By Dr. Angela Parker, St. Paul's Memorial, Lawrenceville
The James Solomon Russell Celebration Committee met on Sunday, March
23, 2014 at Brian's Steak House, South Hill, Virginia for an afternoon
of prayer, celebration, and reflection. This date, the fourth Sunday in
March, marks the annual tradition of having a memorial service on the
Sunday closest to proposed feast day for Dr. Russell (March 28). Dr.
Angela Parker served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the occasion and
adorned the room with flowers and prepared the altar. The afternoon's
activities began with a welcome by the chairperson, Mrs. Annie Walker,
followed by the committee's adopted "Liturgy for the Proclamation of the
Word of God and the Celebration of the Holy Communion." The Rev. Dr.
Terrence Walker served as celebrant and also gave an inspirational
sermon that charged each member to continue our efforts to recognize
Archdeacon Russell for his many accomplishments and moreover, to
prayerfully consider how we can carry forth his ministry in the 21st
century. The beautiful chalice set that was created by national
acclaimed wood turner Mr. Charles Farrar, and given to the Committee for
this annual observance, was used. Other participants on the program
included, Mr. James Grimstead and Dr. Barbara Coles as lectors, Mrs.
Nannie Brown as psalmist and chalice bearer and Dr. Angela Parker as
intercessor using the traditional Great Litany. Mrs. Pearl Parker, the
Committee's historian, detailed the history and purpose of the
Committee's memorial program.
After the
conclusion of the memorial service a delicious meal was enjoyed by all,
after which, the committee members participated in a reflection session
including brainstorming regarding what the Committee's future work might
entail. A special tribute was also given for the Rev. Dr. Joseph Green,
Jr., the Committee's senior advisor, who could not be present. The
program ended on a high note as the chairperson reported that the
Committee's efforts to advance the research on Dr. Russell as an
internationally important historical figure had been recognized in
Washington and that a letter from the President of the United States was
forthcoming.
