FROM ANGELINE BUTLER: ON MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

I am Angeline Butler. My parents were teachers: the Reverend and Mrs. Isaac Bartley Butler, a Baptist minister, a principal of the Crossroads School in Eastover, South Carolina, a farmer, and a community leader. College for me was Fisk University, in Nashville, Tennessee. I was only fifteen. I was favored by Dr. John W. Work II of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Dr. and Mrs. Nelson Fuson, who were American Friends. We went to the First Baptist Church to see the Rev. James Morris Lawson, Jr., speak about Jesus Christ, Gandhi, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and the practice of nonviolence, a creative strategy for changing segregation in the South.

My ears perked up when he brought in examples of Jesus Christ as a leading pacifist. I wanted to hear more. “Love ye one another” and “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight...” I attended these workshops on nonviolence.  Soon, I was testing at downtown lunch counters—a necessary part of placing oneself in the actual situation to see if one could be nonviolent in the face of rejection, violence, and racism—and meeting with a group of fifteen students, calling ourselves “The Nashville Student Nonviolent Central Committee.” Amongst us were Marion Barry, Jr., and John Lewis.

On February 27, 1960, we students were arrested for refusing to vacate the McClellan’s, Woolworth’s, and Walgreens department store lunch counters in Nashville. We refused bail. That first charge was only $50. Several weeks later, the Governor of the State issued a new warrant for our re-arrests. This time, the fine was $500 in cash for each of the 106 students arrested, all under twenty-one. The new charge was “Conspiracy to Obstruct Trade and Commerce.”

After our release, we went to the Highlander Folk School, owned by Myles Horten in Monteagle, Tennessee, for a retreat. Myles Horten, who graduated from Union Theological Seminary, invited Civil Rights groups and labor groups to Highlander for workshops and held integrated workshops for youth in the summertime.

There, I met the greatest person I would ever come to know. That was Septima Poinsette Clark of Charleston, South Carolina, founder of the “Citizenship Schools” and Director of Education at Highlander. She trained Rosa Parks, then Secretary of the NAACP in Montgomery, who often went to Highlander workshops with NAACP President E.D. Nixon.

Septima Clark was a quiet person, always carefully listening, as she taught others how to read and to write portions of the constitutions in their state using biblical texts by writing on brown paper cleaner bags for a blackboard. Septima held these citizenship sessions on the front porches of Black people’s homes, in their yards, and in the Black merchants’ storefronts. On one particular weekend, attorney Thurgood Marshall was present. The white community could not know of these efforts or Septima Clark would face the KKK or the White Citizens Council’s wrath. Septima Clark registered over 300,000 voters and, later, had over 2,000 teachers. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) housed the Citizenship Schools after 1962. Amelia Boynton was the gateway to Selma. This work led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

We students quickly chose “Voter Education and Voter Registration” as the focus of our new project in Nashville. While attending the Race Relations Institute at Fisk University, we canvassed door to door. We were tireless teenagers and we meant business! We organized the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in April 1960, with the guidance of Ms. Ella Baker. Were it not for the progressive churches in our various communities, Black people would not know each other or know whom we could trust to become involved with us in bringing about social change. — AB

Ms. Angeline Butler is a member of Saint Mary’s and currently a lecturer in Africana Studies at the John Jay College for Criminal Justice. She previously taught as an instructor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Southern California. She holds a BA from Fisk University and an MA from Columbia University, with additional studies at The Juilliard School of Music and UCLA. In addition to her important work with the Civil Rights Movement, Angeline is also known for her singing and acting career.

THE PARISH PRAYER LIST

We pray for those who are sick and for those in any need or trouble. We pray for those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week; for those living with drought, storm, flood, fire, and earthquake; and we pray especially for Emily, Lauren, Clark, Julie, Carole, Helga, Gina, Maria, Pat, Ava-Grace, David, Alexandra, Stacy, Lorena, Opal, Charlotte, Lindsay, Greg, Penny, Nadira, Peter, Eric, Carlos, Christopher, Linette, Larry, Luis, Barbara, Shalim, Greta, Liduvina, Quincy, Laverne, Abraham, Gypsy, Hardy, Margaret, Emil, Robert; Lind, deacon; Nicholas, religious; Matthew, Scott and Rick, priests; and for the repose of the soul of Cathy.

