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Annual Meeting

January 29, 2017

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

15 St. Paul Street

Brookline, MA 02446

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Table of Contents

Report: Author: Page(s)

Annual Meeting Agenda 4

2015 Annual Meeting Minutes Handout

Rector’s Report The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello Handout

Interim Associate Rector’s Report The Rev. Michael Robinson 5

Nominations for 2016 The Nominating Committee 6

Warden’s Report Chris Dulla and Leah Rugen 7-8

Diocesan Convention Report John Ferguson 8

Postulant’s Report Amanda March 8-9

Worship

Acolytes Hazel Johnson 9

Altar Guild Lydia Snover 9

Chalice Maryann Kurkjian 10

Flower Fund Maureen Carter 10

Healing Prayer E. Lorraine Baugh 10-11

Lectors Mike Scheffler 12

Music Andrew Clarkson 12

Ushers Sam Scott 13

Pastoral Care

Eucharistic Visitors Maryann Kurkjian 13

Pastoral Care Team The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello 13-14

Stewardship

Stewardship Appeal Stephen Morrissey 14

Yard Sale Steve Estes-Smargiassi 15

Faith in Action

Be an Angel Paul Daigneault 15

Brookline Emergency Food Pantry Rene Feuerman 16-17

B-Safe/B-Ready Adelaide Xie 18

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Report: Author: Page(s)

Faith in Action (cont’d)

Episcopal City Mission Beverly Estes-Smargiassi and 18

Kate Kelley

“Change-ing Hunger” Basket The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello 19

Ministry Outside the Parish Matshai Motimele 19-21

Mission Sunday Melissa Dulla 21

Buildings/Facilities

Buildings and Grounds Steve Estes-Smargiassi 21

Columbarium The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello 21

Facilities Use Jill Seiler-Moon 22

Gardens Julie Starr 23

Historian Report Pat Dunbar 23-27

Christian Education

Adult Education The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello 27-28

Church School Hazel Johnson 28-29

Parish Life

Knitting Group Maureen Carter 29

Newcomers/Greeters Kate Kelley and Ouida Foster 30

Sunday Lunch Bunch Edward A. Jacobson and 31

Maryann Kurkjian

The 20’s and 30’s Group Adelaide Xie 31

Treasurer Report/2016 Alexis Morrison-Howe 32-33

Approved Budget 34-36

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ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BROOKLINE

2016 ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA

Sunday, January 29, 2017

1. Call to order of the Annual Meeting

2. Holy Eucharist with Rector’s Address

Move to Parish Hall

3. Motion to accept the 2015 Annual Meeting Minutes (held on January 31, 2016)

4. “Grateful Hearts”

5. Thanks to outgoing Vestry Members

Clara Batchelor

Jeannie Baca (nom. for full term)

Rebecca Schultzberg Chris Dulla

Alexis Morrison-Howe

6. Motion to accept the slate of Officers, Vestry Members and Delegates, etc.

7. Transfer of Church Mouse

8. Treasurer’s Report

9. All-Parish Activity

10. Blessing, Closing Hymn and Dismissal

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Interim Associate Rector’s Report

Since mid-October, it has been both a privilege and pleasure to serve as the Interim Associate Rector. In

this role, I share in the worship, preaching and pastoral care of the parish with areas of oversight

including adult formation and intergenerational activities. (A full report on these ministry areas is

included in the Annual Report.) Additionally, I have been able to support ministry leaders, including the

Rector, with needs that may fall outside of the position description.

Although I have been ordained for many years, it has been quite some time since I have been regularly

assisting in the worship and preaching life of a parish, and I am having such a great time! St. Paul’s is a

lively worshipping congregation (you really like to sing!). I am especially impressed in the many ways

that the congregation welcomes, includes, and cares for people of all ages and life experiences (children

really are welcome at St. Paul’s!)

Joining the St. Paul’s staff and becoming immersed in this wonderful community has been a blessing. I

am especially grateful for the opportunity to work closely with staff members and ministry leaders who

are a deeply committed group, who love St. Paul's and are faithful in their work and ministry. Thank

you for your warm, supportive, joyful welcome and I hope you will be in touch if you have any

questions or needs.

Respectfully submitted by The Rev. Michael Robinson

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Nominating Committee

2017 Slate of Candidates for St. Paul’s Parish Offices

Office Candidate

Warden, Sr. Leah Rugen

Warden, Jr. Julie House

Vestry 3 Year Term Jeannie Baca

Vestry 3 Year Term Nate Gaede

Vestry 3 Year Term Brett Foster

Vestry 2 Year Term (filling vacancy) Barbie Maniscalco

Vestry 2 Year Term (filling vacancy) Mike Scheffler

Clerk 1 Year Term (Renewable) Tim Hintz

Treasurer Steve Morrissey

Assistant Treasurer Steve Kelley

Historian Pat Dunbar

Delegate to Diocesan Convention Ed Jacobson

Delegate to Diocesan Convention John Ferguson

Alternate to Diocesan Convention Jeannie Baca

Alternate to Diocesan Convention Maryann Kurkjian

Delegate to CR Deanery Linda Sanches

Delegate to CR Deanery Sharlene Wing

Alternate to CR Deanery John Ferguson

Alternate to CR Deanery Jeannie Baca

Delegate to Episcopal City Mission Beverly Estes-Smargiassi

Delegate to Episcopal City Mission Kate Kelley

Alternate to Episcopal City Mission

Alternate to Episcopal City Mission

Continuing Members of Vestry

Ayanna McPhail Serving year 2 of 3 year term

John Ferguson Serving year 3 of 3 year term

Alan Fried Serving year 3 of 3 year term

Elisabeth Choi Serving year 3 of 3 year term

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Wardens’ Report

The year at St. Paul’s, since our last annual meeting, has been one of growth, challenge and lots of joy.

We have continued to come together to experience God’s love and strengthen our relationships in

community. If this is your first annual meeting…Welcome! We hope you will read the reports contained

here. They are such a testament to the great range of engagement and the vitality of this congregation.

Led by our Rector Jeff Mello together with all of our wonderful staff, elected lay leaders, and so many

volunteers, in 2016 we continued and deepened programs and efforts. We also took on exciting new

challenges.

Our Capital Campaign – St. Paul’s 2020: Preparing a Place for All— has been an “all hands on deck”

effort. So many wonderful people have been involved that it is impossible to name them all here. The

Buildings and Grounds Committee has been engaged in countless hours of discussion and planning

meetings as well as individual hours of work supervising and consulting with architects and engineers.

Their expertise and dedication has been an incredible gift to us all.

Some of the other highlights of the year include the following.

Our message of ‘radical welcome’ continues to get out as more people keep joining us. Average

Sunday attendance is up again at 188, and we recorded 19 new pledges this year.

After the 10 a.m. service many people can be found discussing the day’s sermon and report being

challenged and inspired. Led by Jeff Mello, we are also blessed by a rich variety of voices and

perspectives with regular sermons by Megan Holding, Michael Robinson, Hazel Johnson, and

Eliza Marth. State representative and Episcopal Church luminary Byron Rushing gave a

memorable sermon in October on Faith and Politics.

Our wonderful music program continues to thrive and expand. We joyfully celebrated Andy

Clarkson’s 10th anniversary as music director and organist in December.

Our Sunday School and youth programming has been blessed with new teachers and families.

The creative energy is palpable.

“Going deeper” continues to be a theme for adult education, community building and faith in

action. This year we deepened our anti-racism work. We also took on a study of Christian anti-

Semitism that led to significant changes to our Holy Week liturgies.

We continued our strong dedication to funding and carrying out mission work outside the parish.

MOP (ministry outside the parish) distributed close to $40,000 to a range of organizations and

service projects. A strong team of volunteers served the B-Safe program for a week in July.

Mission Sundays provided opportunities to engage in service across generations –including

clothing and toy drives, and well-loved care packages sent to those in military service, college

students and others.

There were so many ways that we came together and enjoyed each other as a community. Fund

raising efforts like the Amazing Yard Sale and the Taste of St. Paul’s generated valuable income,

but also brought us together. Indeed Taste of St. Paul’s spun off many fun dinners that have

continued throughout the year. Our annual retreat at the Barbara C. Harris Conference Center

was again a highlight of the year. Dozens of outings—lunch bunch gatherings, field trips to

museums, even roller coasters at Canobie Lake—offered something for everyone.

