Meet St. Titus', Durham

By Mary Hawkins

St. Titus’, Durham, began as a mission in 1887. The rector called it “something of an experiment,” when St. Philip’s, Durham, began mission work in 1887 among Durham’s blacks in the Hayti district. Annual reports for this “Durham Mission” disappeared between 1904 and 1909. But Henry B. Delany, as Archdeacon for Colored Work, soon helped revive the former mission by sending a priest-in-charge and giving the church a new name – St. Titus’. Using various rented and converted spaces, St. Titus' finally bought a lot and completed a new church in 1929. It was gutted by fire in 1967; another property (the deserted Wolf Den Cemetery) was purchased. St. Titus became a parish in 1972, and the present building at 400 Moline Street was consecrated in 1974.

Today St. Titus is a historically black congregation with approximately 125 families. The congregation is multigenerational, with everyone from children and youth to centenarians. Our newest ministry, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, is drawing more children to the church, and we recently honored our Super Seniors.

Our worship is Eucharist-centered; St. Titus is noted for encouraging innovative experimentation and for encouraging full active lay participation in all aspects of the liturgy. The diocesan Feast of Pauli Murray service originated at St. Titus’, where she and her family were parishioners. Murray became the first black woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest and among the first group of women to become priests in this church. Since its inception in 2009 at St. Titus’, we have hosted the celebration.

With the assistance of the Rev. Stephanie Yancy, vicar, and the Rev. Sarah Woodard, deacon, the church is experiencing a vibrant, productive congregational life with exciting opportunities for parishioners to use varieties of their gifts for ministry and service. We are poised to regain full parish status pending approval at the 204th Annual Convention (after losing the parish status in 2012).

Other accomplishments and ministries include:

• We have raised up five priests: the Very Rev. Will Mebane, the Rev. Marcia Beam, the Rev. Zelda Kennedy, the Rev. Joyce Cunningham and the Rev. Teddra Hussey-Bynes. St. Titus’ regularly provides intern site assignments and field education for many aspiring candidates. The congregation attracts a host of Duke Divinity students.
• Transformation Tuesdays on campus of North Carolina Central University, located a block away. This is a ministry sponsored by the NCCU Office of Spiritual Development and Dialogue, an ecumenical ministry supported by a variety of denominations, board members, local churches and other contributors. There are numerous opportunities for students to become involved in community service projects. The ministry sponsors worship services, Bible studies, retreats, religious forums, community programs, mission initiatives and pastoral counseling for NCCU students.
• Partnership with C.C. Spaulding Elementary School to support a variety of activities with volunteers and donations of supplies. These include C.C. Spaulding community partners meetings, after-school enrichment tutorial program, All Pro-Dads, classroom volunteers, grounds beautification, Muffins with Mom and Doughnuts with Dad.
• Kendall Vanderslice, baker and author of We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship and the Community of God, is a member of the congregation and the keynote speaker for the 2019 Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Annual Meeting.
• St. Titus’ ECW’s benevolent outreach and in-reach projects include active participation in diocesan ECW leadership activities, including chair of the Durham Convocation, supporting St. Titus’ Legacy Luncheon honorees, recognizing a National ECW Distinguished Woman Award and first-place winner as editor of diocesan newsletter.
• Food packaging for Rise Against Hunger. The event always draws support from the neighborhood and community; we have always exceeded the required number of meals.
• Celebration of Educators Sunday. Invitations to area educators to worship and be recognized attest to the church’s concern for improving the education of our youth. The event includes a recognition certificate and a reception. Several buildings at North Carolina Central University bear the names of individuals who were members and benefactors of St. Titus’.
• Scholarship Awards to high school graduates. Members who have been faithful and supportive of the church receive a scholarship (from funds designated by the parishioners) and a Bible upon graduation; members who graduate from college receive commemorative crosses.
• Parishioner Achievement Sunday. The Achievement Celebration is a celebration for all the church membership, recognizing promotions, retirements, and any type achievement. It is followed by a parish picnic. Our Annual Acolytes and Servers Reunion will be observed for the third time in 2019. 
• A free community Christmas breakfast started last year; neighborhood children were invited to select and wrap gifts for their parents/guardians from items donated by the congregation.

How do people perceive St. Titus’? Several years ago, worshippers were asked to submit one word to describe St. Titus’. The words submitted were inspiring, liturgical, caring, nurturing, warm, spiritual, fun, family, faithful, benevolent, welcoming, inviting, impressive, appealing, fellowship, loving, diverse and outreach.