You are invited to keep these intentions in your minds, hearts and prayers this week:

We pray that God will grant to all those in authority the wisdom and strength to do God’s will.
We pray also for peace and justice in Ukraine, Myanmar, Syria, Iran, Yemen;
and the Holy Land;
We pray in thanksgiving for the cessation of warfare in Ethiopia;
For those ill with COVID-19;
For those suffering from depression, anxiety, or addiction;
For victims of physical and sexual abuse;
For all refugees and for those seeking asylum in the United States, especially those now sheltering in the Times Square neighborhood;
For those without food, shelter, or work, and for those seeking work; For the ministry of Neighbors in Need; For the Search Committee of the parish; For the Diocese of New York as it prepares to elect a Bishop Coadjutor.

THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARY’S

Sunday, November 13, The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28C), Adult Education 9:30 AM in Saint Benedict’s Study in the Parish House; Solemn Mass 11:00 AM. The readings at the Solemn Mass are Malachi 3:13–4:6; Psalm 98:5–10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13; Luke 21:5–19. Father Jacobson will preach at the Solemn Mass. The musical setting of the Mass on Sunday is the Missa brevis in d, Opus 83, by Josef Gabriel Rheinberger (1839–1901). The Communion motet is Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life by Harold Friedell (1903–1958).

Commemorations this week: Monday, November 14, The Consecration of Samuel Seabury, First American Bishop, 1784; Wednesday, November 16, Margaret, Queen of Scotland, 1093; Thursday, November 17, Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200; Friday, November 18, Hilda, Abbess of Whitby; Saturday, November 19, Elizabeth, Princess of Hungary, 1231; Sunday, November 20, The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King.

AROUND THE PARISH

We are grateful to parishioner Clark Anderson, who played the service and conducted the choir last Sunday morning, and to Larry Long, who played Evensong and Benediction in the evening.

On Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, Father Jacobson, Father Smith, Grace Mudd, and Mary Robison will represent Saint Mary’s at the Diocesan Convention being held this weekend at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, New York.

On Wednesday, November 23, The Eve of Thanksgiving Day, Sung Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 PM in the church. On Thursday, November 24, Thanksgiving Day, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM in the Lady Chapel. Please note earlier time. We will be experimenting with this earlier time on other Federal holidays. We hope to encourage increased attendance at Mass on those days.

Christmas Masses: The last Mass of Advent will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Saturday, December 24. There will be one celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Christmas Eve: Christmas Music and Carols at 9:30 PM and Solemn Mass at 10:00 PM. On Christmas Day, a Solemn Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM.

MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR BISHOP COADJUTOR

Wednesday, November 16, 7:00 PM: Evening Meet and Greet with Candidates for Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York at Saint Andrew’s, Harlem, 2067 Fifth Avenue, between 127th and 128th Streets. 2 or 3 Train to 125th Street.

Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 PM: Evening Meet and Greet with Candidates for Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York at Trinity-Saint Paul, New Rochelle, Westchester County.

Friday, November 18 at 7:00 PM: Evening Meet and Greet with Candidates for Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York at Saint Margaret’s, Longwood, Bronx, New York.

ADULT EDUCATION 2022–2023

This coming Sunday, November 13, at 9:30 AM, in Saint Benedict’s Study (Parish Hall, 145 West 46th Street), Father Peter Powell will continue his series of classes on several of the so-called Deutero-Pauline Letters.

This Sunday, Father Powell will continue to provide some background and give members of the class some interpretive tools for reading these particular letters before turning to the biblical texts themselves.

I hope you’ll be able to join us in Saint Benedict’s at 9:30 AM on Sunday. Coffee available. All are welcome. Questions and discussion encouraged.

To find Saint Benedict’s Study, please enter Saint Joseph’s Hall via the entrance at 145 West 46th Street, bear right and head down the long hallway which takes you past the rest rooms, the windows, and then heads toward the Sacristy. The classroom is located on your left, just short of the doors to the Smoke Room, the Control Room, and the Sacristy.

ADVENT QUIET DAY

On Saturday, December 3, Father Sammy Wood will lead a Quiet Day here at the parish. The theme of the day will be “All Things Well.” The day will begin around 9:00 or 9:30 AM, will include the Holy Eucharist, lunch in Saint Joseph’s Hall, several talks by Father Wood, and time for prayer and reflection in the church and in the Hall. If you would like to attend, please send an e-mail to the parish office.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 2022–2023

Why are we talking about money? Prayer is central to the life of Saint Mary’s. Our commitment to daily Mass and Morning and Evening Prayer is central to the life of Saint Mary’s. Solemn High Mass on Sundays and Major Feasts is central to the life of Saint Mary’s. Your participation in worship here is central to the life of Saint Mary’s. Having our doors open to provide shelter to those in need is central to the life of Saint Mary’s. Hosting several 12-Step Meetings daily in the Mission House is central to the life of Saint Mary’s. So why are we talking about money? Quite simply, your pledge combined with your prayers and participation in worship and the mission of this parish enables us to carry out that mission in Times Square, to you and to all who value this unique church.