In fact, it’s just not possible to sum up a year at St. Paul’s – especially 2016. We encourage you to join

in and engage in the life of this community in whatever way suits you and meets your needs. Talk to

members of the clergy, vestry and the wardens to share your ideas, questions, and concerns. By

connecting with one another we will all continue to learn and grow in faith.

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We want to offer great thanks to everyone who contributed in countless ways to the life of St. Paul’s this

year. We have all received so much warmth, joy and blessing.

Respectfully submitted by Chris Dulla and Leah Rugen

Diocesan Convention

The 2016 Diocesan Convention was a two-day event on November 4 and 5 at the Holiday Inn in

Mansfield.

St Paul’s delegation was made up of Our Clergy, Jeff, Michael and Megan; Delegate John Ferguson;

Alternate Delegate Jeannie Baca; Postulant Amanda March; Life Together Fellow Eliza Marth, and

finally our Director of Youth Ministries Hazel Johnson. Most of the delegation stayed overnight.

The Theme of this year’s convention was Embracing Brave Change.

On Friday afternoon we all participated in a legislative session that included approving various reports,

recognizing several individuals for their service and passing resolutions and amendments. Two of the

most interesting resolutions were a Resolution calling for Civility in Political Conversation and calling

for Reconciliation following the divisive rhetoric of the recent presidential election. Additionally, there

was an amendment to the Diocesan Constitution to clarify the current role and structure of the Diocesan

youth Council. We ended with Evening prayer and a Social followed by dinner.

Saturday was made up of a wonderful Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Gayle Harris and a sermon from

Bishop Alan Gates. The bulk of the afternoon was made up of a discussion about the Dioceses Mission

strategy. It was a very interactive conversation with participants being encouraged to move to other area

and talk with individuals they didn’t know from other parishes. The Core tenants of the new strategy

are, Reimagining our Congregations, Building our Relationships and Engaging our World. There was

noonday prayer followed an afternoon lunch. Upon completion of lunch there were votes to approve the

2017 budget, Diocesan Assessments, and finally the Diocesan Mission Strategy as presented.

The day concluded with the introduction of New and retired clergy, Life together fellows, Deacons,

Diocesan Youth Council, Postulants and Candidates.

Respectfully submitted by Jeannie Baca and John Ferguson

Postulant’s Report

This year of my formation period has been a wonderful one for me. As for my whereabouts, I am

serving this year as pastoral intern at Church of Our Saviour in Arlington, a warm and very community-

focused congregation. In my role there I am enjoying liturgical duties, participating in their amazing

monthly Toddler Service, Upper Room activities for youth, and serving on various committees. I am

looking forward to offering several sermons in the coming months and an adult ed series. A primary

focus for me this year has been preparation for my General Ordination Exams and the next steps towards

becoming a candidate for the priesthood. As I write this, the exams are behind me – they were made

easier by the prayers and expressions of support I received from many of you and Jeff’s never failing

support. Thank you.

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The formation period for each postulant/candidate includes a variety of requirements including training,

education, spiritual development, and participation in internships. This year I am also doing field

education at South Bay Correctional Institute as coordinator of the Art & Spirituality program for their

female inmates. This is a meaningful experience. I am thankful to the Ministry Outside the Parish

(M.O.P.) program for supporting this prison ministry with a grant that is enabling me to purchase art

supplies used there each Monday evening.

I continue my work as Parish Operations Manager at Emmanuel Church in the Back Bay. This is where

a great deal of my learning happens, as more than 1,500 people are served there in some way each week.

This is pastoral care in a rich variety of contexts.

Again, let me thank you for your prayer support. And, I hope that I will have the opportunity to see you

soon.

Respectfully submitted, with love and thanksgiving, by Amanda March

WORSHIP

Acolytes Ministry

St. Paul’s Acolytes serve the congregation as torchbearers, crucifers, and servers during our worship

together. We continue to be blessed by having a core group of youth and adults who ably perform these

duties. With the help of our verger, Kendall Gray, we have trained several new acolytes this year, and

have trained several continuing acolytes to serve in new roles. Currently, 25 youth and several adults

serve as acolytes, and we welcome new acolytes. Anyone in grade 2 and older is invited to serve as

torchbearer; anyone in grade 6 and older is invited to serve as crucifer; and anyone in high school or

older is invited to serve as servers. While adults have recently served most often as crucifer at evening

services and special services, we are hoping to expand the service of adult acolytes in the coming

months.

All are welcomed and encouraged to join the acolyte ministry.

Respectfully submitted by Hazel M. Johnson, Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries

Altar Guild Ministry

The Altar Guild has completed an entire year of operating out of the Chapel sacristy. The Altar Guild

prepares the worship space in the Chapel for the 8 am service and the Sanctuary for the 10 am

service. This past summer the 8 am service met in the garden, weather permitting. Thanks to Ann

Colageo and Maryann Kurkjian who cover the 8 am service; and Adelaide Xie, Bev Estes-Smargassi,

John Ferguson, Elizabeth Choi, Mary Beth Elder, Mike Scheffler, Sharlene Wing and Viva Fisher who

cover the 10 am service. It is with sadness that I have informed the Altar Guild that due to personal

circumstances, 2016 will be the final year of my leadership of the Altar Guild. It has been a privilege to

serve the church in this ministry and to work with this wonderful group of individuals who are dedicated

to this ministry.

Faithfully submitted by Lydia Snover

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Chalice Bearers Ministry

Chalice Bearers, also called Eucharistic Ministers, deeply value the opportunity to offer the Communion Cup of

Salvation to our fellow community members around our altar’s circle. In 2016, six additional parishioners

received Chalice Bearer training and have joined the team which now consists of 28 dedicated members. While in

the past this role has been reserved solely for adults, the year 2016 saw the inclusion of our first person of high

school age. We are inspired by this young individual’s full participation and hope that others in that age group

will consider becoming Chalice Bearers. Procedurally, the Chalice Bearer is trained within the parish and,

subsequently, his or her name is submitted to the Diocese for registration and licensure. Anyone wishing to learn

more about this ministry is encouraged to speak to any clergy member or the Chalice Bearer Coordinator.

Respectfully submitted by Maryann J. Kurkjian, Chalice Bearers Coordinator

Flower Fund Ministry

The Mission Statement for the Flower Fund is as follows:

To provide parishioners with opportunities to remember departed family members and loved

ones, as well as acknowledging special occasions (birthday, anniversaries, graduations, etc.) with

altar flowers.

Working with the Altar Guild to enhance the beauty of our altar.

To provide funds for the altar flowers throughout the year.

The Flower Fund continues to flourish through the generosity of its many contributors and the support

and interest by our Rector and Altar Guild. Our beautiful floral arrangements continue to be supplied by

Albert’s of Brookline.

I would like to thank all those who have contributed during the year and also to the many who have

contributed to our Easter and Christmas flowers for enabling us to have a beautiful supply of flowers in

our sanctuary on these occasions for a more inviting place of worship.

Respectfully submitted by Maureen Carter

Healing Prayer Ministry

In February of 2016 the Healing Prayer Ministry (HPM) was transferred from the able leadership of Jean

Moses to the new ministry Coordinator E. Lorraine Baugh. In the traditional spirit of St. Paul’s, the

membership of the Ministry stayed intact. As is true for any transition the new coordinator began her

tenure by assessing the status of the Ministry to identify existing strengths and opportunities to further

strengthen the Ministry.

During the year, in addition to being available every Sunday to provide healing prayer during

communion, the Ministry focused on meeting the following goals and objectives:

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Goal 1- Launch a campaign to raise everyone’s awareness, knowledge and understanding of the Healing

Prayer Ministry

Objective # 1 Develop and print a brochure describing the Healing Prayer Ministry

Objective # 2 Distribute brochure to the Congregation by placing it on the information tables

throughout the church.

Goal 2- Reach out to the Congregation and invite parishioners to join the Healing Prayer Ministry.

Objective # 1 Make announcements about HPM at (3) three consecutive Sunday services.

Objective # 2 Offer information/training sessions to all interested individuals

Goal 3- Develop written procedures for HPM

Objective # 1 Ensure consistency of procedures utilized by healing prayer ministers

Objective # 2 Review the laying on of the hands processes.

