Pentecost and Mary White

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4

Try to put yourself in with the apostles. It has been fifty days since Jesus rose from the dead, ten days since “he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts1:9. They still must be reeling from so many strange happenings, so far from everyday life, beyond anything they could imagine. They remain men wanted by the authorities, and one of their own “family” had turned in their leader– for money, for principle, it hardly mattered which. How confused they must feel! How cut adrift from all they know!

And yet they stay hopeful. They select potential replacements for Judas, narrowing down the field until 2 equally strong candidates remain. They “cast lots” to resolve the deadlock, and thus Matthias becomes an apostle.

But still they gather together behind closed doors, on the second floor of a building that tradition says is the same one that they shared their last meal with their friend, mourning their loss and deciding what their next step should be. About 120 followers of Jesus are there, gathered for the Jewish festival of Shavuot, commemorating the day Moses received the Torah, or written law, from God while he was on Mt. Sinai. Pilgrims from around the known world visit Jerusalem for the feast also, so hearing the foreign languages could be expected. But not expected is hearing their friends speak so the out-of-town guests could understand them! Equipped with such a tool, they fan out to all corners of the world to spread the news of these miracles!

Centuries later, in a country on a continent not dreamed of when the apostles spread their news, a widow decided to share that Good News with others in her community. Growing up in Philadelphia, she had access to beautiful, historical Episcopal churches. For example, St. Peter’s at 3rd and Pine was built in 1761, and the nation’s founders worshipped there. Mary White was unable to provide such a setting as the elegant churches of her hometown, but she opened the doors of her home at 127 Wood Street. The first Episcopal church service in Tuckerton was celebrated in her front parlor in 1947. Some current members of our church attended services in her home. Holy Innocents Church in Beach Haven loaned us a priest, The Rev. Russell Clapp, and he officiated at the services until November 1952.

Tragically, Mary White’s home caught fire on December 2, 1952. Burned extensively, she died that day in Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood. Neighbors buried Mrs. White in Tuckerton. Mary White was survived by a brother, but we know of no other family members.

Evie Brown told The Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero the story of our roots during his visit in October. He remarked that Mrs. White should be honored somewhere in our church. And so a quest began.

Join us on Sunday May 11 as we dedicate our library in her honor. We will rename it “The Mary White Library.” Evie will lead us after the service to the cemetery where Mrs. White is buried. There we can say some private prayers to honor the woman who brought us together.