Loading...On Sunday, November 7, the congregation of Calvary Episcopal Church will kickoff its 150-year anniversary celebration with the first in a series of programs and publications offering insight into the downtown parish's historical and musical contributions to the annals of Louisville.
Fittingly, the Rev. Jonathan Erdman, Calvary's rector, has chosen All Saints Sunday to remember and to give thanks to Calvary's forebears for their vision and commitment in founding the parish on Nov. 3, 1860. In doing so he restated Calvary's ongoing direction as a community of faith: "Through the worship and love of God our mission is to make the Gospel the center of our life and work; welcome all people into our church family; love and support one another; and actively seek out the human needs in our community, responding vigorously with respect and understanding."
Each of the Nov. 7 Sunday morning services (7:45, 9 and 11 a.m. EST) will serve to initiate the observance of the Sesquicentennial Celebration, and between services, during the Adult Forum, well-known Louisville historian Dr. Tom Owen has been invited to speak on the "History of the Calvary Neighborhood at the Time of the Civil War." The forum begins at 10 a.m. in Parker Hall. Calvary is located at 821 S. Fourth St. in Old Louisville.
Utilizing themes of dedication, thanksgiving and participation, the Calvary Sesquicentennial Committee, working with Erdman and the vestry, have developed the series of event around three main goals: to reflect Calvary's mission, to look backward gratefully and forward hopefully, and to involve members of the congregation. In keeping with these aims, the Sesquicentennial plans include the following events:
An historical service, using the 1789 Book of Common Prayer, will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, November 14. Former bishops, clergy and members have been invited.
Following the service, the Adult Forum will have an historical lecture by Dr. John Hale, a University of Louisville professor, on the "Calvary Building, Architecture and Art." The lecture will begin at 10 a.m. in Parker Hall. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall at 12:15 p.m. (EST).
A Louisville Bach Society concert and pre-concert lecture will be Sunday, December 5. Preceding the 3 p.m. concert, the lecture at 2:15 p.m. will be given by Dr. John Hale on "The Musical Program and Calvary's Role as an Early Home for the Bach Society."
The dedication of the renovated parish hall is being planned, but a date is yet to be determined. A reception will follow the dedication in the newly named Frazier Hall. Bishop Terry White and Owsley Brown Frazier have been invited to participate in the program.
An Historical service, using the1928 Book of Common Prayer, is being planned, but a date is yet to be set.
An adult forum on Feb. 6, 2011, will presented by Calvary's Youth Group, providing the congregation with "A Perspective on Calvary's Future." The forum will be at 10 a.m. in Parker Hall.
The final Sesquicentennial Celebration event on Feb. 21, 2011 will be held in Frazier Hall, follow the church's Sunday morning services (which begin at 7:45, 9 and 11 a.m.).
In addition to the scheduled events, two other projects are underway that highlight Calvary's history and service. First are the displays of Calvary archival materials, pictures and memorials that may be found throughout the church. Docents will be on hand to explain and elaborate on their significance.
Second, Will Cary, a lifelong member of Calvary, is completing a written history of the church. The narrative, pictures and figures included are based entirely on internal archival materials. They include vestry minutes, committee records, correspondence, a list of cornerstone time capsule contents and numerous scrapbooks. Some of the archival materials date from the earliest activities to organize the parish in 1856. The history is anticipated to be completed by March 2011, and subsequently produced and made available for general distribution.
All are invited to attend Calvary Sesquicentennial events. Questions can be addressed to the church office at 502-587-6011. The church website will offer directions and updated information at //www.calvaryepiscopal.org.