We feel that we have met the goals and objectives identified and are pleased to share with you the

outcomes of our efforts.

Outcomes:

1. Revised procedures for Healing Prayer Ministry were adopted and implemented.

2. A brochure was produced and placed on the information tables in the church beginning in

October.

3. Announcements made at two consecutive Sunday services extending an invitation to

interested persons encouraging them to consider joining the Healing Prayer Ministry.

4. A general information session on the Healing Prayer Ministry was held in November 2016.

5. Three (3) new members joined the Healing Prayer Ministry Team.

6. Training session held for (3) three new members.

7. Service reminders are routinely sent to HPM 10 days before their date of service.

8. Revised healing prayer to be introduced at the March 2, 2017 service.

9. The brochure, procedures and an example of words used during the laying on of the hands at

the service may be found on REALM (onrealm.org/stpaulsec)

Respectfully submitted by Healing Prayer Ministry, E. Lorraine Baugh, Coordinator

Members: Holly Bishop, Elisabeth Choi, Martha Curtis, Beverley Estes-Smargiassi, John Ferguson

Staci Hopkin, Julie House, Angie Jepson, Eliza Marth, Stephen Morrissey, Betsy Munzer, Linda

Sanches, Julie Starr, and Sharlene Wing

Respectfully submitted by E. Lorraine Baugh

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Lectors Ministry

The mission of St. Paul’s Lectors Ministry is to provide readers for the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday

mornings. Mostly three members of the committee are scheduled: one to read from the Old Testament,

another to read from the New Testament, and the third to read the Prayers of the People. At certain

services in the year such as Christmas, Ash Wednesday and others, fewer or more readers are scheduled

according to the service needs.

Usually the schedule for the lectors is performed for about 3-4 months in advance by the Lector

Coordinator, depending on the seasons. After the schedule is made, members are either individually

responsible for finding a replacement or to inform the Lector Coordinator, should they no longer be able

to read on their scheduled day.

Since this year, the Lectors Ministry has clergy support by Michael, our Priest Associate who will help

us in theological questions and lector teaching and training. Currently 60 lectors are in the team which is

a wonderful amount of serving people dedicating to the Sunday services. However, the lectors team is

always excited to welcome and train new members in this meaningful act of service for our community.

Respectfully submitted by Mike Scheffler

Music Ministry

This past year was a year of continued development for the music program at St. Paul’s Brookline.

Overall, the music program took some great steps in 2016:

Joyful Voice — our all-volunteer, intergenerational chorus — offered its first in-house Godspell

Mass on the Sunday after Easter, transforming a normally “low” Sunday into a rocking, howling,

ringing, “yowza” Sunday;

In addition to singing a wide variety of anthems throughout the year, the St. Paul’s Choir sang

Duruflé's Requiem for the second time during the “Lenten Invitation” service, and then capped

off by offering its wonderful “Candlelight Carols” service on the Sunday before Christmas;

Laura and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary of being at St. Paul’s, and a good number of all of

you saw to it that this passage would be marked and honored at our annual “Messiah Sing” in a

way that I could never have imagined and will never forget.

As always, we all owe great thanks to a variety of members of our parish community who in one way or

another nourish the love of music in our own lives, but particularly in the lives of our children. With our

kids in mind, it must be noted that Julie Starr simply “rocks”. (That’s a technical music term that is

translated in this way: “She’s awesome”.) Julie brings her love of music to our children and shares it

with great abundance. With much appreciation, we all give great thanks to Julie for her many gifts.

As for the instruments at St. Paul’s, the sanctuary and choir-room pianos continue to see lots of

use. They function adequately, though they both are in need of some maintenance work on an ongoing

basis. Regarding the organ, there is a significant need for timely maintenance work as the vestry is well

aware. With this in mind, an organ fund was established in December to help raise money for this work

— the fund is named after some joker, but don’t let that put you off….

Respectfully submitted by Andrew E. Clarkson, Director of Music

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Ushers Ministry

As it says on St. Paul’s website; “Ushers welcome people to the 8:00 and 10:00 services, distribute

service leaflets, collect and present the offering, and guide the congregation during Holy Communion.”

2016 saw continued improvement in the Usher Ministry. Thanks to a very generous and positive

response to our recruitment efforts we continue to have a solid core of approximately 8 to 10

experienced ushers as well as the welcome assistance of Parishioners who volunteer on short notice for

services and special events.

For 2017, we are continuing to work with Brookline Public Safety to prepare “emergency preparedness

plans” for both the Church and tenants of the Church. We scheduled and held a CPR course in June of

2016. Six members of our Parish received certification. We thank the Parishioners and staff that

participated and assisted. (We now have four regular ushers that are either EMT’s or CPR certified.)

Due to scheduling conflicts, some members of the congregation and staff that wished to participate were

unable to. We will therefore schedule another class for the spring of 2017. Any member of the Parish is

welcome; however, priority will be given to Staff, Clergy and St. Paul’s child care providers.

Many thanks again to the Ushers, and those that cheerfully step in to usher and assist the Ushers.

We also thank Jeannie Baca who ushers, and is the Vestry liaison for the ushers.

We ask members of the Parish, new or old to consider stepping forward to join the Usher ministry and

assist in any small way that they may feel comfortable with.

Respectfully submitted by Samuel Scott, Usher-Coordinator

PASTORAL CARE

Eucharistic Visitors Ministry

A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person trained by the Diocese to bring Holy Communion to those parishioners who,

while not able to be physically present on Sundays, remain very much within the care and concern of our parish

family. St. Paul’s currently has four active Eucharistic Visitors. We coordinate with our clergy to extend and

complement their regular pastoral visits. Each Sunday, the congregation witnesses the Communion kit containing

consecrated Bread and Wine being sent from our altar to be carried into the wider community. The Eucharistic

Visitors might serve parish members at various locations including hospice, hospitals, assisted living residences,

skilled rehabilitation centers and at home. Typically, during these visits, we lead a participatory Communion

service utilizing a service booklet designed for this purpose and we share the latest news of the parish.

The Eucharistic Visitors team would like to express appreciation to the Altar Guild for assistance in maintaining

our Communion kits. Anyone interested in arranging a visit or in learning more about participating in this

ministry is encouraged to contact a member of our clergy, the parish office or the EV Coordinator.

Respectfully submitted by Maryann J. Kurkjian, Eucharistic Visitor Coordinator.

Pastoral Care Team Ministry

The clergy of the parish, Jeff, Michael and Megan are the primary contacts for pastoral care at St. Paul’s.

However, every parishioner can and does offer care and compassion to others, which is the function of

the Pastoral Care Team.

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Highlights of the ministries provided by the pastoral care team are:

Linda Hastie sends out birthday cards to those who have birthdays on record.

The team coordinates volunteers who send Easter and Christmas cards to those who can’t easily

get to church.

Melissa Dulla sends out bereavement cards. We have been making an effort to recognize the

loss of a loved one by St. Paul’s parishioners.

Julie House coordinates visits and the provision of cooked dinners for St. Paul’s families with

newborns.

Ann Colageo makes regular visits to a parishioner residing in a skilled rehab facility.

The whole team – and others in the parish – work to provide food and companionship for those

members of the parish who are home-bound due to illness or who have had recent losses.

Calling, visiting and assisting fellow parishioners in any other way that meets their needs. This

assistance can run the gamut from fixing a light bulb to accompanying a parishioner to a doctor’s

appointment.

Maryann Kurkjian coordinates the team of Lay Eucharistic Visitors, who bring Holy

Communion to parishioners who are unable to attend church.

The clergy meet monthly with Maryann to coordinate pastoral care for the parish.

Respectfully submitted by The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Appeal

The 2016 Stewardship Campaign began a month earlier this year to make space for the Capital

Campaign that began in November. Our stewardship theme was “Answering God’s Call, Sharing our

Gifts,” which we saw reflected in Paul’s brief command to the Thessalonians—“Encourage one another

and build up each other.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Testimonials by John Andrews, Ayanna McPhail,

Jackson Braider and Margaret Blood inspired with their stories of being drawn deeper into a reciprocal

relationship with the St. Paul’s community.

