Remembering Dr. Seab A. Smith

Remembering Dr. Seab A. Smith, a legend of St. Francis of Assisi, who  home to be with Jesus in the late evening of Sunday, August 20, 2023.  He passed peacefully in his home in Prairie View, Texas.

Funeral services for Dr. Smith is set for September 8, 2023 at the church 2000, Phillip Street, beginning with the viewing at 9:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. and concluding with the service at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will be in the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77038.

Seab was born on April 7th 1937 in Provencal, Louisiana, located in Natchitoches parish and was the eldest of 12 children born to Dread and Maude Smith.  ​

He was cherished by all of his family, including his siblings, Annie Bell, Douglas MacArthur, Gussie Mae, Robert James, Billy Ray, Vernail, Elaine, Geneva Faye, Melvin Lewis, Barbarette Marie, and Abigail Berneice.  Seab was married to Mildred Oneida Williams in 1962 and for 26 years, together they raised three sons, Cedric, Wendell and Christopher.  

They endeavored to instill in them proper values, virtues and a love for Christ that would serve them well as they grew. Additionally, Seab is survived by five grandchildren, Christopher, Monica, Daniel, Gabriel and Kelani, daughters-“in-law”, Melanie and Kelly, dear friend Carla Whittaker, and a host of others who remember him as a father or grandfather figure, mentor and/or friend.

Seab was the first of his family to go to college or graduate from high school, and he made the most of that opportunity.  He was a proud graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he received his B.S. in Horticultural Science.  He also held a M.S. Degree in Biology Education from Northwestern State University and a Doctor of Education in Science Education from the University of Houston.   He used this education to spend a lifetime serving his community.  He was a professor of Biology at Prairie View A&M University for more than 4 decades.

He also was an active leader and member of his Church community at Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal church for more than 50 years, served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America for more than 30 years and happily worked at Prairie A&M University for 43 years where he taught and mentored countless biology students, and aspiring doctors, nurses and dentists.

Dr. Smith’s list of accolades received for community involvement would be too long to fully include here but to highlight just a few, please consider the following.  He was Speaker of the Faculty Senate for Prairie View A&M University, recipient of the St. George Episcopal Award for recognition of service to his church community, integrally involved in the establishment and operation of Boy Scout Troops 141 and 1906, receiving numerous local and regional awards including the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award of recognition that can be bestowed upon a volunteer leader.  It recognizes exceptional character for those who have provided distinguished service.  He was Scout Master to more than a dozen minority Eagle Scouts, where only 4 percent of all scouts achieve the honor.  He volunteered as an Emergency Service Provider and served on the ZIP CODE Committee for the City of Prairie View, and coached numerous little league baseball and basketball teams.

Of all of these endeavors, the role he cherished most was that of a devoted and ever-present father and grandfather.  Regardless of how busy he may have been, he rarely missed a game, practice or award ceremony for his sons and continued this dedication with his grandchildren.  He was and is loved dearly and he will truly be missed.

Bishop Ryan to Celebrate Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in Prairie View

The Rt. Reverend Kathryn M. Ryan, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas – West Region, will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at the 70th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View on Sunday, October 4 at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to the service on the YouTube Platform.

The St. Francis was established as a mission church of the Diocese of Texas in October 1950 and became a full parish church in February of 1992. The Reverend Rhonda Rogers is the Rector.

Ryan, a native of Raton, New Mexico, graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN with the Bachelor’s degree and received her master of divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in 1992 where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Ryan served at All Saints, Austin, and in Mobile, AL, before moving to Dallas where she was called as rector of Ascension, Dallas in 1999.

Ryan’s breadth of experience in four dioceses, Provincial Synod and General Convention, her participation in the national Gathering of Leaders for young clergy and nearly 15 years in a culturally diverse parish as rector stand her in good stead for the ministry of Canon to the Ordinary.

Ryan has a history of cross-cultural ministry with which she hopes to enhance the diversity within the clergy of the Diocese of Texas. “I believe the Church’s breadth and depth requires a diverse body of clergy leaders [who will come from] a diversity of seminaries, backgrounds, cultures, generations and theological positions in order to build up the congregations and the Diocese for God’s mission,” she said. 

Ryan enjoys athletics and competed in gymnastics, track, and cross country.   Her life in Christ and her leadership gifts were nurtured, while a youth, in camping ministry, the Happening movement, and parish committees, including one that resettled a refugee family.

