About 1980, when the East Murphy Gallery was constructed, the plans included a shelter on the east side to cut the solar load (economy), and denote a formal entry (aesthetics) to the Gallery. Funds, unfortunately, were not available at that time and this segment of the project had to be eliminated.
All these years, we have had this stark white wall with just the three pairs of
doors staring at us. Two of our Parish Families, the Bremond family and the Volz family, stepped forward and offered to fund the construction of a Portico that completes this area of the campus. Under the portico are two benches, and the Garden Guild has installed beautiful planters. The parish is deeply grateful for the fulfillment of the original vision.
Robert Volz served with distinction as Senior Warden, the most significant lay leadership role in Episcopal parishes. More recently, Ann Volz has served as a Ministry Commissioner. Howard Bremond was a long-time and faithful member who served in many capacities, including being a Sunday School teacher responsible for passing the faith on to new generations. Both of these families have made St. Philip’s a stronger and more faithful community.
The Bremond and Volz families at the dedication
A Dedication-Blessing of the Portico took place on Sunday, November 17. St. Philip’s Rector, the Rev. Canon John Kitagawa prayed:
Gracious and loving God, we gather to honor and give thanks for the ministries of Robert and Ann Volz and Howard Bremond at St. Philip’s In The Hills Parish. By their lives and actions, they have strengthened this your beloved community, and they have touched the lives of its members. May this portico dedicated in their names be a constant reminder of their influence and impact. May their examples inspire others to find ways to do God’s work in the world. We also give heartfelt thanks to the Volz and Bremond families for the generous gifts that made this project possible. And, now I bless this Portico in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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