More than fifty West Tennessee Daughters of the King gathered at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Germantown on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for their annual Fall Assembly—a day filled with gratitude, learning, fellowship, and Spirit-led conversation.
The program opened with Diocesan President Fairy Waters joining Bishop Phoebe Roaf to present The Order’s Certificate of Appreciation to the Rev. Paul McLain in recognition of his many years of faithful service as the Assembly Chaplain. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to the Rev. Dr. Dorothy White, Interim Priest at St. George’s, and to Eileen Fields, Parish Administrator, honoring their dedicated ministry with The Order during the past year.
Later in the morning, Fr. McLain administered the Chaplain’s Rite of Installation to the Rev. Jeff Marx, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Collierville, who will now serve as Diocesan Chaplain.
Bishop Phoebe offered the day’s keynote address, “The Beauty of Vulnerability,” inviting attendees into deep reflection. She shared her circuitous path to the priesthood—drawing unexpected yet powerful parallels to Jonah’s detour toward Tarshish—and spoke candidly about the courage required to lean into God’s call. Her presentation concluded with practical handouts designed to encourage vulnerable, real-time sharing. Participants gathered in small groups to reflect on tools for cultivating brave, trustworthy relationships. Bishop Phoebe also led an “Ask the Bishop” workshop focused on current diocesan topics and concerns.
The second workshop, “Praying in Color,” was led by Dr. Pam Evans of the Grace Chapter at Grace Episcopal Church in Paris, TN. Dr. Evans, a practicing OB/GYN and one of three bivocational students currently enrolled in the Sewanee priest formation program, guided participants through this creative and contemplative prayer practice. She will complete her studies in Spring 2026.
Worship and Eucharist were beautifully supported by the musical offerings of the Sanctifica Wind Ensemble, whose gifts lifted the assembly’s prayers with joy and reverence.
The Daughters also extended their ministry through generosity. A total of $250 was collected for Mikhailovitch Exeus, an eighth-grade student in Haiti supported through Education = Hope. In addition, attendees donated 14 bags of supplies and $265 to support Room in the Inn.