This year we are seeking $400,000 in pledges to support these ministries. To date we have received $143,070.

Your pledge is another way you can actively support the spiritual work we do to make Christ present and to provide meaning to all who worship here or value our worship and outreach. Click here to submit your pledge online.

THE SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR A NEW RECTOR

What a joy it is to have so many of our fellow parishioners interested in the search committee for the new Rector of Saint Mary’s! We regret that we could not include everyone who expressed interest, and for that we are truly sorry.

The group that was selected will prayerfully discern, with assistance from the Canon for Transition Ministry, Nora Smith, how to build our parish profile and who the Holy Spirit is calling to be our next Rector.

Co-chaired by Mark Risinger and Mary Robison, the committee members are MaryJane Boland, Charles Carson, Clark Mitchell, Grace Mudd, and Elizabeth Nisbet.

Please add this team to your regular prayers as they begin their work in the coming days. And watch your inboxes for opportunities to share your own thoughts as together we discern the mind of the parish about the sort of rector we seek to come alongside us to do the work God has given Saint Mary’s to do. — Mary Robison and Mark Risinger, Co-Chairs

NEIGHBORS IN NEED, SAINT MARY’S OUTREACH MINISTRY

There will be two Drop-by distributions of clothing and hygiene items in November. The first, on Tuesday, November 15, 2:00 to 3:00 PM, will be primarily for families with children, especially for the asylum seekers now sheltering in our neighborhood. The second will take place on Friday, November 18, 2:00-3:00 PM, and will be primarily for the guests, mostly single adults, who we've served for some time now. This two-part distribution system will allow us to prepare somewhat different items for each group and also to provide Spanish-speaking interpreters for those who have come from South and Central America, many of whom have limited English.

If you would like to ask questions about volunteering for any of our Neighbors in Need activities or if you would like to volunteer, please send us a message at neighbors@stmvnyc.org.

ABOUT THE MUSIC AT THE SOLEMN MASS ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

The organ voluntaries at the Solemn Mass on Sunday are portions of Partita on “Detroit” by David Hurd, organist and music director at Saint Mary’s. This Partita (set of variations) on an American shape-note hymn tune was commissioned in 1984 by T. Lance Nicolls, organ builder, for the dedication of his Opus 1, an eleven-stop instrument at the Community Baptist Church in Plainfield, New Hampshire. Notably, the Partita was later performed by its composer at Ford Auditorium in Detroit, Michigan, on the closing evening of the 1986 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in that city. The source of the tune “Detroit” upon which the variations are based is Supplement to Kentucky Harmony, 1820. In recent years, forms of this tune have appeared in several major hymnals including The Hymnal 1982 where it is paired with Rosamond Herklots’s text “Forgive our sins as we forgive.” The first and last variations of the Partita are modestly embellished forms of the original harmonization found in The Sacred Harp. Those in between are a combination of canons and ostinatos, two treatments of the melody’s inversion, and a fugal treatment with the melody in the bass. The Theme and Variations 1–8 will be played as the prelude. Variations 9–10 will be played as the postlude.

The setting of the Mass on Sunday morning is Missa brevis in d, Opus 83, by Josef Gabriel Rheinberger (1839–1901). Rheinberger was a prodigy of his time; at the age of seven he was already serving as organist of the parish church in his hometown of Vaduz, a small town along the Rhine River, and compositions of his were performed shortly thereafter. In 1851, he entered the Munich Conservatorium where, not long after graduating, he was appointed professor of piano and composition. Influences upon Rheinberger include his more famous contemporary Johannes Brahms and earlier notable German composers, including Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, and Franz Schubert. Rheinberger’s works include two operas, two symphonies, songs, piano works, chamber works, and assorted other compositions. His twenty sonatas for organ, the next most significant body of organ pieces after Mendelssohn, continue to stand at the center of German Romantic organ literature. Rheinberger’s sacred choral works include a Christmas cantata, fourteen Masses, three requiem settings, two settings of Stabat Mater as well as motets and miscellaneous other compositions. Missa brevis in d is for four-voices unaccompanied. While Gloria and Sanctus are clearly in the major mode, Benedictus is in F Major and Agnus Dei returns to the Mass’s original key of D minor.

