Last month, St John the Baptist received a most extraordinary gift from a beloved long-time parishioner, The Rev. Robert B. Appleyard, Jr. Bob gave StJB his beautiful vestments (chasuble and stole) and an exquisite full silver communion set (chalice, paten, cruets and host box) in a dovetailed oak box. His gifts were given in memory of his father, The Right Reverend Robert B. Appleyard, and in thanksgiving for the ministry of our church -- The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Sanbornville, NH.

“It has been incredible to watch The Episcopal Church of Saint John the Baptist rise to face the challenge of the virus limiting how we gather for worship, communicate and maintain a deep faith in God and one another,” enthusiastically commented Bob, “As a bystander, there is loud applause coming from this end of the parish!”

These special gifts, which Father Dave picked up from Bob at his home in April, are quite an honor for St John’s. StJB’s Vestry Warden, Dave Giunta and Altar Guild’s Ann Elkins, accepted them recently on behalf of St John’s, as pictured below. With the new brass dedication plate engraved and now on the chalice box, it is now time to reveal Bob’s venerated gifts to the parish, appropriately on this Memorial Day Weekend 2022, as well as share a bit about the remarkable ‘father-and-son Bobs’ behind them.

Our Reverend Bob (Jr.) served as Rector for St Barnabas (Falmouth, MA; 11/92-9/07) and St Michael’s (Milton, MA; 2/77-10/92), as well as an Assistant at Fox Chapel Episcopal (Fox Chapel, PA; 6/72 – 1/77); he long remained connected to the Episcopal Diocese of MA. He earned his MDiv at VA Theology Seminary (1969-1972) and BA at Allegheny College (1965-1969). Since retirement in 2007, Bob lives with his wife of 52 years, Debby, in Acton ME, and enjoys travel, time with his family (including his son and four grandchildren), and his connection of worship and fellowship at St John’s.

While most of us know Bob, 75, we sadly haven’t seen him much at St John’s recently as he’s been battling pancreatic cancer since August 2021. After his grave illness and many complications with chemotherapy in late 2021, Bob and Debby shared two statements earlier this year: “he more peacefully faces the future of being a bearer of cancer, but not identified by it;” and “The faith, which we all share, is sustaining him as is the love of Debby, his wife and their son, Ben, who surround him with God’s presence.”

Despite his considerable challenges and pain, the ever-faithful and positive Bob shared with us just this week,

“The evidence (of God’s presence) is all around: Our grandchildren grow and change. Spring has greened and budded our outdoors. We face death ... but also new life. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring and we know we won’t be alone in facing it. Thank God!”

Bob’s father, The Right Reverend Robert Bracewell Appleyard (1918-1999), served as the Bishop of Pittsburgh (1968-1983) and Bishop-in-Charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Parishes in Europe (1983-1986). He was also a Parish rector for nearly two decades in several Episcopal churches in CT and FL and a US Navy Chaplain (1943-1945). Bishop Appleyard was also instrumental in far-reaching shifts within The Episcopal Church (TEC), including the revision of the Book of Common Prayer, ordination of women, the acceptance of gays and lesbians in the life of the church, and the ministry of lay persons in the church. He was also fervently committed to racial reconciliation. Described as “gracious,” “gentle,” “loving,” “positive” and a “great encourager” (he sounds a lot like our Bob, right?), Bob Sr. and his wife Katherine (Gelbach) had four children – Robert, Jonathan, Jane and Daniel. Quite remarkably, all three of their sons became ministers in his footsteps.

St John’s -- and all of TEC -- are deeply indebted for the lasting gifts, contributions and legacies of both Robert B. Appleyards -- father and son (Jr). Thank YOU, Bob Jr, for the gift of your exceptional faith and courage, and the meaningful gifts of your lovely vestments and communion set. St John’s will long cherish them – as we will you. We continue to pray for your peace and comfort.

By Maureen Gillum May 25, 2022