The third panel of the mosaic triptych that adorns Saint Philip’s Animal Memorial will be blessed following the 10:00am service on Sunday, March 23. All are invited to the dedication and reception afterwards.

This panel honors parishioner Tom Cross for his contributions to the labyrinth and animal memorial.

Tom served on Saint Philip’s seventy-fifth Anniversary Committee leading up to 2011, and worked tirelessly to bring the labyrinth project to fruition. He raised money by selling memorial bricks with the assistance of Nina Bell Allen Langley and Emily Swartz.

An animal lover, along with his wife, Sue, Tom then turned his attention to the need for an animal memorial. He consulted with The Rev’d Jean Rogers and again sold memorial bricks to raise the necessary funds.

During the spring of 2024, a group of animal-loving friends of Tom and Sue generously donated money to fund this panel to honor Tom. Sadly, he did not live to see the finished panel, but he knew about the project and participated in the design concept meeting.

If you look closely at the mosaic, you will find 22 “furry family members” of the donors (along with a kiwi bird and a vermillion flycatcher) captured by the artistry of Santa Theresa Tile Works.

Saint Philip’s is grateful to Tom for his vision, leadership, and follow-through.