To date we have received 116 pledges for a total of $258,000, and we are optimistic that an additional

14 pledges will come in. We received 19 new pledges, and our overall trajectory in stewardship is still

very much one of growth. There are some interesting differences between last year and this which will

be fodder for an upcoming debrief by the stewardship committee. The table below illustrates trends in

stewardship over the last three campaigns.

3-year Trends in Stewardship

2015 2016 2017 (as of 1/16/17)

Total #pledges 116 117 116*

New 33 16 19

Lost/Moved 5 14 4

Increased 47 60 46

Decreased 6 11 19

Stayed the Same 30 30 28

Average increase 11% 25% 8%

Total $ pledged $237,803 $265,398.00 $258,000 *about 14 expected pledges still outstanding, if they all come in flat, we’ll be at $275,000

Respectfully submitted by Stephen Morrissey and Leah Rugen for the Stewardship Committee

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Yard Sale

St. Paul’s hosted our annual Fall yard sale the Saturday after Labor Day. As always, amazing amounts

of donations and attic treasures were sorted by volunteers, and what looked like a national disaster area

mid-week morphed into well-organized tables of salable goods by Saturday morning. Clothes beyond

measure, white elephants (the best stuff), kitchen goods, linens, toys, books and, of course, truckloads of

furniture appeared over the course of the week and then disappeared the day of the sale, turning into

financial support for St Paul’s mission. Fun was had by all, and many found that they had a knack for

bargaining they never knew about. The real treasure of the event was the chance to get to know fellow

parishioners better, and to meet so many of our neighbors.

Thanks to everyone who helped out. Plan ahead for next year – there are only 223 days from the annual

meeting until the yard sale!

Respectfully submitted by Steve Estes-Smargiassi

FAITH IN ACTION

Be an Angel

This Christmas season, St. Paul’s partnered with the Brookline Community Mental Health Center for

our “Be an Angel” program. The Brookline Community Mental Health Center heals lives and builds

community. For 50 years, the Center’s safety net of services has caught individuals before their personal

crises became community-wide problems. As the largest human service agency in Brookline, the Center

provides over 38,000 visits per year.

Each year, parishioners are matched with a child and his or her wish list for Christmas. St. Paul’s

supported 55 children this year. 75 families donated and shopped for the project. St. Paul’s Youth Group

sold chili and shopped for the children. Thank you to everyone who donated and shopped to benefit

children and their families during the Christmas season.

Respectfully submitted by Paul Daigneault

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Brookline Emergency Food Pantry

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 ___2016

Visits by our clients 3,350 4,400 4,900 5,207 6,231 7,720 8894

Percentage increase 26% 32% 12% 5% 20% 24% 21%

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015_ _2016

Money spent on Food 77,000 90,400 113,600 106,700 133,275 172,920 188,286

Percentage increase 91% 17% 26% (6%) 25% 29% 9%

2012 2013 2014__ 2015 __ __2016

Monetary Donation $120,000 $141,860 $144,748 $293,692 $219,814

Our Purpose – Feeding Neighbors in Need

The Pantry is a community-wide effort to address a community-wide problem. Our mission is to

ensure no one in Brookline goes to bed hungry. The pantry provides free food to Brookline, low-

income families and individuals. Our clients are a cross section of the population in Brookline:

children to seniors, one person to eight person households, multicultural groups such as African

Americans, Haitians, and Caucasians including a large percentage of Russians and Asians. About

20% are seniors. We service over 850 families and individuals. Our clients are allowed to food

shop every two weeks.

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Accomplishments for 2016

Purchased a new database system to track our clients. Issued identification cards to all of our

clients and brought new system on line in January 2016.

Redesigned our shopping flow - allowing an emphasis on healthy choices and a focus on

produce.

Worked with the Church to switch the waiting room to the Great Hall.

Hired a part time Assistant ED in January 2016

Obtained insurance Workmen’s Comp insurance and hired Paychex

Brought on a 4th member of the Board, Bryan Olson as Treasurer

Participated in a Town wide fundraiser, Dancing with the Stars. Rev Mello danced on our behalf

and was a success.

Completed a marketing brochure

Working with a consultant to create a Strategic Business Plan (short term and long term)

Detailed Highlights

BFP continued to focus on growing our two sites, and becoming a dependable, stable, and consistent

source of nitrous food. Our focus is to ensure all low-income households feel welcome to use the

pantry.

The year started on a very difficult but positive note. As of 1/1/16 we transferred all of our client data to

client tracking and reporting system. The project took 4 months to complete. At the same time, Rina

Kaul was hired as an Assistant ED. Rina worked hard on many projects including the daily pantry

operations and redesigning the pantry shopping flow. Her other main focus was on scheduling all of the

110 volunteers. Unfortunately after 10 months the job became too time consuming and she chose to the

leave BFP in November.

BFP grew the Board by adding one new member, Treasurer, Bryan Olson. In the fall, we completed a

beautiful marketing piece to be used in our new marketing campaign that will start in 2017. The focus

of 2017 is creating a stable strategic foundation for the organization.

Goals for 2016

Work with Consultant on to complete 2 year and 4 year, Strategic Plan.

Find, Hire and Develop a new Executive Director and an exit strategy for current ED (18 month

time frame)

Develop an aggressive fund raising campaign to build some excess monetary support for new ED

salary

Work with Consultant on developing a more stable Board of Directors

Build a list of 10 to 15 large individual and corporate donors to create a more stable financial

base

Apply for several grants to assist with our financial stability

Respectfully submitted by Rene Feuerman, Executive Director & President, Brookline Food Pantry

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B-SAFE/B-READY

One of the most joyful ministries at St. Paul’s is our involvement in the Diocesan B-SAFE and B-

READY Programs. The programs are spearheaded by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and serve

Boston's inner city children and youth. B-SAFE is a summer day camp, and B-READY is an

afterschool program. Together they engage over 50 Episcopal “partner” churches and serve about 800

children in grades K-12.

This year, 20 parishioners worked together to provide 300 lunches, 300 snacks, and a field trip for the

first week of camp at St. Augustine and St. Martin in Roxbury. The field trip to Green Meadows Farm

was a real highlight. Children and youth from B-SAFE explored the farm, played with a variety of

animals, and prepared an herbal tea for lunch.

B-SAFE complements B-READY, a year-round after-school enrichment program for students that

includes leadership training and college and career mentoring for teens. During the academic year, one

of St. Paul’s Mission Sundays was devoted to gathering school supplies for B-READY. By coordinating

closely with B-READY leaders at St. Augustine and St. Martin, we were able to ensure that the school

supplies we collected were the ones most needed by students in the program.

Respectfully submitted by Adelaide Xie

Episcopal City Mission

"Episcopal City Mission (ECM) is a faith based ministry which promotes social and economic justice

working through partnerships with congregations, community based organizations and people within the

the Diocese of Massachusetts with special emphasis on the urban poor and oppressed." (ECM's mission

statement). All parishes elect two delegates to represent their church at ECM events. Rev. Arrington Chambliss came on board as Executive Director in the Spring of 2016. There was a

wonderful and enthusiastic gathering at the Cathedral in the summer of 2016 to welcome Arrington,

with a Eucharistic service (sermon given by Dr. Mariama White Hammond), plus poster presentations

by many of the organizations that ECM supports. Several members of St Paul's attended that evening,

including Jeff Mello and your two ECM representatives.

ECM is currently doing a strategic planning assessment to help determine future areas of appropriate

development for the agency. As part of that Bev and Kate attended a Saturday morning event in October

that encouraged our input on the future of ECM.

On the financial side, ECM, in December, awarded $345,000 to 19 local small non-profit organizations

as part of their annual grant making role. In St Paul's, our Ministry Outside the Parish gave a grant to

ECM of $2,000.

Lastly, our fellow, Eliza Marth, went with an ECM organized trip to bear witness to the Standing Rock

Native American tribal leaders' protest against the proposed pipe line going through sacred ground.

ECM is enjoying a renewed enthusiastic presence within our Episcopal community- we are glad to

participate in it.

