decided at a meeting of the Vestry on September 22, 1888, that "the Tuxedo Church," (as it had been called) would bear the name "St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo." Our feast of title occurred yesterday, August 15. Pete and I were in the city at the shrine church of St. Mary the Virgin in Times Square for the annual observance. We were treated to magnificent music by Palestrina, copious incense, and an amazing organ improvisation by Dr. David Hurd, my seminary music professor. Here at home, we will be observing our feast day by welcoming members of the Society of Mary (an Episcopal devotional society) and, I hope, many of you to a special service in honor of the day. There will be special music by composers such as Vaughn Williams and Charpentier, and the singing of the classic hymn, "Hail, Holy Queen!" (Aileen promises to hit the high C at the end!) A festive reception will follow in Bentley Hall. I hope to see you there! What: Feast of St. Mary the Virgin
When: Saturday, August 19 @ 12:30pm
Where: St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo Blessings,
Fr. Rick
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