September

On January 11, 1890, The Rev. Lindsey Rucker died. According to the book that details the history of St. Peter’s edited by Betty Plummer and Louellen Pledger, The Rev. Mr. Rucker served St. Peter’s 1853–54, 1857–59, 1862–1865, 1867–1884, as locum tenens from 1884–1886, and as Rector Emeritus, 1890. What he did in 1855–56, 1860–61, and 1866 is unknown. What is known is that he is the second longest serving clergy person next to the tenure of the Rev. Mr. Bird, who served St. Peter’s from 1905–1921, and then from 1929–1955. The clergy of St. Peter’s have come and gone. Some stay for several years, others for a short while, yet each of them left their imprint on the souls of the people who call this church their home.

In August, we celebrated the ministry of The Rev. Michael Farnell and his wife, Karen. The Farnells were only with us a little while, but they represent the truth of our church. No matter how long we may be in a place, we work to diligently make it better. St. Peter’s has been a church in Brenham since 1848. A long time. And it has in the course of its history endeavored to make Brenham, Texas a better place. The Rev. Mr. Rucker helped establish the free school system in Washington County.

Today, the feeding initiatives of St. Peter’s through Feed My Lambs, the Mobile Food Pantry, and the gift of food on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ease the food insecurity many residents face. When St. Peter does this, we live into the call of Jesus to feed and care for others in a generous and compassionate manner.

As we live into the future, in a search for a new rector, through a busy fall season, in and outside of our church community, we would do well to remember our generational legacy of Christian service to our town and our county. We continue to do the work of those who came before us. Even though we feel as if the future is uncertain, we walk with the blessed assurance of the saints who came before us. Aware of our call as a parish community, and grateful for each other as we walk along. As the Rev. Mr. Rucker’s favorite hymn reads:

In each event of life how clear
Thy ruling hand I see,
Each blessing to my soul more dear,
Because conferred by thee.

In every joy that crowns my days,
In every pain I bear,
My heart shall find delight in praise,
Or seek relief in prayer.

Fr. Patrick+