Respectfully submitted by Bev Estes-Smargiassi and Kate Kelley, Delegates

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“Change-ing Hunger” Basket

It has been a long tradition of St. Paul's to gather loose change during the season of Lent. This year, we

changed the name from the “Goat Basket” to the “Change-ing Hunger” Basket. The proceeds from this

year’s basket were sent to Mil Milagros in Guatemala. A lunch provided by Mil Milagros costs

$.54. We were hoping to raise $540 to provide 1,000 meals. We ended up collecting $628.95, or 1,164

meals! Many thanks to everyone, children and adults alike, who responded so generously to this year’s

Lenten alms-giving discipline.

Respectfully submitted by The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello

Ministry Outside the Parish

GRANTS MADE IN 2016

Church Related Outreach

Episcopal City Mission $2,000

This organization awards grants to civic organizations focusing on

social justice issues.

Mission Sunday – St. Paul’s $1,000

Contribution to cover parish Mission Sunday activities.

Garden Church - San Pedro, CA $2,000

This is a church that has been established to feed and minister to the

homeless and hungry in San Pedro.

St. Peter’s Church, Uganda $1,000

This grant was awarded to help this church refurbish their sanctuary.

Community Service, Poverty and Social Justice

Equality Florida – Pulse Nightclub Shooting Victims Fund $2,000

To provide support to the victims of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub.

Art & Spirituality $1,000

Assists women prisoners in making greeting cards for children & family.

Education and Youth

My Life My Choice $2,000

Provides structured summer jobs and leadership development initiatives

for young victims of human trafficking in Greater Boston.

Brookline Teen Centre $2,000

Funds to build a music-recording studio for teens.

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American Indian College Fund $2,500

Supports higher education initiatives in native tribal areas.

B Safe – Bishop’s Summer Academic and Fun Enrichment Program $1,700

Directed towards hosting an educational visit to a farm for the

program’s students.

Steps to Success $1,500

Provides summer internships & mentoring to students living in

BHA apartments.

New Leaders Council $ 500

To help train and coach a new class of young political entrepreneurs around

Boston

Overseas Programs

Tentmakers Hill Academy $2,000

To build two additional classrooms in a school outside Kampala, Uganda.

Partners In Health, - Haiti Hurricane Relief Efforts $ 2,000

Support given towards the Haiti Hurricane Relief Efforts.

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem - AFEDJ $3,600

Supports health, educational and other development

services in mainly the occupied territories of Gaza & West

Bank, and other regions of the Middle East.

Mil Milagros $2,000

Works to ensure that children in Guatemala complete 6th grade healthy,

literate and prepared to continue their education.

Red Winds Councils $2,000

Drives sustainable development projects among the Maya in Chiapas.

Pueblo Nuevo Dental Clinic - Project Stretch $1,000

Provides supplies for dental care for children in Honduras.

South Africa Partners $2,000

To help provide training for early childhood educators in the rural

Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Lola Children’s Fund $1,000

To provide educational, medical and housing services for HIV-affected

orphans and local children in Mekelle, Ethiopia.

Foundation Niños co Valor $2,000

Runs three homes for orphans and homeless children in Bolivia.

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Nu Day Syria $2,500

Provides basic material support to mothers and children who are

victims of the Syrian war.

TOTAL $39,300

Respectfully submitted by Matshai Motimele and Georgia Smith.

Mission Sunday

Mission Sunday events continue to be a place where people of all ages come together to address a need

in the local community. In 2016, we held 9 Mission Sundays:

A clothing and toy drive, donating items to Room to Grow and St Francis House.

A Martin Luther King, Jr. activity and discussion.

Attending Common Cathedral and making lunches for all members.

Planting flowers in the front of the St Paul's property.

Walking/Running in Project Bread's Walk for Hunger.

Collecting pencil cases and school supplies for the children of B-Ready.

Mailing care packages to church members far from home.

Making apple pies for the deanery.

Making cards for the Be an Angel Project.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Dulla

BUILDINGS/FACILITIES

Buildings and Grounds

The maintenance of the physical St. Paul’s church is a community effort. The B and G committee

identifies and prioritizes major projects, some to be done with contractors, but many done by

parishioners. Twice a year, in Spring and Fall, a hardy group of volunteers undertakes a full day’s effort

to spruce up the grounds, and make small repairs and improvements. Others are part of little noticed

teams who prepare the Sanctuary for the numerous events which happen each week, or simply do what

needs to be done before it is noticed. Our thanks also goes out to our tireless sexton, James Santagati,

who makes keeping the buildings and grounds tidy and in good repair look easy.

This year, the B and G committee has worked with members of the Capital Appeal team to look at

longer term energy improvements, and ways to make our spaces more usable and comfortable.

Respectfully submitted by Steve Estes-Smargiassi

Columbarium

The Columbarium at St. Paul’s is located in the Chapel, and serves as a sacred final resting place when

cremation is desired. Niches can be purchased in advance, or when needed for a loved one. This year,

there were no interments or niches reserved. For more information about the columbarium, please speak

to a member of the clergy.

Respectfully submitted by The Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello

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Facilities Use

Parish House Room Usage by Parishioners The Chapel is used every Sunday morning for a church service of Holy Eucharist with Reflection at 8 am.

The Sanctuary is used every Sunday morning for a church service of Holy Eucharist with Choir and Sermon

at 10 am. There is occasional use of the Sanctuary by a number of organists and pianists during the week for

practice, with the permission of our Music Director, Andy Clarkson. The Lower Level classrooms are used

every Sunday to house our Sunday School and Nursery/Childcare programs. The Lichtenberger Room is

used for parish committee meetings and other parish-related functions. The Great Hall is used every Sunday

morning for various parish-related events such as Mission Sunday activities, educational presentations,

coffee-hour after Sunday services, and other all-parish functions throughout the year. Parishioners frequently

use our Kitchen to prepare food for parish-related functions as well as preparation of food to service others in

need outside of our parish.

Regular Renters The following groups pay for the use of the space either as a free-will donation, on contract, or on a usage-

based fee:

Clinton Path Preschool utilized Lower Level classrooms Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm.

An After-School French program utilized a Lower Level classroom two afternoons a week.

A choral group met in the Choir Room one evening weekly.

Brookline Havurah Minyan utilized the Great Hall, Lichtenberger, and Middle Rooms during their

high holiday seasons of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Six 12-Step Groups hold meetings at St. Paul’s weekly during morning and evening hours, housed in

the Great Hall and Lichtenberger Room. A Bereavement Group met bi-weekly in the Lichtenberger

Room.

We open our doors each year to the Lawrence School for their yearly all-student evacuation drill, when

students were briefly housed in the Sanctuary and Great Hall.

Concerts and Events Our Sanctuary is well known for its wonderful acoustic sound quality. This past year, our Sanctuary was

home to 35 musical events and 17 musical rehearsals. The Great Hall and Lichtenberger Room were rented

for community meetings, parties, and educational presentations. All of these renters paid fees for the use of

St. Paul’s space and for staff time, based on our fee structure for building use.

Brookline Food Pantry The Brookline Food Pantry, open 4 days per week, utilized the Middle Room for storage and as a shopping

area for clients, as well as the Great Hall for a client waiting area. The Brookline Food Pantry’s service to

others in need is a part of the mission of St. Paul’s; there is no charge to them for utilizing our space.

All requests for parish house room usage are coordinated by Jill Seiler-Moon, our Parish Administrator, in

conjunction with James Santagati, our Sexton. Jill and James oversee the logistics for all building use

requests, both parish and non-parish related.

Apartment at 54 Perry Street The apartment remained rented for the entire year.

Parking at 54 Perry Street All 4 parking spaces were fully rented during 2016.

Respectfully submitted by Jill Seiler-Moon, Parish Administrator

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Gardens

The garden areas that border the church are maintained by a very loosely grouped but committed bunch

of parishioners who, basically, like to play in the dirt and make things grow. Anyone’s abilities and

schedules can be accommodated. Sometimes, parishioners take a section of the gardens to work on for

the season. For example, Alan takes the space to the right of the red St. Paul’s Street door and Julie

prunes the roses that border the front of the St. Paul’s lawn. We have some designated spaces if you

would like to try your hand at a specific area. Some parishioners just come and weed on a whim. And

James does yeoman duty work keeping everything going (watering, mowing, cleaning, caring, etc). The

gardens are also lovingly cared for by folks who help out during the Spring and Fall clean up days with

raking and edging and weeding and cutting back and planting.

