The Dennis H. Warner

Many Grieve the Passing of Father Dennis Warner? Dennis Warner, 63, of 307 Draper Lane, Phoenixville, rector of the Church of the Epiphany Episcopal Church, died on Thrusday, October 11, 2007 at home after a 12 month battle with brain cancer.? ? He was born on April 14, 1944 in Philadelphia to Harry A. and Ann P. Warner.? He married Helen? Denver on December 28, 1968 at the chapel of the Philadelphia Divinity School..? ? In addition to his wife, Helen, he is survived by his son,? A. Christian Warner, of Phoenixville; two daughters, Lydia Warner of Phoenixville, and Alicia Warner (wife of Christopher DeMont) of St. Peter's Village, PA; ?his parents, Ann and Harry Warner and his sister, Lin (wife of King Strong), all of Sebastopol, California, eight nephews and five nieces.? Father Warner graduated in 1961 from Springfield (Delaware County) High School, in 1965 from Temple University, where he majored in American History, in 1970 from the Philadelphia Divinity School where he was awarded a Master of Divinity degree and in 1973 from The Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research of Bryn Mawr College where he earned a master's degree.? Fr. Warner's lifelong professional association with the Episcopal Church began with his ordination to the diaconate by Bishop Robert DeWitt on June 6, 1970.? His ordination to the priesthood followed on February 1, 1971 from his home parish in Springfield's Church of the Redeemer.? In 1973 Dennis was called to be Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Royersford, formerly a mission served by vicars, remaining in that post until his retirement in June. ?He enlivened the spiritual life of the Valley Forge Deanery in his two-term election as Dean, beginning in 1983. He was a long-standing member of the Philadelphia Clericus, an association for continuing education and mutual support of Epsicopal clergy, founded by Phillips Brooks, serving as secretary and treasurer for many years. During Fr. Warner's 33-year tenure as Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, he was involved at every level of parish life. He served as a teacher/mentor for the Education for Ministry (EFM) program, a four-year Episcopal seminary program for the laity.? He sang in the choir his entire ministry, joined the youth in putting on musicals and festivals, taught Vacation Bible School, and facilitated discussion of thorny theological issues among members of adult education classes.? With his commitment to community, he was equally at home preaching (without notes) as he was in blessing the animals, washing dishes at Epiphany's Roast Beef dinners, and celebrating the Eucharist on Epiphany camping trips. ??Once each month he met with the Merry Widows and Friends for lively discussions and good food.? Dennis embraced life; he never met a dessert which he turned down or encountered a thrift store or antique shop which didn't delight him.? Fr. Warner cared deeply about issues of peace and social justice.? Early in his adult life he served as a VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) volunteer, working in community development for two years in Saxton, Pennsylvania.??? He participated in the Spring-Ford Pastors' Association and was a founding member of Project Outreach, a ministry to those in need.? He initiated the first Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups in the Royersford area.? He also encouraged participation in the international relief initiatives of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, always insisting that the Church has a responsibility to all citizens of the world, not just those in this country.? He established an EFM class for prisoners, going weekly within the walls of Graterford Prison to instruct and counsel prisoners who continue to hold him dearly as their advocate.? He was a companion to the elderly, visiting his own parishioners and conducting regular services for many years at Manatawny Manor.? He served on the Board of Trustee of the Kimberton Waldorf School for six years.? He was invaluable in promoting the mission of Citizen Advocacy of Chester County, a social service agency which matches volunteer advocates and people with disabilities.?? He believed passionately that the Church must take a stand on political and social issues; he was not afraid to address them.? Fr. Warner spent his adult life connecting with people, all kinds of people.? Those who met him encountered a gentle, spiritual human being who saw God's beauty all around him.?? In both formal and informal situations, Fr. Warner had the gift of listening and remembering.? He was a gifted counselor, helping not only parishioners, but all who came to him. ?He knew God called him to partnership with those who brought questions of life's decision points to him. ?During his 33 years of ministry, Dennis touched the lives of thousands of people from all walks of life.? He and his ministry will be dearly missed.? Memorial contributions may be made to The Reverend Dennis H. Warner Memorial Fund, c/o Chester County Community Foundation,? 28 West Market St., West Chester, PA 19382, for the benefit of dependent children of prisoners, The Church of the Epiphany, Royersford, and Citizen Advocacy of Chester County, Inc.? A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at The Church of the Redeemer, Bryn Mawr on Saturday, October 20 at 2 PM. All are welcome. ??

The Dennis H. Warner

April 14, 1944 - October 11, 2007