103 West Broad Street
P.O. Box 316
West Point, Mississippi 39773
662.494.1378
Fax 662.494.1303
Email: IncarnationWP@gmail.com
2014? Vestry Picture?
Back Row L-R: Joe Stevens, Senior Warden; Jim Byrd; Marion Kohut; and
George Glusenkamp. Front Row L-R: Will Hay; Jim Chandler, Junior Warden;
Lucille Armstrong. Not Pictured: Karen Mooney, Treasurer; and Melissa King
The Search Committee
Picture?
Keith Mooney, Chairperson; Joe Stevens; Kathy Dyess; Karen Ward; Patricia
Cantrell; and Jim Chandler
Mission Statement
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, united by our love of Christ and
commanded by Holy Scripture, will spread the message of God's grace and
love through worship, action, and reconciliation to reveal God's Kingdom to
others.
Insert New Picture?
Insert New Picture?
History of the Church of the Incarnation
The early beginnings of an Episcopal Church in West Point began with
the organization of St. Joseph's Mission Church in 1870. The seven original,
dedicated members scraped together $500 in order to purchase a lot and
eventually erect a building. By 1873, the number of communicants had increased to sixty with services twice monthly. A dedicated church building did
not exist at that time, however, and membership dropped somewhat until the
arrival of the Reverend W. P. Browne in 1886. Reverend Browne held
monthly services in the Court House and at this time St. Joseph's was
renamed The Church of the Incarnation.
The Rev. Browne was very dedicated to his duties in the mission
field, and with only one assistant, he erected the church building himself.
Benches were constructed of plain boards and the Altar was a kitchen table
covered in green felt. The warmth, spiritual love and devotion to each other
that was contained in that little frame structure has continued throughout
more than one hundred and thirty years of the church's existence.
In the early 1900s, even though the Church of the Incarnation did not
have a large congregation, the members made plans to erect a more modern
building. The little board-and-batten church the Rev. Browne had built was
moved to an adjacent lot and the new brick foundation rose about sixteen feet.
Shortly thereafter, the Church of the Incarnation suffered a setback. The
minister who had encouraged the new building was called away. World War I
began—membership and finances declined. A local lawyer, who was a
member of the First Methodist Church, served as a lay reader and the
Eucharist was celebrated by a visiting minister only once a month.
Members struggled faithfully to keep the church together until the early
1930s when in the midst of the Depression, a young member, a recent
graduate of architecture, conceived the idea of using the bricks in the
abandoned foundation to veneer the little frame building of Rev. Browne. This
project was the "boost" the Church of the Incarnation needed. Over the next
two decades a parish hall was added, a rectory built, and for the first time in
many years, the Church of the Incarnation had a resident minister. Again,
we continued to prosper. In 1980, a second addition containing a larger
parish hall, choir room, office, and new kitchen was added. The old parish
hall was converted to Sunday school rooms.
Having been a self-supporting mission for many years, with the leadership of the Reverend Polk Van Zandt, Incarnation applied and reached Parish
status in 1999. This accomplishment was a wonderful culmination of the love,
faithfulness, and dedication of many loyal church members and leaders
throughout the years whose accomplishment was achieved through the Grace
of God and for His Glory.
The Incarnation congregation is proud that two of our former ministers
have gone on to become Bishops: Rev. Bland Mitchell (Arkansas) and Rev.
Brinkley Morton (San Diego).
In 2000, the twenty-year-old addition t o t h e c h u r c h received a much
needed face- l i f t . I n 2004, the interior of the church building received some
attention with the addition of new lighting, fans, and patterned wool carpeting
to complement the stained glass windows. The pews were also refinished to
match the beautiful old wood of the church. The building was completely rewired to protect it for many years to come. A columbarium and new landscaping have been added to our courtyard. In 2014, consistent with our mission to
attract young families to the congregation, the nursery and Sunday School rooms
were redecorated. These areas are now very inviting and look terrific.
