7:30 p.m. Bethell Hall
A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the Life, Work, and Witness of The Rev. Sam Shoemaker. Each year, on January 31st, the Episcopal Church gives thanks for Sam Shoemaker’s life, work and witness. But it is not alone—all in recovery owe him a debt of enduring gratitude. Why do we celebrate and give thanks for the Rev. Sam Shoemaker?
- Referred to often as the “co-founder” of Alcoholics Anonymous (“AA”).
- Played a key role in AA’s formation by nurturing AA in its infancy in his church while Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church, New York City, NY (1927-51).
- Praised by Bill Wilson, AA’s New York founder, as the source and inspiration for most of the Steps and for his crucial role in shaping AA’s self-identity through them.
- A confidante, counselor and spiritual adviser to early AA’ers like Bill Wilson, Ebby Thatcher, and Rowland Hazard.
Join the recovering folks of St. Julian of Norwich Episcopal Church and St. David’s Episcopal Church to celebrate and give thanks for the life, work and witness of Sam Shoemaker.