The beloved English priest and poet George Herbert (1593–1633) offered his reflection and prayer to Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and Life (John 14) in “The Call” (The Temple, 1633). While the setting of Herbert’s prayer-poem for solo voice from Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)—distilled into many modern hymnals, including our own—is probably best known, Herbert’s poem has also inspired a great many fine choral settings. Harold Friedell (1903–1958), composer of the four-voice choral setting to be sung on Sunday morning during the administration of Communion, was born in Jamaica, Queens. He studied and later taught at The Juilliard School. He served several New York area parishes as organist and choirmaster and was eventually appointed to the sacred music faculty at Union Theological Seminary. From 1946 until his untimely death, he was organist and choirmaster at Saint Bartholomew’s, Park Avenue. Come, my Way is one of the many fine choral anthems written by this distinguished New York composer and church musician.

ORGAN RECITAL AT SAINT MARY’S, DECEMBER 8, 2022

Thursday, December 8, Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 5:30 PM
Michael Hey, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City

CONCERTS AT SAINT MARY’S

Saturday, November 19, 2022, 8:00 PM. The Miller Theatre Early Music Series at Saint Mary’s presents The Orlando Consort: Josquin’s World. From the Theatre’s website, “The brilliant Orlando Consort marks the end of an era with their final season together. For their farewell program, they reflect on Josquin Desprez, the greatest and most influential composer the Western world had yet seen at the time of his death, 500 years ago. Experience a magical sequence of music that reflects on the composer and his world. And don’t miss your last chance to hear one of the most joyous and legendary vocal ensembles of our time.”

Information about purchasing individual tickets or tickets for the entire Early Music series is available on the Miller Theatre website. Please do not call the Parish Office to purchase tickets.

On Saturday, December 3, 2022, The New York Repertory Orchestra (NYRO) will play an all-Wagner Concert:  Das Rheingold, Entry of the Gods into Valhalla and Die Walküre, Act I (complete). David Leibowitz, music director; Sarah Cambidge, soprano, and Kyle van Schoonhoven, tenor. Saint Mary’s parishioner Mark Risinger, bass, will also sing at this concert.

There is no charge for admission to NYRO concerts. However, a $15.00 donation will be much appreciated.

MAKING DONATIONS FOR FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS

There is one date left in 2022 for a donation of flowers for the altar and in the church: November 13. However, many Sundays and feast days are now available for 2023, including the Epiphany and Baptism of Our Lord, January 6 and 8; Sundays January 15, 22, and 29; Candlemas, February 2; Sundays February 5, 12, and 19; and the Annunciation, March 25.

The flowers on the high altar and at the shrines are often given in memory, celebration, or honor of someone, a life event, or other occasion, which is printed in the bulletin.

We also welcome donations for flowers and other decorations at Christmas and Easter.

Please contact Chris Howatt if you would like to make a donation for one of the available dates or for the holy days.

SAINT MARY’S BOOK CLUB

The next book that we will read is Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking. This nonfiction book is a brilliant, compelling, and moving reflection on grief, mortality, family, marriage, motherhood, illness, and death. It was much praised when it appeared in 2005 and it won the National Book Award that year. It is available in paper, hardcover, and as an e-book at the usual online retailers. The book will be a fitting continuation of our November meditations on life, death, and resurrection following All Souls’ Day. Please join us. The group will meet in Saint Benedict’s Study on Sunday, November 20, at 1:00 PM. Please contact Father Jay Smith, if you would like to attend.

COMING UP

Sunday, November 20, The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King.

Sunday, November 27, The First Sunday of Advent.

Saturday, December 3, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Advent Quiet Day, led by Father Sammy Wood.

Saturday, December 3, Special Convention to Elect a Bishop Coadjutor for the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.

Sunday, December 11, Third Sunday of Advent, Solemn Mass 11:00 AM. A Service of Lessons and Carols will comprise the Liturgy of the Word at the Solemn Mass.

This edition of the Angelus was written and edited by Father Jay Smith, except as noted. Father Matt Jacobson also edits the newsletter and is responsible for formatting and posting it on the parish website and distributing it via mail and e-mail, with the assistance of Christopher Howatt, parish administrator, and parish volunteer, Clint Best.