On the north side of our property sits the Trulove House, where we hold
various outreach events as well as Christian education. The rectory, owned
outright, has just been renovated. Major projects include —shoring up the historic
wooden floors, a comprehensive renovation of the master bathroom, new
carpeting throughout, as well as interior paint and a power washing of the
exterior. In addition, members of the Vestry trimmed rose bushes, cleaned flower
beds, and generally tidied up the property for its new residents.
E.C.W.
A history of this church would not be complete without the mention of
the women of the E. C. W. who came to the rescue of the church many times
over the years. Their Thanksgiving bazaar and bake sale was looked forward
to, not only in West Point, but also surrounding towns, for the beautiful handworks and the delicious baked foods. The women now focus their efforts on a
highly successful Christmas greenery sale every year.
Choir and Alter Guild
The Church of the Incarnation has a d e d i c a t e d ch o i r a n d a f u l l
t i m e M u s i c D i r e ct o r . T h e Altar Guild is also very active in its duties. Two
new vases were just dedicated. Twenty-four volunteers carefully arrange fresh
flowers every week and care for the linens, many of which are more than
eighty years old.
Worship Services
Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m.
Spring Parish Outing "Mass in the Grass"
Advent
Each Wednesday-Noonday Prayer and Evening Prayer, Lessons
and Carols
Christmas Eve
6:00 p.m. Family Service with Holy Eucharist
11:00 Midnight Mass with Holy Eucharist
Lent
Evening Prayer with visiting speaker and potluck supper, Maundy
Thursday and Good Friday services
Easter
Flowering of the Cross by the Children of the Church
Holy Eucharist Rite II
Christian Education
September through
May 9:15 a.m.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (3-5 year
olds) Catechesis of the True Vine (Grades 1-3)
Intermediate Class (Grades 4-7)
Youth
Adult Forum
Outreach
The Church of the Incarnation is definitely community oriented. There
is talent in the church and many willing hands. Hardly any endeavor or project comes up in which Episcopalians are not involved in some way. In 1997,
the church took the challenge of building a house for Habitat for Humanity.
The local food pantry is an ongoing project with Incarnation. Members
supply food on a weekly basis and volunteers help at the pantry's location.
Our Parish Hall is used weekly by many groups such as Project Homestead and AA. At Christmas, various groups within the church participate in
the Adopt-A-Family program in our community. This year, our members were
highly involved with relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina, from working on
the coast to donating money and supplies and working with local evacuees.
Through our Rector's Discretionary Fund, many people find the assistance they need at Incarnation.
Parish Statistics
Total Communicants-95
Total Giving Units-40
Average Sunday Attendance-55
Budget
INCOME
2014 (Est.)
167,491
2013
166,290
EXPENDITURES
Personnel
Church Expenses
Diocesan Pledge
Seminary/ Council
106,646
35,000
16,747
1,675
99,842
30,000
16,325
1,533
DEBT SERVICE
0
Support Staff
Part-time Secretary
0
Incarnation Parish Questionnaire, 2014
We present many results of the Incarnation Parish Questionnaire in the pages
that follow. The full results of the survey are available at the Church’s website:
www.incarnationwestpoint.com. Church of the Incarnation has 95 communicants, and
30 filled out the online questionnaire posted on the Survey Monkey website.
All thirty of the respondents said that they have contributed financially to
Church of the Incarnation in 2014. Ninety percent said that they have made financial
pledge to Church of the Incarnation in 2014.
The respondents largely characterize their theological views as Conservative,
53.3%, or Moderate/Centrist, 36.7%. More than half of the respondents, 56.7%, have
been a confirmed or received Episcopalian for more than 20 years. Another 26.7% have
been a confirmed or received Episcopalian for eleven to twenty years. Nearly one third,
31.0%, of the respondents have attended Church of the Incarnation for more than
twenty years. Another third, 34.5%, have attended Church of the Incarnation for 6-10
years, and 27.6% have attended eleven to twenty years.