The community garden this year (located along the Aspinwall side of the property) continued to be a

place of growth and joy and abundance. We have grown flowers and herbs and vegetables, Thanks to

John, Angie, Glenn, Adelaide, Walter and Julie for continuing these community gardens. We welcome

new gardeners at any time.

Best story of this year goes to the Middle school group (children, parents and teachers) who used Earth

Day to kick start the gardens. They cleared a couple of the community garden plots, planted beans, dug

up a corner by the Aspinwall entrance, pulling out roots that needed to be measured in yards, rather than

inches. Finally, they took on the plot under the St. Paul’s sign with the help of David, who tended it all

summer long.

Respectfully submitted by Julie Starr

Historian’s Report

Because St. Paul’s is at the beginning of a capital campaign with the theme “Preparing a Place for

All” I thought it might be interesting to see what has been done since the beginning of the church

to prepare a place for all.

Historic Significance and Current Structures

Three other protestant churches preceded St. Paul’s, but St. Paul’s was the first Episcopal Church in

town. On March 8, 1848, a little over 169 years ago, two men met in the Boston law office of William

Aspinwall; Augustus Aspinwall, William’s uncle, would give land, Harrison Fay would give $2,000,

and William would raise subscriptions and inquire if the time was right to organize an Episcopal

congregation and build a church. Many socially prominent leaders in business, “with high integrity, and

a rare sense of stewardship in the use of their wealth came together to move this idea forward” By June,

so many had come forward that services were held in the town hall. A piano was part of the service and

Rev. Thomas Clark, later Bishop of Rhode Island, officiated during July.

In October, at a meeting in the Town Hall the name St. Paul’s Church Brookline was adopted. Augustus

Aspinwall and Harrison Fay were selected as Wardens and five other men were chosen as vestry, and

Rev. William Horton was selected at Rector. Services were held in Town Hall: the Lord’s Supper was

administered once a month and on each major festival; treasurer’s report shows $1,022; two more

vestrymen were chosen; the first annual meeting was held; and a provision for the sale of pews was

made, each pew entitling the owner one vote during annual meeting.

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In May 1850 is was decided to accept the offer of Mr. Aspinwall’s farm lot worth $1,500, now under

lease to David Perry. Now that the land was secured, Mr. Fay and Mr. Aspinwall obtained from Richard

Upjohn, architect of Trinity Church in New York City, plans for a Gothic church of the same style.

Roxbury pudding stone was chosen for the exterior walls and black walnut for the interior woodwork.

The cornerstone (which we have never been able to find) was laid July 29, 1851. To build the body of

the church $12,000 had been subscribed; this included $5,000 from Mr. Fay and $2,000 from Mr.

Aspinwall. The cost of the tower was $13,000 paid equally by Fay and Aspinwall. Timothy Corey Leeds

had given the bell, cast in London, at a cost of $1,000. The church was completed and paid for by

December 17.

Bishop Eastburn consecrated St. Paul’s Church in Brookline in December 1852.

In 1858, the women of the parish raised $5,000 to build a chapel. Augustus Aspinwall again gave the

land and Richard Upjohn designed the chapel.

More room was needed for a Sunday school and by October 1880 $2,800 was contributed and the

Chapel was lengthened and a porch added.

In 1883 $5,180 was available to complete the interior of the church according to the plans of Richard M.

Upjohn, son of the original architect. Because these numerous decorative changes were subsequently

altered and then burned in the fire of 1976, I have not enumerated them here.

In December 1892, Mr. Fay and the Rector submitted plans for a building and cloister to house a boy’s

choir. A few months later in March the Rector wanted to raise funds for a Parish House. A bequest of

August Aspinwall was added to other fund raising efforts and plans from A. J. Schweinfurth were

accepted. Ground was broken in July 1895. The building was dedicated in February 1896 at a cost of

$16,624.50. The building, which stands today, consists of a hall on one side of which is a room with a

fireplace and large bay window built for the ladies’ Guild (the Lichtenberger Room), on the other side

the Rector’s study with fireplace and retiring room, the boy’s lavatory, and the choir room. The design is

simple and in harmony with the church to which it is joined by a little cloister-like connection with

simple stone tracery. At this same time a small porch was added to the Chapel and extensive changes

were made in the church.

In 1900 the Vestry voted to light the church with electricity in place of gas and to lay new floors in the

Chancel and Nave.

In December 1911 $750 was used to buy a strip of land ten feet wide on the north side of the Chapel to

prevent an apartment house from being built within a few feet of the church.

In the fall of 1912 a wooden building was erected at the rear of the Chapel to be used for a kitchen and a

women’s toilet.

In 1913 the Vestry voted to replace gas in the Parish House and Rectory with electricity.

In 1925 it was reported to the Bishop that St. Paul’s has 611 communicants and was one of the largest

parishes outside Boston.

To accommodate the increasing size and activities of the church changes were made to the Parish House

and Chapel. In the basement of the Parish House concrete floors and partitions were made to provide

more rooms. On the first floor the partition between choir room and infant classroom was removed and a

large opening made into the Chapel (now Parish hall), which provided a stage. Part of the former choir

room was divided off for the Sacristy and the lavatory was removed from the kitchen.

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In 1936 large wooden doors, dedicated to the memory of Rev. Clark, were installed to connect the Nave

with the Parish House by way of the cloister-like connection.

In 1946 an honor roll was erected at the rear of the church. Six walnut panels bore the names of 163 men

and women of St. Paul’s who served in the war1

In January 1976 a devastating fire burned the entire nave, aisles, chancel and robing room. The exterior

walls were the only part of the building still standing. Donham and Sweeney Architects eventually

rebuilt the church, with a modern interior and solar panels on the south facing roof. Except for these

panels and the destroyed stained glass windows, the exterior of the church remains the same as when it

was built.

August 23, 1979 construction begins on the new St. Paul’s Church.

September 15, 1980 construction completed at a cost of $457,966. Dedication of the re-built church took

place January 13, 1981.

The area at the base of the tower was basically unused space. Its primary function was access to the bell

ropes because the bells used to be rung a few minutes before services started. But like all unused spaces

in a church it accumulated junk. A few years after the church was rebuilt the room at the base of the

tower was made into the Sacristy.

In 1982 the tower was repointed and the cross at the very top was repaired.

In 1986 St. Paul’s Church and Rectory were put on the National Register of Historic Places as well as

the Massachusetts State Register of Historical Places.

In 2004 the kitchen had a much-needed remodel.

In 2004-5 the Lichtenberger Room was completely redone. The only item not replaced, and around

which the room was designed, was the lovely large Oriental rug that was given to the church many years

ago. We refinished floors, installed new lighting, painted the walls, and bought all new furniture, and

even managed to repair the heating system enough so that the room was comfortably warm, something it

had not been for many years.

2007 a Columbarium was built into the wall between the chapel and the nave. The Columbarium has 96

niches that are covered with bronze plates. The inscription plate may be engraved with name, date of

birth, and date of death.

“The Capital Appeal of 2007-10 raised money for substantial renovation of the church. Because of the

financial downturn that began in the fall of 2008, St. Paul’s had to severely modify planned renovations.

After much deliberation it was decided to fully renovate the rectory and divide it into two units, one for

the new rector as well as a rental apartment. The parish house plans went from a reconfiguration of

space to a more conservative restoration, refinishing, and painting, including the downstairs classrooms.

Work began in February by moving Clinton Path Preschool into the rectory, packing the entire office

area into boxes and storing as much as possible in the Lichtenberger Room for the duration, and

temporarily moving the Brookline Food Pantry to the Old Lincoln School. The Lichtenberger Room was

beautifully redone in 2005 so we only added insulated windows. The renovations consisted of: asbestos

abatement, new lighting, new paint, refinishing wood floors, repairing stained glass windows, new

insulating windows for winter months, acoustic panels in the Parish Hall, new men’s room, refurbished

women’s room, and some rearrangement of the kitchen space, as well as new windows, floors, sink and

counters, plus new cabinets with doors. By late fall most of the construction work was finished.” 2

In the fall of 2009 a terrific rainstorm hit the area and washed more than 150 years worth of crud down

into the Sacristy. “The tower was deemed uninhabitable after the water damage revealed extensive bat

and bird droppings. When that was abated, the structural safety of the internal platforms and then

exterior masonry were called into question.” 3

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“September 2016, during a masonry inspection it was noted chunks of mortar were loose and some of it

had fallen to grade. At that time the recommendation was made to provide a protective walkway. That

same inspection produced a preliminary set of recommendations for repair. Subsequently we have

obtained a second inspection that has corroborated the need for extensive repairs. In the spring we plan

to do a follow-up investigation and pilot repair to better understand and specify the scope of the needed

repairs.”4

Architect

“Boston in the 1840’s was experiencing an economic boon, an expansion of wealth. The industrial

revolution, the China trade and other shipping, as well as the management of the legal and financial

aspects of business created a wealthy and worldly class of people. Among the incorporators of St. Paul’s

Church were prominent lawyers, bankers, investors, and owners of large amounts of property who

worked out of offices in the financial center of Boston.

