Pastoral Letter on Richard Rhoads

Aug 7, 2022 | Clergy Corner

Dear St. Paul’s family,

I write with sadness to tell you that our beloved organist, Richard Rhoads, has lost his battle with complications from cancer and has passed fully into eternal life.

I know this news is hard to bear.

It has been an honor and privilege to work with him over the past year. I can only imagine what those who have loved him and lived with his unique spirit and talents longer than I, must be feeling at this time.

We all love him; and he loved us. St. Paul’s was his home, his family, his life. And he brought so much to the life of St. Paul’s.

I hope you will take time today, and in the days ahead, to give thanks for him.

I am grateful for all of you who have asked how you could help. I am grateful to all who were asked to help. Everyone has helped by their prayers. Please continue your prayers. Pray for Richard and his family. Pray for Ronnie Wise and the Choir of St. Paul’s. Pray for the Wilmington Boys Choir. Pray for the Church Staff. Pray for the community of St. Paul’s. Together, and with Christ as our strength, we will work through the days ahead.

It seems fitting that the last anthem Richard accompanied the choir on was “Give me Jesus.”

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

And when I am alone
Oh, and when I am alone
And when I am alone, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

And when I come to die
Oh, and when I come to die
And when I come to die, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

Plans for a celebration of Richard’s life and ministry will be forthcoming.

Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of the Lord, and into the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.

Faithfully,

Caleb+