The respondents are regular churchgoers. Ninety percent said that they usually
attend worship services at the Church of the Incarnation three or more times a month.
Attendance at weekday activities of the church are less attended, with 34.5% saying
they regularly attend weekday activities and 27.6% say they occasionally attend
weekday activities. The respondents said they seldom attend Christian Education
classes at a rate of 83.3%.
About two-thirds, 63.3%, of the respondents are female. The respondents are
highly educated. They report their level of education as: graduate degree, 48.3%;
college degree, 41.4%; some college 10.3%. The respondents’ age distribution is: Less
than 50, 6.6%; 51-60, 13.3%; 61-70, 56.7%; 71-80, 20.0%; 80+, 3.3%.
Consistent with their age distribution, 90% of the respondents do not have
dependent children who would regularly attend Church of the Incarnation’s Christian
Education. Again, consistent with their age distribution, ninety percent answered “No”
to the questions: “I have children who would regularly attend Church of the
Incarnation’s EYC, if offered,” and; “I have children who regularly attend a youth
group at another church.”
Desired Qualities, Characteristics and Traits
of our Priest-in-Charge
(From Incarnation Parish Questionnaire)
Qualities, Characteristics, or Traits
Positive attitude
Relates to all age groups
Accessible
Personable/Outgoing
Deeply spiritual
Sociable
Good speaker
Organized
Good sense of humor
Energetic
Moderate-church oriented
Has a spiritual director
Small church experience
Experience as rector
Experience in the Diocese of Mississippi
High-church oriented
Low-church oriented
Parent
Can chant
Work experience outside the church
Married
Large church experience
Very
Important
27
24
22
19
18
16
15
15
14
11
7
5
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
Important
Not important
3
6
8
11
11
13
15
13
15
19
16
16
9
16
8
7
8
4
3
7
5
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
1
0
7
5
17
11
19
21
21
25
26
23
25
28
Response
Count
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
26
30
30
29
30
30
30
30
30
30
29
What We Like Best about Church of the Incarnation
(From Incarnation Parish Questionnaire)
What do you like best about Church of the Incarnation? Select four.
Answer Options
Worshiping in the Episcopal tradition
Receiving Holy Communion
Personal spiritual growth and inspiration
Hearing an inspiring sermon
Music program
Opportunity for outreach
Fostering spiritual growth of my family
Receiving comfort in time of need
Establishing bonds with others; meeting new people
People are friendly
Opportunity for lay participation
Christian Education
Attractive facility and grounds
General diversity of the congregation
Response
Percent
76.7%
70.0%
50.0%
43.3%
33.3%
30.0%
26.7%
20.0%
20.0%
16.7%
13.3%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Response
Count
23
21
15
13
10
9
8
6
6
5
4
0
0
0
Desired Areas of Ministry in Which We Most
Want the Priest-in-Charge to have Gifts
(From Incarnation Parish Questionnaire)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Preaching -- Ability to make scripture relevant to people's lives through clarity in
preaching.
82.8%
24
Administration -- Ability to manage the affairs of the parish.
65.5%
19
Pastoral Care -- Ability to care for people so that they feel nurtured, including
hospital, nursing home, hospice, and home visitation.
62.1%
18
Community Involvement -- Active awareness of and participation in community
events.
58.6%
17
Worship -- Ability to plan and conduct worship services as a central event of the
congregation.
48.3%
14
Counseling -- Ability to help parishioners with problems, both personal and
spiritual.
48.3%
14
Youth Christian Education -- Ability to develop program of youth Christian
Education.
37.9%
11
Church Growth and Development -- Ability to reshape existing programs and
introduce new ones.
37.9%
11
Theology -- Ability to demonstrate and impart a disciplined understanding of
biblical and historical revelation and the recognition of God's activity in the world.
37.9%
11
Outreach -- Ability to inspire parishioners to serve persons in need outside of the
congregation.
34.5%
10
Spiritual Growth -- Ability to lead others in the formation and development of a
deeper spiritual life.
