Group Overseas Church of the Transfiguration

By Linda Pizzica
In 1963 Reverend Wendell Phillips, the last presiding clergyman assigned to the Church of the Transfiguration, retired. Since then a committee of church members known as the Bishop’s Committee, with the help of the Episcopal diocese of Connecticut, have taken over the management of the little “Chapel of Ease,” which has no full time clergy. The committee arranges for a rotation of visiting priests each summer, they execute a program of outreach in the community, maintain the historic building and grounds, and manage its endowment.

Three new members of the Bishop’s Committee at the Church of the Configuration are, from left to right, David Mawicke, Roger Mitchell and Joan Farr. Co-Chair Bea Tirrell is on the far right. In the background is a stained glass window dedicated to Mark Twain’s wife.

As of this summer, three new members were appointed to the Bishop’s Committee. David Mawicke, Joan Farr and Roger Mitchell join co-chairs Bea Tirrell and Rowland Denny, and members Robert Dance, Louise Davis, Deborah Kopinski, Roger Miller, Linda Pizzica, Elizabeth Potter and Alyson Thomson.
Mawicke recently moved to Norfolk from New Hope, PA after a career in sales and marketing. He discovered this town through his friend Holly Gill, who also introduced him to the little church. According to Mawicke, “Its congregation, services, scale, beautiful and historic wood interior and shingle exterior give an atmosphere to be at peace with the world.”
Joan Farr spent her summers at Broadfield Farm on Winchester Road, where one of her best childhood memories was managing the hen house. She had a 54 year career in the investment business in New York before returning to Norfolk.
After 15 years as weekenders, interior designer Roger Mitchell and partner, Pete Peterson made Norfolk their primary home in 2006. Mitchell first visited the church in 1991 on the last Sunday of the season. He returned the following summer and has attended the church ever since. He was attracted by the sense of community and also the diversity from the pulpit.
Bea Tirrell describes her experience of belonging the the Church of the Transfiguration as “A minister recently visited our church after twenty five years. He remarked how unchanged it was. It’s reassuring to know there are places that offer a peaceful and simple setting where one can gather spiritual food for thought.”
This summer the active committee is expanding its outreach program, continuing the restoration of the landscaping and extending its summer services to include Evening Prayer, conducted by Reverend Frank “Pete” Peterson on July 14 and August 17 at 6 p.m.
Services at the Church of the Transfiguration are held every Sunday at 11am at 21 Mills Way. People of all denominations are welcome. The final summer service is on September 5.