Tributes
Three poetic tributes to friends
By Father John R. Green
Three poetic tributes to friends
By Father John R. Green
A poem about a cherished friend, the Reverend William B.Spofford,
an Episcopal Social Activist and past editer of the Episcopal Church
Publishing Company's The Witness - 'Since 1917,
a journal examining society in light of faith and conscience.'
John befriended Bill during John's community service and social relation
ministries with the Diocese of Newark during the 1950's. This poem
was included in the Letters of The Witness, Volume 75,
Number 11, November 1992.
Shown with his blessing
A channel of eternal relevance,
With prophetic passion and spirited thought.
Inspirational herald for social advance,
Reverberating compassion
for the poor and distraught.
Witness for truth on fiery wings,
Comes startling revelations and traumatic themes.
While re-assuring with prophetic insight
All humbly yielding to Godly light.
Witness for justice in the eyes of time,
The uplifting of workmen toiling in the mine.
Entreating for feminine celebration
at the sacramental meal;
Elevating status of minorities
through contagious zeal.
Witness for peace through divine accord,
Not to perish vainly by the sword.
Loving, hoping with patient persuasion,
The essence of harmony and reconciliation.
Witness for freedom through courageous stance,
Facing liberation foes with ominous glance;
That dignity and equality be the story
Of our nation's pride and aspiring glory.
The flame of Bill Spofford,
blazing depth and expanse,
The progress of humane strivings to enhance.
Buoyed by a consecrated, liberating crew,
Countless are indebted to a wise and saintly few.
A poem of William Kirkpatrick as a friend lovingly remembers him
By Father John R. Green
June, 1995
Shown with his blessing
He pondered and mused over the Universe of God
With its glorious and mysterious dimensions
and ramifications;
Marveling and wondering why;
Learning and yearning more to understand.
As husband and father, striving and seeking
Through human limitation and wise discernment
To make the way for the fulfillment
of their desires and needs,
In the realm of mind, body and spirit.
Friendships to him signified
and glorified durable relationships;
And not passing phases of life nor happenstance.
Knowing the rigors and fruits of labor
And Saturday morning toil.
With the call of Sunday Church,
Witnessing the dynamics of the Church Militant
here on earth.
Now he knows what Peter and Paul know,
The bliss and service of the Church Triumphant,
Where God's loving Will is done in Heaven.
A poem of two verses, paralleling our Lord Jesus Christ as the God's
incarnate interim minister in Israel; and the Reverend Edward Griswald's
compassionate interim ministry at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Maumee, Ohio,
between departing Rector Christopher Luedde and incoming Rector Paul
Board.
Shown with his blessing
- Interim In Israel -
Prelude in heavenly realm with the Father,
Nurturing Israel through
the great Law and revered Prophets;
In fulness of time becoming
the incarnate interim in Israel
Where he cemented God's love
for Israel and the world,
While molding shepherds
to fulfill his mission
Of salvation, abundant life and peace.
Completing his earthly interim,
he returned
To celestial radiance,
earthy oversight and comforting.
- Interim In Maumee -
Father Ed in reviewing
the shepherding pastors of St. Paul's
Who fashioned in spirit And character
her mission for Christ,
He bridged the serving ministry of the past
With the fulfilling glory
and outreach of coming years
Through compassion,
caring and prophetic preaching.
His legacy:
The impact of the historical Anglican Communion
upon St. Paul's.
A departing interim
for the sunshine of Arizona
With a welcoming glance toward
the education creativity
of incoming Father Paul!
