Honoring the Legacy of Henry Evans

During the month of August, St. Matthew’s remembers and commemorates Henry Evans, recognizing his legacy and the role he played at St. Matthew’s and in Hillsborough. Born in Hillsborough and baptized at St. Matthew’s, Mr. Evans was an accomplished woodworking artist and abolitionist. He is credited with making the chancel furniture and the paneling on the face of the church balcony. In the Episcopal Church, commemorations occur in the month of the person’s death. Henry Evans died in August 1896 in Washington, DC. Here at St. Matthew’s Rev. Lisa Frost-Phillips and Rev. Deacon Kate Wisz have written prayers to commemorate his legacy:

God of the trees, of all that is beautiful and lasting, of all that is just and true, we give thanks for the artistry and craftsmanship of Henry Evans, whose work has graced this place, and for his life, a witness to your truth and justice.  May his legacy so inspire us, that we, in our own lives, may honor what is beautiful and lasting, and speak to what is just and true, through Christ our Lord, Amen. (Rev. Lisa Frost-Phillips)

Creative Maker, whose son, Jesus, was a carpenter, like his earthly father Joseph, you gifted this world with Henry Evans, a master woodworker and abolitionist: Craft in us the ability to recognize and appreciate the beauty and wonder residing in all creation just like Henry Evans wrought beauty and utility from the wood he worked, that we may name and advocate for the value and importance of every element and person with which we are surrounded; we ask this through your own woodworker and craftsman, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Rev. Deacon Kate Wisz)