Bishop Ryan is married to Timothy Ryan, an attorney, and they have two children, Ned and Eleanor and resides in Austin.

Reverend Coleman is Preacher for Transfiguration Service

The Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman, Associate Chaplain for Episcopal Ministry and Spiritual Director through the Office of Spiritual Life at Boston University is the preacher for the services at St. Francis of Assisi in Prairie View on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.  The Virtual Service is streamed live on YouTube.

 

Rev. Coleman recently served as rector of St. James Episcopal Church, Somerville from 2010 until October 2017.  She was the first African-American woman installed as a rector in the history of The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming rector/chaplain, she served as the priest-in-charge of Trinity Church, Randolph, and as an assistant priest at Christ Church in Needham. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she holds a B.A. in Art History and a masters and doctor of ministry degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge. The title of her thesis was “Episcopal Female Clergy Leaders of African Heritage: Trailblazers and Colleagues”.  She served two years as a seminarian at Trinity Church, Boston, and as a transitional deacon at St. James’s Church in Cambridge.  She was ordained to the priesthood in 2004.  Prior to her seminary studies, she worked as the assistant director of alumni relations and development at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania and as a fund development consultant for Girl Scouts of the USA, NYC.

She currently serves on the Episcopal Diocese of MA Diocesan Council, is a member of the Diocesan Disciplinary Board, and is the diocesan clerical representative to the Provincial Synod of New England Episcopal dioceses.  In her spare time she is actively involved with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, is a master canner and needlepoints.  She is married to James Reamer and her stepdaughter Lindsay Reamer is a graduate of Boston University.

CONTACT REV. DR. COLEMAN:

Marsh Chapel, Boston University
735 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-1121

revkaren@bu.edu

St. Francis-Praririe View, St. James-Houston and St. Luke the Evangelist to celebrate St. Pauli Murray

Members of St. Francis of Assisi, St. James - Austin and St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal churches have joined in the faith to commemorate the life and times of Saint Anna Pauline "Pauli" Murray with a special service on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. on YouTube.  CLICK HERE FOR SERVICE

The virtual service will include readings from members of the various parishes as well as musical selections from the combined choir.  The public is invited to join in this special celebration. DOWNLOAD SERVICE BULLETIN

Reverend Murray (November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985) was an American civil rights activist, women's rights activist, lawyer, and author. Drawn to the ministry, in 1977 Murray became the first black woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest and among the first group of women to become priests in this church.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Murray was raised mostly by her maternal grandparents in Durham, North Carolina. At the age of sixteen, she moved to New York to attend Hunter College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1933. In 1940, Murray sat in the whites-only section of a Virginia bus with a friend, and they were arrested for violating state segregation laws. This incident, and her subsequent involvement with the socialist Workers' Defense League, led to a career goal as a civil rights lawyer. She enrolled in the law school of Howard University, where she graduated first in her class, but was denied the chance to do post-graduate work at Harvard University because of her gender. She earned a master's in law at University of California, Berkeley, and in 1965 she became the first African American to receive a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Yale Law School.

She will forever be remembered for her gallant efforts on behalf of humanity.  As a lawyer, Murray argued for civil rights and women's rights. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall called Murray's 1950 book States' Laws on Race and Color the "bible" of the civil rights movement. Murray served on the 1961 Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and in 1966 was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women. Murray held faculty or administrative positions at the Ghana School of Law, Benedict College, and Brandeis University, where she shared her experiences and her faith in God.

In 1973, Murray left Brandeis after discerning her call at Emmanuel Church, Boston for the General Theological Seminary. She completed her M. Div. at Virginia Theological Seminary because they were supportive of women's ordination.  She was ordained to the priesthood at the Washington National Cathedral on January 8, 1977, by the Rt. Rev. William F. Creighton, the first African American woman to become an Episcopal priest.

The Rectors of the churches:   St. Francis of Assisi, Reverend Rhonda Rogers; St. James - Houston, the Reverend Victor J. Thomas and St. Luke the Evangelist, the Reverend Francene Young and the members look forward to your joining for the special service.

Story Teller Dr. Kathy Culmer is Guest Preacher at St. Francis of Assisi

Dr. Kathy Culmer, the Director of Religious Education for St. James’ Episcopal Church in Houston, is the guest preacher for the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church service on YouTube on April 26, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

For the past month, St. Francis has been streaming its service on line due to the COVID-19 and CDC Guidelines and the direction of the Rt. Reverend C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of the Diocese of Texas.  The services continue online through May 24, 2020.

