'Father David' to leave St. Luke's

Father David Robinson will deliver his last sermon of his tenure at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Brockport on July 30. He says his favorite memories of his 20 years of service have been those of the parish working together on the many ministries in which the church is involved. "I will miss the people," he said. "They are very supportive and encouraging of my ministry and forward looking to the ministries of the community at large." Photograph by Walter Horylev.

'Father David'
to leave St. Luke's

On Sunday, July 2, Father David Robinson announced that he has accepted a call to minister to the congregation of Trinity Episcopal Church in Saco, Maine. Saco is a coastal city just 20 minutes south of Portland. St. Luke's Vestry voted unanimously, and with regret, to release Robinson from service and ministry to St. Luke's.

In a letter to parishioners Robinson stated, "I have accepted this call also with the sadness of having to leave the people of St. Luke's. You have become our extended family and very dear friends. Over the last 20 years, I have seen the young children of the parish grow into beautiful young adults, I have had the opportunity to be part of their marriage ceremonies and then to baptize their children."

"Father David," as he is referred to in the community, said, "We have also been blessed to be able to share and minister with the wider community, crossing denominational lines to minister to each other as well as those in need in the wider world."

According to Barb Deming, member of the Social Ministry Committee at St. Luke's, "Father David's leadership has had a profound impact on ecumenical outreach programs in the greater Brockport community for two decades. Though he will be sorely missed, I can assure you that St. Luke's active commitment to social ministries will continue."

Father David and his wife, Patty, have resided in the village and raised their three children in Brockport. All three have graduated college. "We will miss this community, our home and where our hearts dwell," said Father David. According to Josephine Matela, neighbor, merchant, and former mayor, "Fr. David is a brilliant, compassionate man. Whether working with him as a mayor, a merchant or just as a neighbor, I grew to appreciate all he brought to the community; professionally, personally, and spiritually. And I'll also miss seeing him and Patty happily walking their dogs each day - rain, snow or sunshine."

Father David's contributions to the community were also recognized by former Mayor Mary Ann Thorpe: "Fr. David's ministry reached far beyond the doors of St. Luke's and touched the entire Brockport community. I personally found his liturgies to be comforting, healing and compassionate. I feel blessed to have known him. Godspeed to Fr. David and his family as they continue their journey. I will miss him."

Father David's last day at St. Luke's will be Sunday, July 30, for a 9 a.m. service. In celebration of his ministry, a reception and buffet brunch will be held in the Rose Garden at St. Luke's immediately following the service. Local religious, municipal and civic leaders will deliver remarks. The public is invited to join in for the food, fun and sharing of stories. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the parish hall.