31.0%
9
Youth Group Development -- Ability to inspire young people and incorporate them
into the full life and ministry of the church.
20.7%
6
Crisis Ministry -- Ability to provide care to people at critical points in their lives.
13.8%
4
Social Justice Ministry -- Ability to help parishioners become aware of,
understand and address social issues.
10.3%
3
Adult Christian Education -- Ability to develop programs of adult Christian
Education.
6.9%
2
Conflict Management and Resolution -- Ability to understand and work with
systems and groups in conflict.
6.9%
2
Music Ministry -- Ability to support ministry through a comprehensive music
program.
3.4%
1
Capital Development -- Ability to organize and lead a capital development
campaign.
0.0%
0
Stewardship -- Ability to lead and inspire in the development and use of individual
and congregational resources.
0.0%
0
Church of the Incarnation Parish Questionnaire Results
Survey Statement/Question
14. Lay people minister effectively to our parishioners.
15. Church of the Incarnation provides adequate training for lay ministry.
A rector has responded to spiritual needs of parishioners unable to attend
16.
church.
Our laity has responded to spiritual needs of parishioners unable to attend
17.
church.
18. A rector provided adequate support for parishioners in times of need.
19. Our laity provided adequate support for parishioners in time of need.
In the past I would have been willing to contact the rector if I needed advice
20.
on personal or spiritual problems.
21. As a parish, we actively seek new members.
Church of the Incarnation does a good job of involving new members and
22.
confirmands in parish activities.
23. Our parish effectively proclaims the Gospel in the local community.
I believe that Church of the Incarnation should be open to growth in
24.
membership.
25. I like the style and feel of the worship service I attend.
26. I like the time and format of our service.
Music at Church of the Incarnation's worship services adds an important
27.
dimension to my spiritual life.
We should increase the variety in worship services to include more informal
28.
services.
29. I occasionally like Morning Prayer instead of Eucharist on Sundays.
Spiritual expressions in worship and in other settings by our rector had a
30.
positive impact on my own spiritual life.
31. Our parish is spiritually alive.
In my experience, Church of the Incarnation offers an effective mix of topics
32.
for study or reflection on Sunday mornings.
In my experience, Church of the Incarnation offers an effective mix of topics
33.
for study or reflection on weekdays.
34. Church of the Incarnation provides ample opportunity for adult Bible study.
I like the educational programs to provide exposure to a variety of theological
35.
views.
Church of the Incarnation provides effective youth education programs after
36.
confirmation.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
56.7%
40.0%
0.0%
3.3%
30.0%
60.0%
0.0%
0.0%
56.7%
36.7%
0.0%
0.0%
43.3%
50.0%
0.0%
0.0%
65.5%
31.0%
0.0%
0.0%
50.0%
46.7%
0.0%
0.0%
56.7%
43.3%
0.0%
0.0%
31.0%
41.4%
17.2%
0.0%
43.3%
50.0%
0.0%
0.0%
50.0%
43.3%
0.0%
0.0%
60.0%
40.0%
0.0%
0.0%
76.7%
23.3%
0.0%
0.0%
79.3%
20.7%
0.0%
0.0%
82.1%
17.9%
0.0%
0.0%
3.4%
20.7%
44.8%
3.4%
17.2%
48.3%
17.2%
10.3%
44.8%
51.7%
0.0%
0.0%
46.7%
53.3%
0.0%
0.0%
34.5%
37.9%
6.9%
0.0%
13.3%
50.0%
3.3%
0.0%
24.1%
41.4%
20.7%
0.0%
13.8%
44.8%
13.8%
0.0%
17.2%
48.3%
17.2%
0.0%
I
Church of the Incarnation Parish Questionnaire Results, Cont.
Survey Statement/Question
37. The children's church school program is excellent.
38. There are ample opportunities to participate in small group study.
39.
40.
42.
43.
44.
Parishioners have many opportunities to participate in community programs
supported by Church of the Incarnation.
Church of the Incarnation has identified and is responding to specific needs in
the community.