"We are delighted that Dr. Culmer will join us for our service.  I know that Kathy will be well received," said Reverend Rogers, Rector.

As Director Kathy coordinates of all the religious education at St. James’ including adults and children, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and the various ministries to young people as well as recruits and train volunteers and also serves as Members Ministry Director.  Kathy has been a parishioner at St. James' for several years.

Kathy Hood Culmer is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of South Florida and holds the Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She is an author, storyteller, teacher, and retreat leader who has told her stories in churches, schools, libraries, at festivals, on college campuses and in business settings.

Kathy has been a workshop presenter at the National Storytelling Conference, the National Christian Education Conference for the Episcopal Church, National Conference for the Episcopal Church Women, National Episcopal Youth Event, as well as part of a biblical storytelling mission trip to Gambia in West Africa. She is the former Mission Funding Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Kathy is the author of “Big Wheel Cookies: Two for a Penny,” published in “The Rolling Stone and Other Read Aloud Stories,”, is editor of a collection of personal narratives called “Yes, Jesus Loves Me: 31 Love Stories,” and recently authored meditations in “Forward Day by Day,” a devotional guide.

St. Francis of Assisi goes Live on YouTube Every Sunday

Church Services Cancelled due to concerns of Corona Virus

Dr. Kelvin Kirby is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Dr. Kelvin Kirby, current Deputy Director for the Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration Center for Applied Radiation Research (CRESSE – CARR) and Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University.

Dr. Kirby has a wealth of experience in managing multi-disciplinary research centers, human resource development, computer and communications systems and military leadership.  His doctoral work focused on establishing and managing multi-disciplinary research at small universities. He has expertise in executing government programs and human resource development.

Dr. Kirby is a 1978 graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  He holds the Masters of Engineering in Computing Engineering and the PhD in Engineering  from Texas A&M University in 1987 and 1998, respectively.

Kirby's professional experiences at Prairie View A&M University include serving as the Deputy Director and Education Coordinator, Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE),  Interim Assistant Dean for the College of Engineering, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Program Manager of the National Science Foundation (NSF) programs consisting of some $20.5 million over the years where he designed programs to increase enrollment, retention and success of underrepresented student populations in STEM disciplines, design and develop, test and implementation of general-purpose computer systems and networks; Deputy and Managing Directorof the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored Center for Applied Radiation Research (CARR), Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty Intern/Researcher with General Electric Corporation, Computer Systems Engineering with the National Defense Headquarters and Canadian Forces., Material Acquisition Management/ADP Officer and Deputy Project Manager for a military communications and data processing project.

He is a published researcher and presenter for numerous professional organizations and publications.  Some of his selected research include “Strengthening the Foundation of Future Black, Hispanic, and American Indian Scientists and Engineers: Highlights of Three National Science Foundation Undergraduate Programs; Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Human Capital Resources” for the American Council on Education Biennial Educating All of One Nation Conference, “Strengthening the Foundation of Future Black Scientists and Engineers: NSF’s HBCU-UP Highlights and Case Stories; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Enhancement Program,” “Establishing and Managing Multi-Disciplinary Research and Engineering at Small Universities,” for the American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Conference and Exposition and “Enhancing Teacher and Student Performance in Mathematics,” American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Conference and Exposition, to name a few.

Over the years, he has served on the Evaluation and Review Panels for NSF and NASA Programs, the Engineering Standards Review Committee, Texas State Board for Educator Certification to develop standards for Teacher Certification in Mathematics, Physical Science and Engineering and the Advisory Boards for QEM Network and Systemic Research, Inc.

Dr. Kirby holds membership in several professional and civic organizations to include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association, National Society of Black Engineers,  and the Associate Pastor of the Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church.

Rogers Ordained Priest and Rector at St. Francis of Assisi

Saturday, January 18, 2020 was an historical day for the members of St. Francis of Assisi
Episcopal Church with the ordination of the Reverend Rhonda Elwena Blackman Rogers to
the sacred order of priests in Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic church and as Rector.

The Right Reverend Hector Monterosso, Bishop Assistant of the Diocese of Texas conducted
the ordination service, the first for St. Francis of Assisi.  More than 250 well-wishers, family, friends and supporters, including some 50 priests and deacons from the Diocese and other parts of the country witnessed the historic event.

