|
January 8, 2025
Dear saints,
It is with deep sorrow that I share the news that Harry Pritchett, who led All Saints' as our seventh rector, passed away earlier today. There are many privileges that have been extended to me in the life of ordained ministry, but few have or will rival being welcomed into Harry's hospital room each day these past several days as his children, Sonny, Margaret and Doug surrounded him with an immense amount of love. It was holy ground, and I will never forget it.
I told Harry last night that I would do my best to look after his church. That's not because I am unclear about my job title but because in each church's life-story there tends to be a single figure and era that defines it more than the others. Each time I teach a newcomers class, I tell them about 'the church that Harry built' - not the buildings, the people. There have been some remarkable leaders of this church, lay and ordained, yet those years when Harry served All Saints' as rector between 1981 and 1996 were especially golden. Joined by clergy colleagues in Martha Sterne, Barbara Brown Taylor and Jim Pritchett among others, the 15 years of Harry's tenure were vibrant for the Episcopal Church at large, with a new prayer book and women's ordination, as well as heartbreakingly challenging with the AIDS crisis. At All Saints', so much of what we love and cherish today about this church was birthed in that era: the night shelter that became Covenant Community, the Midtown Assistance Center, Refugee Ministries, and this parish's four decade-long love affair with Kanuga. Through all of this, Harry's beloved wife, Allison, was his true partner and love. Allison, who passed away a little over seven years ago, was as central to All Saints' vitality as Harry was. Allison's and now Harry's passing marks the end of an era. Thanks be to God for all they gave to this place.
Many of you here today were part of All Saints' those 30 and 40 years ago. Harry's stories are your stories. Since then, you have welcomed new clergy, new staff, and new church members here with spaciousness and deep care. That has been the All Saints' way in this wonderful, all sorts parish church.
We will all have the opportunity to give thanks for Harry's ministry here at a service to celebrate of his life on Thursday January 16th, at 11:00 a.m. in the church. We will also livestream the service. Until then, let us pray for the Pritchett family that they may know our love and support at this time.
The Very Rev. Harry Pritchett, Jr. - thank you for everything. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Peace,
| 
