Tom Philipp

In Honor of
THE REV. TOM PHILIPP

Given by Bob and Vergene Wieman

Campus Chaplain and for more than 15 years pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church in Merrick, Long Island, New York.  A great pastor, counselor, presbyter and friend.  Tom came out at the 1978 General Assembly when the "definitive guidance" was first enunciated.  The next year he was elected Moderator of Long Island Presbytery and served in that capacity in 1980.  He has served the presbytery and the communities of Long Island faithfully and in many diverse capacities.  Under his leadership Merrick Church became a More Light Church.

Rev. Bob and Vergene Wieman, donors of this stole, count their friend and colleague, Tom, as one of their heroes.  Tom was one of the few ordained LGBT folk who came out at the fateful 1978 General Assembly and managed to remain an ordained parish pastor.  The fact that he was elected Moderator of Long Island Presbytery the very next year is a testimony to Tom's exemplary faith, character and pastoral leadership.  In part because of the witness of Tom and other LGBT people of faith and courage, Bob and Vergene have been active leaders themselves in the More Light movement in Ewing and Princeton, NJ.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006