Their chosen architect, although from New York City, was not unknown to them. Born in 1902 in

Shaftsbury, England, twenty miles from Salisbury, Upjohn emigrated to the United States at age 27. By

1834 he was working in Boston for the architect of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul and Quincy Market,

Alexander Parris. By 1836 Richard Upjohn had designed his first church, St. John’s in Bangor, Maine.

In 1839, Upjohn was called to consult on the structural condition of Trinity Church, New York City. He

established his architecture practice in NYC, but by the time he was contacted to design St. Paul’s

Church Brookline he had designed the new Trinity Church and at least six other Episcopal churches in

New York, New Jersey, Maine, and Pennsylvania.

The incorporators of St. Paul’s appear to have been truly committed Christians and Episcopalians. As

such they must have been aware of the philosophic currents coursing through the Anglican world. The

Ecclesiological Movement in England and the United States was a reform of the Anglican Church that

sought to return the Church to the traditional forms of worship and architecture which they believed to

be medieval forms. Classical forms of architecture, particularly the Federal and Greek Revival forms

dominate in Boston, were considered to be pagan, derived from re-Christian Greeks. The reformers

believed that true Christian architecture had to be Gothic. Early examples of Gothic Revival existed in

New England, but it took Richard Upjohn to create a truly American Gothic Revival. After all, he was

the only American architect who had actually grown up experiencing real Gothic churches and knew

their complexity in a way that drawings could not convey to American architects. With this experience,

combined with his innate talents, he was destined to become the premier ecclesiastical and Gothic

Revival architect of his time. The incorporators of St. Paul’s, principally Augustus Aspinwall and

Harrison Fay, were able to discern this in an architect who was only fifteen years into his independent

practice.

The design that was chosen for St. Paul’s was the third submitted; the previous two being too simple.

This design had a central nave with north and south side aisles, a raised attached chancel, and most

spectacularly, a tall asymmetrically positioned tower topped with a pointed spire as tall as the tower it

grew out of.

The incorporators of St. Paul’s Church Brookline were ambitious and successful men who had

ambitions for their new church. They wanted to be on the forefront of the new thinking and they wanted

the best. They got it. The noted architectural historian, William H. Pierson, Jr. described it as a

masterpiece.” 5 (It also got three pages in the 1889 King’s Handbook: Notable Episcopal Churches.)

“One of the earliest and perhaps the most important of the first generation of picturesque village

churches in the Boston area is also in BrooklineSt. Paul’s Church.

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Yet St. Paul’s has, I think, been rightly called by the architect’s biographer the ‘most attractive country

church’ by Upjohn, who was by 1850 the preeminent Gothicist in America and a leading figure in the

High Church Anglican ecclesiological movement that stimulated the Gothic Revival in Augustus

Pugin’s wake.

One also sees at St. Paul’s a distinctive quality that arises from the fact that in the same way that the

carpenter builder used wood in lieu of cut-stone detail on his Italianate villas and Gothic cottages,

Upjohn used what was at hand, and probably for the first time on a church pudding stone, an

unusually warm and richly variegated conglomerate that began to be quarried at mid-century in and

around Boston, the character of this stone is as distinctive to the Boston area as Quincy granite and for

that reason alone St. Paul’s seems to belong to Victorian Boston as much as in Medieval England.” 6

In his later years, Richard Upjohn came especially to visit the church once more. Sitting in a chair on a

neighboring lawn he was quoted by Ellen Chase, one of the donors of the Rectory, “I am not likely to

see it again. It has been the work most after my heart. Some churches I have built with the Vestry, this I

built alone.”

There have been many notable people involved in St. Paul’s Church since the beginning: The two

original donors, Augustus Aspinwall and Harrison Fay; two Rectors of the church, Rev. John Seeley

Stone and Rev. Francis Wharton, both Deans of the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge;

Desmond FitzGerald 1846-1926 a leader at St. Paul’s who was also chief engineer of the Boston and

Maine Railroad, hydraulic engineer in charge of the pumping station at Chestnut Hill, an art collector

who built a museum adjoining his home for his collection of impressionist painters; Rev. Arthur

Lichtenberger, Rector of St. Paul’s from 1933-1940 who went on to become head of the entire Episcopal

Church; the amazing Lawrence family, all the way back to Amos Lawrence through a recent Rector of

St. Paul’s, Frederic Lawrence, Rector from1941-1956, who went on to become Suffragan Bishop of

Massachusetts, to name a few.

Many of the streets around St. Paul’s Church have been named for early contributors of St. Paul’s:

Aspinwall Street, Perry Street, Littell Street, and Amory Street.

Compiled and edited by Patricia Dunbar, Parish Historian

1 Bigelow, Robert Payne, A Sketch of the History of St. Paul’s Church in Brookline 2 Dunbar, Patricia, 2007 Annual Report 3 Mello, Rev. Jeff 4 Batchelor, Jim 5 Donham Brett, A Chronological History of Its Buildings 6 Tucci, Douglas Shand, Built in Boston

Respectfully submitted by Patricia Dunbar, Historian

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Adult Education

Almost every Sunday at 9:00 am (September through mid-June) while children and youth of the parish

attend church school and confirmation, adults gathered for an hour of Christian Education and

Formation.

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In 2016, we began the new calendar year with St. Paul’s 101 which invited members to learn about parts

of our life together and how we live our life in community, covering such topics as organization, budget,

formation and education, parish history and building, membership, and pastoral care. Each week in the

season of Lent offered a conversation about the need for racial justice in our society, and lively

discussions explored such racial justice topics as theology, whiteness, racism, and reparation. During the

seasons of Easter and Pentecost, we looked at The Book of Revelation and considered how we engage

with this part of our scripture and what meaning it might hold for us today.

Following the respite of the summer months, we kicked-off the new academic year in September with a

two-week reprise of St. Paul’s 101, followed by a four-week program titled Bridging the Political

Divide which included short videos and conversation starters by renowned theologian Parker Palmer,

and concluded with a parish forum led by the Honorable Byron Rushing, a member of the House of

Representatives of MA and vice president of the Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies. We concluded

2016 with a three-week offering in the season of Advent titled, Preparing a Place for God through

Contemplative Prayer.

All are welcome for these informative, thought-provoking and engaging conversations. If you have

ideas for future topics you'd like to discuss, the clergy would love to hear from you.

Submitted by The Rev. Michael Robinson

Church School

What another amazing year the Church School has had! With an increase in numbers (60 in 2015 to 75

in 2016), we were able to serve more young people!

With the 2nd year of our school age curriculum under way, children have continued to dive into the text

and stories of the bible through song, craft, service and personal reflection. In September 2016, we re-

opened our confirmation class which supports 8 bold, quizzical teens and is led by fearless duo, Georgia

and Chris Smith.

St. Paul’s also enjoyed another successful Christmas pageant in December, with a 40-member cast under

the directorship of George Coggeshall, Julie Starr and Maria O’Meara.

As always we are extremely blessed to have committed church school teachers that make all of the

amazing work possible! I have no idea what we would do without them and they are some of the most

amazing teachers and people! Thank you to Thea Vanderschmidt, Siobhan Carroll, Lola Adeosun, Lily

Luo, and Adiel Pollydore who cared for children in our nursery; Audrey Koczela, Julie Starr and Janet

Rankin who taught music and lead our 1st & 2nd graders in hands-on activities; Andrea Brue and Ayanna

McPhail who immersed their 3rd-5th graders in deep meaningful conversations about their faith; Chris

Dulla, Maria O’Meara, and Brett Foster who accompanied the middle school group in community

engagement projects; and Georgia and Chris Smith who continued to develop leaders within the high

school group! Thank you all for your dedication to raising up these young people!

