Seat’s Taken
Henry Lewis leaves a lasting impression on St. Philip worshipers. He stands out in the church choir, both because of his height and his beautiful tenor voice often featured in solos. Henry noted, “If I have a small gift and can touch somebody, that’s all I wish to do -- for God, not for me to show off!”
Before coming to St. Philip, Henry and his wife, Rita, lived in Warrington, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. Both were active leaders at nearby St. John’s Lutheran Church, where Henry especially enjoyed his ministry through music in the church choir, contemporary choir, and church band - not just in leading worship but also in sharing praise with neighbors like those in nursing homes.
After a heart attack curtailed many of his activities and a particularly harsh winter caused much snow shoveling, Henry and Rita knew it was time for a change. By the end of the summer, they had relocated to Myrtle Beach.
Next on their list? Finding a new faith community! Rita compiled a list of churches to visit, including St. Philip. On their very first Sunday there, Henry asked a man in a pew, “Is this seat taken?” The man looked up and replied, “It is!”—but before Henry could turn away, the man added, “By you!” It was as if they had been welcomed home.
That initial visit left a strong impression. The service, the sermon, the music… it all resonated. Over lunch, Henry and Rita reflected on what they had experienced. When they arrived home, Dick and Linda Albert were waiting in their driveway to extend their friendship and answer any questions about St. Philip. In the days that followed, Marty and Barb Poloni dropped by, and Pastor Jason shared a long visit. Clearly, there was a seat for them at St. Philip.
They joined the church and quickly began sharing their faith, energy, and gifts in whatever ways God allowed. For Henry, the music ministry once again became a place to serve—and to grow.
While the fellowship at St. Philip has been rich and meaningful, Henry says it’s the preaching and teaching that have deepened his faith. A Sunday School teacher once told him, “If you leave worship each week with just one thought to reflect on, by year’s end, you’ll have 52 moments of spiritual growth.” Henry lives by that idea - a quiet witness not only to his fellow worshipers, but to his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Henry certainly takes seriously the seat he’s been given at St. Philip and shares his resources of time, talent, and treasure so others may find there what they are seeking. He truly hopes everyone who enters its doors can hear the same good news he once did: “Is this seat taken? It is—by you!”