St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Richard Tudor
Saying Goodbye
to Rich Tudor:
An Appreciation

It was a wonderful nineteen years together. Some of us cannot remember a time when Rich was not leading our parish. Most of us cannot remember a better time at St. Barnabas' Parish. Rich helped us build and heal and rejoice and pray. He baptised our children and sat with us as loved ones were dying. He led our worship, joined in our parties and chronicled our achievements. He and Liz were such an integral part of our lives for so long that it was sad to imagine St. Barnabas' without them.

But as Rich's retirement approached, what we wanted to do was celebrate: the love of Christ that shown through his classes and sermons, the many programs and events he helped us to launch, the wisdom he found and shared when contemplating the past and the vision he had for our future. Rich left us a stronger and spiritually richer parish and we look forward to the new challenges that face us.

In the meantime, here we present a small tribute to the years we shared with Rich and Liz. It was a wonderful nineteen years.

Worship

Rich baptising Sarah Grames in 1992

Rich baptising Sarah Grames in 1992.

Rich blessing Alan Lair's guinea pig at a Blessing of the Animals in the late-1990's

Rich blessing Alan Lair's guinea pig at a Blessing of the Animals in the mid-1990's.

The Blessing of the Backpacks, another annual event, in the late-1990's.

The Blessing of the Backpacks, another annual event, in the late-1990's.

Hidden Talents

Playing the ukelele for the Vacation Bible School kids

Playing the ukelele for the Vacation Bible School kids.

Rich joins with the choir in a rendition of 'I Am the Rector of St. Barnabas'

Rich joins with the choir in a rather impromptu rendition of "I Am the Rector of St. Barnabas" (set to the G&S tune, "I Am the Captain of the Pinafore") for the first talent show in the new Parish Hall - 1992.

Parish Family

Rich and Liz at the annual Fourth of July picnic - 1998

Rich and Liz at the annual Fourth of July picnic in 1998, soon after Rich's return from nine months' active duty in Germany.

Rich, Karen Birr, and a small group of enthusiastic St. Barnabas' youth, 2002

Rich, Karen Birr, and a small group of enthusiastic St. Barnabas' youth at an acolyte outing at Pere Marquette Park, 2002.

Rich and the Senior Outing group at Harding, 2002

Rich and the Senior Outing group at Harding, 2002.

Rich and Liz in Alton for a Senior Outing, 2004

Rich and Liz in Alton for a Senior Outing, 2004.

Growth

Rich with Bishop Hayes Rockwell at the 1991 groundbreaking for the new parish hall addition

Rich with Bishop Hayes Rockwell at the 1991 groundbreaking for the new parish hall addition.

Rich and Bishop William Jones lead the procession for the placing of the time capsule at the Parish Hall Cornerstone Ceremony in 1992

Rich and Bishop William Jones (behind Rich) lead the procession for the placing of the time capsule at the Parish Hall Cornerstone Ceremony in 1992.

Rich in his office


Rich in the Rector's office. He commented that it was hard to pack all the books and memorabilia that had accumulated since the offices were added when the Parish Hall, now renamed Tudor Hall in his honor, was built. We found it hard to imagine the offices without SpongeBob SquarePants.