St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church

Great melding of prayers from 2 Saints Theresas! Still rejoicing for our new bishop!

Helpful insights into improving use of captions in virtual meetings. Captions do not *replace* ASL interpreting. (Different languages. Different people benefit from different accommodations.) https://www.fastcompany.com//im-deaf-and-this-is-what-happ

Deaf churchfolk across the country worshiping together. Looking forward to meeting your beloved critters!

Christopher Rowland’s on-line memorial service video begins 10amCENTRAL this Saturday, September 26 at https://youtu.be/JDzL14i3eqU. Ron Selinger & Rev. Emily Hillquist Davis honored to participate. Live virtual reception on Zoom follows immediately. An opportunity to greet Christopher’s parents and friends and remember together: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86176747311 (beginning about 10:40am)

Rumors ~ talking about a person instead of talking TO a person. Worthwhile reflection! Excerpt: "Our failure to be direct with people is just practice for avoiding God."

Info about The Rev. James Cloud, our long-term Vicar. TODAY is the Feast Day celebrating Deaf Ministry in the Episcopal Church, officially honoring Thomas Gallaudet & Henry Winter Syle. Thank you. Deacon Gene Bourquin for sharing historical snapshots of Deaf ministry this whole month at @EpiscopalConferenceDeaf. Here are additional short notes:... James H. Cloud (1862-1926) served St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church 36 years (1890-1926), mostly as Vicar, and brought our congregation into official mission status in the Diocese of Missouri. He became deaf at age 7, attended Illinois School for the Deaf, and graduated from Gallaudet College in 1886. Cloud taught gymnastics and then served as Principal of the Gallaudet School in St. Louis (1890-1922), His sign name became the sign name for the school! In 1914, James Cloud received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Gallaudet College. His wife's name was Lulu Olga Herdman. He was ordained deacon in 1889, and priested at Christ Church Cathedral St. Louis in 1893. Cloud raised up several other Deaf clergy who became Episcopal priests including Arthur O. Steidemann, who began as a lay reader in our congregation and become our Vicar, and whose son Arthur R. Steidemann also served as Vicar and long-term mentor of our congregation. See more

Austin Mann also founded our church. He and Henry Winter Syle were ordained together to the priesthood.