Over the course of the last 5 months, the Middle and High School groups have had a variety of

successful events.

Deanery Pie Making

St. Paul’s Chopped Cooking Event

Cookie Making

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Chili Making for Be an Angel

Gift Buying for Be an Angel

Thanks, also, to the many parents who have helped out in our classes and events and have provided the

much-appreciated snacks at the end of each session! Special thanks to the members of our parent

Advisory Board, Melissa Dulla, Lauren Ivy-Choing and Kristen Renaud! Thankyou for everything you

do!

Respectfully submitted by Hazel M. Johnson, Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries

PARISH LIFE

Knitting Group

The Knitting Group is a small group of women (we would love to have more members male and female)

who meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Lichtenberger Room at the

church.

Our main purpose is to knit individual prayer shawls that after being blessed by the Rector, he

distributes them to individuals within the parish who are ill or others in need. We also knit newborn

baby hats that the Rector takes to mothers in the parish after the birth of a child.

During 2016 we completed a 60 X 72 inch knit afghan (photo below) which we raffled off at St. Paul’s

Auction in May realizing over $700.00 going to the Church.

We also introduced Pocket Prayer Squares to the parish. The Squares are placed in a basket at the rear

of the church where individuals can take one and also a little prayer card to go along with them. We

have made over 150 squares and are having a hard time trying to keep the basket full!

Our project for 2017 is to replenish our supply of prayer shawls, baby hats and pocket prayer squares.

We welcome anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting (or those interested in learning) to join us for

this enjoyable gathering.

Respectfully submitted by Maureen Carter for members of the Knitting Group

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Newcomers Committee

Newcomers Committee had 15 members active in 2016. The responsibilities include:

Greeter Ministry

Newcomer brunches

Welcome cards and information packets about St Paul's sent to newcomers

Greeter Ministry: 15 people are involved with officially welcoming visitors to St Paul's,

including 2 new members who joined during 2016. During 2016 newcomer packets were sent

out to over 20 people/families. In addition to these people we welcome and greet a number of

people who visit our church and participate in services while they are visiting the area. The

Greeter Ministry formally adds to a wonderful characteristic of our community: open

welcoming of the people who visit our church, many of whom stay to make St Paul's their

spiritual community.

Newcomers' twice yearly Brunches continue very successfully, hosted by the Mello-Daigneault

family at the Rectory. Some 35 people were invited to the most recent brunch in October,

including adults and children. In total some 45 people attended, including members of the

vestry and.greeter team. Newcomers seem to savor the event, enjoying delicious food made by

Vestry members and Greeters. Attendees have the opportunity to get to know Jeff, Michael,

and Megan better, as well as meeting vestry members and staff. Newcomers to St Paul's are

invited to these brunches, whether it is someone's first visit to St Paul's or s/he has been

attending for up to one year.

Ouida Foster and Kate Kelley continue as co-chairs of Newcomers. Barbara Maniscalco and

Tammy Miracky Hobbs joined our group last year. We thank all of the greeters for their

service to our St Paul’s community; also to Sarah Campbell for sending out personalized

welcome cards and to Jill Seiler-Moon who sends out the newcomer packets.

Respectfully submitted by Kate Kelley and Ouida Foster, Co-Chairs

Scripture Group

During 2016, the Scripture Group met once a month on the second Tuesday evening in the

Lichtenberger Room. Most of the time we follow the same format: beginning with silence and a prayer;

reading aloud and reflecting on the lessons for the coming Sunday; and closing with a service of

Compline. We share reflections on the readings and how they connect with our lives and our questions.

Along the way we have built supportive relationships with fellow parishioners.

This year we broke the pattern for two sessions during Lent in which we helped lead a parish-wide

examination of the Passion texts for Palm Sunday and Good Friday and how they have been used to

foster anti-Judaism. They were profound and moving discussions attended by a larger group of folks.

In general, our meetings are attended by 4-7 people, some of whom come every month, and others who

try it out now and then. All are always welcome and no prior experience is necessary.

Respectfully submitted by Leah Rugen for the Scripture Group

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Sunday Lunch Bunch

The Sunday Lunch Bunch (SLB) mission of previous years continued in 2016 as an opportunity for

members of St. Paul’s Community to connect with one another on a regular basis over a shared meal.

We met on the fourth Sunday of the month after the 10:00am service and coffee hour.

2016 was another successful year for SLB in which we continued to offer an opportunity to develop

associations and form friendships beyond attending the Sunday services, especially for those with or

without family in the area and persons new to the Parish. We met 10 times at various restaurants, were

joined by 16 new attendees, and we look forward to families, with or without children, joining us in

2017.

Submitted by Edward A. Jacobson and Maryann J. Kurkjian, Co-Convenors

20’s/30’s Group

The 20s/30s group had an important year of defining our purpose and connection to other parts of the St.

Paul's community. At our core, we are a fellowship group, so we met at area restaurants, such as Middle

Gray and Waxy's. We also explored the city through contra dancing in Jamaica Plain and a scavenger

hunt downtown. One new focus this year was partnering with other church ministries to build

connections between people in their 20s/30s and the wider St. Paul's community. For instance, we

created citrus salt and pancake mix to support the Taste of St. Paul's, and we met up to sort donations for

the Yard Sale. Our last event of the year was hosting a coffee hour. For some of us who might not have

the budget or ambition to take on a coffee hour alone, this was a great way to get involved with the

hospitality ministry. When the 20s/30s group started hosting game afternoons and inviting the whole

community, this grew into a new ministry of All Parish Activities. It's clear that the desire for fellowship

extends across all age groups, and we are happy to have created new opportunities for connections to

flourish!

Respectfully submitted by Adelaide Xie

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St. Paul’s Church Brookline

Treasurer Report, including

2016 Operating Fund Final and 2017 Approved Budget

2016 Income and Expenditures

St. Paul’s did well financially overall this year, despite some unforeseen expenses. Thanks to everyone’s

hard work, income from the Yard Sale and Taste of St. Paul’s exceeded expectations, while total

aggregate contributions came in as budgeted. Expenses for repairs and supplies reflect the unexpected

maintenance work that was required to be performed. Amounts paid to the Diocese also exceeded the

budget due to an inadvertent underpayment of the prior year assessment. The net result of operations in

2016 resulted in a surplus of $336, or about 0.06% of expenditures, with the total draw from the

endowment for operating expenses being less than budgeted for the year.

2017 Budget

The 2017 budget was approved by the Vestry on January 17, 2017. Total revenue is anticipated to be

$533,406, an increase from the 2016 operating budget of $521,700. While pledge and plate contributions

are expected to be slightly higher than 2016, the operating budget reflects both the loss of income from

rental of the lower level while we undergo renovations and the fact that there will be no Taste of St.

Paul’s this year. Due to this significant decrease in available revenue, we anticipate having to draw up to

an additional $18,406 from the endowment to cover expenses for the year. Total draw from the

endowment, not including the rental income from the rectory apartment, accounts for approximately

18% of the operating budget.

Contributions62%

Fundraisers2%

Endowment18%

Rectory Rental6%

Facilities Use10%

Restricted Accounts2%

Revenue

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Total expenses for 2017 are anticipated to be $528,880. Our largest expense continues to be our

investment in the staff of St. Paul’s. Personnel costs account for $363,697 of the budget and reflect

an increase in the hours of the finance administrator, a merit increase for the parish administrator,

and a 1.3% cost of living adjustment for all staff.

Increases in the Materials and Services portion of the budget include increases in the Diocesan

assessment and Ministry Outside the Parish (“MOP”). The Diocesan assessment is calculated

according to a formula based on our expenses and the MOP budget is 10% of the prior year’s

income, excluding the MOP budget.

We are still waiting for the remaining end of year financial reports to come in. Information on our

“Cash, Endowments, and Trusts” will be available as a separate report to be posted on the website.

Respectfully submitted by Alexis Morrison-Howe, Treasurer

Compensation50%

Benefits14%

Employer Tax/Insurance

4%

Admin5%

Parish Life & Worship3%

Buildings & Grounds8%

MOP8%

Assessment8%

Expenses

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