Contributing time and talent to Church of the Incarnation is as important as
contributing money.
Church of the Incarnation's parishioners have a sound understanding of
Christian stewardship.
Church of the Incarnation should have a program for encouraging bequests to
the church through wills as a part of stewardship education.
45. I believe Church of the Incarnation has the right budget priorities.
46. I have a clear idea about the amount of money required to run the parish.
Church of the Incarnation provides sufficient opportunities for social activities
47.
for parishioners.
48. Church of the Incarnation provides adequate activities for older adults.
49. Church of the Incarnation provides enough activities for young adults.
50. We provide ample activities especially for single adults.
Church of the Incarnation provides opportunities for fellowship between
51.
parishioners and members of the community.
Weekday activities at Church of the Incarnation are scheduled at convenient
52.
times for me.
53. The Vestry is responsive to concerns of parish members.
54. Communication between the rector and parishioners has been good.
55. Communication between the Vestry and parishioners is good.
56. We should seek the strongest candidates for rector regardless of gender.
57. We should seek the strongest candidates for rector regardless of race.
58. I believe I have a solid understanding of the Episcopal Church and its teachings.
I like the Episcopal Church being a safe place for people of a variety of
59.
perspectives.
60. The Episcopal Church focuses on appropriate issues and concerns.
I am comfortable with the role and understanding of scripture in the Episcopal
61.
Church.
I appreciate that members of the Episcopal Church are free to ask difficult
62.
questions of faith.
63. I need more certainty in my faith.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
26.7%
46.7%
3.3%
0.0%
20.0%
56.7%
10.0%
0.0%
44.8%
48.3%
0.0%
0.0%
53.3%
40.0%
0.0%
0.0%
60.0%
33.3%
6.7%
0.0%
50.0%
43.3%
0.0%
0.0%
30.0%
50.0%
3.3%
0.0%
36.7%
43.3%
6.7%
0.0%
36.7%
26.7%
10.0%
0.0%
20.0%
66.7%
10.0%
0.0%
6.7%
50.0%
33.3%
0.0%
3.3%
36.7%
23.3%
0.0%
0.0%
6.7%
53.3%
0.0%
13.8%
62.1%
0.0%
0.0%
21.4%
60.7%
0.0%
0.0%
60.7%
39.3%
0.0%
0.0%
72.4%
27.6%
0.0%
0.0%
55.2%
44.8%
0.0%
0.0%
62.1%
34.5%
0.0%
3.4%
63.3%
30.0%
3.3%
0.0%
37.9%
58.6%
0.0%
0.0%
46.7%
50.0%
3.3%
0.0%
13.3%
73.3%
6.7%
0.0%
30.0%
70.0%
0.0%
0.0%
53.3%
46.7%
0.0%
0.0%
6.7%
23.3%
40.0%
6.7%
West Point, with a population of approximately 13,500, is the county seat
of Clay County Mississippi. It resides on the fertile northeast "black prairie"
region of the state and had its early beginnings as an agricultural and railroad
town. West Point is also located at the apex of the "Golden Triangle" which is
comprised of the cities of West Point, Columbus, and Starkville. The airport is
called “Golden Triangle Regional,” and its abbreviation is GTR. There are
about five direct flights to Atlanta daily. Two major universities, two
community colleges, an extensive industrial base, international port access via
the Tenn-Tom waterway, and the rich farmland, have made the Golden Triangle
one of the state's fastest growing areas. Recently, Yokohama Tire has
announced plans to build a state-of-the-art tire factory in West Point.
The windmill has become the unofficial symbol of West Point. In the
1970's, a cattle ranch erected a windmill above a water well on Highway 50 east
of West Point. At the time, the windmill was unique to the area and became a
great conversation piece and familiar site to travelers approaching the city. West
Point's famous Prairie Arts Festival adopted the windmill image as part of its
logo and as the festival exploded with attendance from people across the
country, the windmill<=>West Point association became widespread. In 1992
the city of West Point, Nebraska, noting that there was another namesake town
located on a fertile prairie, donated a beautiful windmill to our city. This
windmill now stands prominently above the city parkway and serves as the
administrative landmark during the annual arts festival.