The Rev. Hannah E. Atkins Romero, Rector of Trinity Midtown, fellow clergy and Rhonda's friend delivered a rousing and spirit filled sermon that had the church rocking, so to speak. At one point in the sermon, she shared the loving story of Reverend Rogers' running from the full commitment to Christ which had finally caught up with her.  "Rhonda will be a great servant priest and St. Francis you have a winner," she concluded.

Following the service, the patrons feasted on the three-course sit-down sumptuous meal and desserts and Champagne prepared by the ladies of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) in the beautifully decorated Parish Hall. Compliments continue to come in because folks were expecting the usual reception treats and received the surprised of their lives.

Reverend Rogers was ordained a Deacon at the special ordination service at Christ Church Cathedral on June 22, 2019. She became the Deacon at St. Francis of Assisi on August 26, 2019 and preached her first sermon on September 1, 2019, with Canon Joann Saylors Canon for Mission Amplification in the Diocese of Texas celebrating the Eucharist.

Rogers, as the bi-vocational leader, provides outreach service to members and will engage in programs and activities that enhances the spiritual growth and development of the members. She will also support a college ministry at Prairie View A&M University.

In her middler year at Iona, she was assigned at St. Stephen’s, Liberty, TX for her field education experience. She is currently completing her senior field education assignment at Holy Comforter, Spring, Texas. She was a member of Trinity Midtown after moving from Rochester, NY in 2010. She served there in various roles including Verger, LEM, Junior and Senior Warden and led Evening Prayer for the Lords of the Streets (LOTS) ministry.

Reverend Rhonda is the chaplain for Union of Black Episcopal Reverend John D. Epps Chapter. She is also a member of the Commission on Black Ministry, and the Province VII Anti-Racism Committee. She completed Education for Ministry (EFM) in 2003 and was an EFM mentor for two years.

In Rochester, NY, Rhonda was a member of Christ Church. She served as Warden, Church School Coordinator, acolyte, sub-deacon, thurifer, and pastoral visitor. She was also a member of Standing Committee and the Anti-Racism Committee and an adjunct trainer for Congregational Development Institute in the Diocese of Rochester, NY.

Rogers prepared for her service with enrollment and graduation from the Diocese of Texas' Iona School for Ministry on June 9, 2019. She also holds the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and retired in 2016. She worked for Mobil Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical for over 38 years in various positions including process and product development, technical advisor, and several management positions. In addition to her technical career, Rhonda led employee training for Organizational Development, Diversity and Inclusion at Mobil Chemical.

Her spiritual journey includes regularly consulting with a spiritual director and participating in retreats with the Order of St. Helena, an Episcopal order of nuns where she is an Associate.  She is also a member of Daughters of the King and United Black Episcopalians.

Reverend Rhonda has three adult children who live in Maryland and California. Her hobbies include traveling, going to the theatre, music, golf, and reading.

Lawrence Allen is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Mr. Lawrence Allen, Jr., member of the Texas State Board of Education (TSBE) is the speaker for the Monthly Men's Prayer Breakfast will be held on January 25, 2020 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Episcopal Church at 8:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m.

Allen is a third-generation educator and was first elected to the in 2004 and has been re-elected from 2006 through 2018. His term expires in 2023. He holds the same seat once held by his mother, Dr. Alma Allen.

As the District 4 board member and a Democrat, he represents about 1.7 million people in the Houston area, which covers Fort Bend and Harris Counties. He serves as vice chair of the board's Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund. This committee oversees the Permanent School Fund, the nation's largest education endowment. The committee also oversees policies for some funding and auditing functions. Allen is a member of the Houston Association of School Administrators; Texas Association of Gifted and Talented; National Association of Secondary Principals; and the National Association of Secondary Administrators.

Allen previously served on the Committee on Planning and Committee on Instruction. He also served a term as vice chair of the 15-member board. Along with his service on the board, Allen is the director of special projects in the Houston Independent School District. He served as principal of the Jesse H. Jones High, assistant principal of Dowling Middle, Jones Senior and Jack Yates High School. He also taught at Lanier and Dowling Middle Schools. He holds a Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University.

Allen is married to Carlotta K. Allen and are proud parents of five children - Patrice, Lawrence III, Alim, Ali and Terrell.

The breakfast is a gathering of men in the community to include professionals, retired and active and students who are committed to improving the quality of life in the community. It features a noted speaker who addresses relevant topics impacting the community, interspersed with the speakers personal and professional experiences. Women are also invited to attend.

​The Free Breakfast is open to the men of the community. Please call 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

​For information contact Donald Sowell for more information—936-857-3557.