Clay County and its largest community and county seat, West Point,
occupy a fertile, productive prairie even richer in the physical and human history
of northeast Mississippi.
West Point, a neatly groomed city of 13,500 prospering on commercial
and industrial enterprise, shapes the apex of the Golden Triangle, a regional
economic identity tying it to Colunbus and Starkville and one of the state's
fastest growing areas.
Golden Triangle counties--Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha--share one of the
state's busiest airports and a long eye for the future. The Tenn-Tom, a new
commercial waterway linking the section with barge traffic traversing the eastern
half of the nation, joins major rail lines and national highways in fashioning a
promising infrastructure for additional development.
Demographers predict Mississippi's third largest population concentration
will live within the Golden Triangle by the year 2000.
But the real story rests in the people--the more than 25,000 Clay County
residents who share 414 alluring square miles, look to a bright future in the New
South and take pride in a lifestyle comfort- able with today's society while
accommodating echoes of the past.
Historical
West Point received a municipal charter in 1858 after the coming of the
Mobile & Ohio Railroad, but the footsteps of history run much, much deeper.
Flags bearing the Spanish Cross, the French Fleur-de-Lis, the British
Union Jack, the Confederate Stars & Bars and America's Stars & Stripes have
been unfurled in the area.
Even as you read this short history, newspapers and television stations
may be reporting developments in an old question:
Did Spain's Hernando de Soto, who brought Arabian horses and
Extremeduran swine to the Black Prairie Belt, sleep within a
bowshot or two of West Point in the harsh winter of 1541?
A squad of archaeological foot soldiers and a NASA airplane equipped
with computer sensors have been involved in trying to determine the answer.
Diaries and other accounts of the de Soto expedition tell of crossing the
Tombigbee River just before Christmas in 1540, when a snowstorm struck the
prairie, and of bloody Chickasaw attack on the Spanish camp during the night
of March 4, 1541, at a place called Chicasa.
Aided by aerial sensors that can detect phosphate deposits that
characterize old inhabited sites, researchers from University of Mississippi
want to locate de Soto's campsite near the extinct Indian village.
Tens of thousands of years before de Soto rode across the prairie, horses
roamed the grasslands, but they mysteriously disappeared from the continent.
Fossils found in Clay County tell that story, but in the years that followed de
Soto the Chickasaws developed a breed of horses that became highly popular
with white settlers in colonial days. When the Chickasaws were removed to
Oklahoma in the 1830's, they took 10,000 horses with them.
Hogs came with de Soto too. Bryan Foods, one of the nation's major bacon
outlets, owes at least a historic nod to the Spanish explorer each time one of its
trucks pulls out of its West Point plant.
French and English traders reached this area in the 1690's, and could be
said with some accuracy that the French and Indian War began shortly
thereafter near where the Tibbee Creek enters the Tombigee River and would
not end until the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
At stake was British or French control of the vast area between the
Appalachians and the Mississippi River stretching from the Great Lakes to the
Gulf Coast. The British won, thanks in large measure to the Chickasaws.
All the rest--Tecumseh's failed mission in 1811, the Chickasaw removal in
the 1830's, the building of prairie plantations, the Battle of West Point in 1864,
the arrival of President William Howard Taft in the early 1900's, the Depression
of the 1930's--fill the pages of Clay County history. Here and there, we see
tangible remains of the past, such as Waverley Mansion on the bank of the
Tombigee. Other area residences and buildings are listed along with Waverly
Mansion in the National Register of Historic Places.
West Point obviously is producing leaders capable of enhancing its
legacies. In the 1970's and 1980's the chairman of the Sara Lee Corporation,
the president of Coca-Cola and the president of Woolco called West Point
their hometown. The school system must share a bow with genes and all other
factors in such success.