Morningside Ministries Honors Roland Polk for his Lifelong Committment to the Church
Roland Polk is a man who has touched the lives of numerous individuals and served in many different capacities for several churches throughout his career in the Episcopalian Church. Polk’s friends and close colleagues gathered in early 2014 to recognize the retired priest for his lifelong commitment to helping others. Chandler Estate Senior Center was filled with pastoral staff from a number of churches and organizations all over Texas, eager to celebrate his contributions to our community.
“Not long ago during worship at Chandler Health Care I was bringing a message on how God does not play favorites. I began by singing ‘My Favorite Things’ from the Sound of Music then asked if any of the residents had a favorite song, a favorite food or perhaps a favorite place. Rollie’s hand shot up and he said, ‘I have a favorite place…Chandler!’ Melted my heart,” says Chaplain Dennis Smith.
Polk, who will turn 93 this May, attributes his interest in providing clerical services to participating in the choir at church as a young boy. Polk graduated with a Masters in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and became an ordained Priest in 1945 by Bishop George Ashton Oldham with the Diocese of Albany. Polk continued on serving the Episcopal Church in over ten different cities throughout his career, which continued from his divination until 1988 when he retired from St. Andrew’s in San Antonio, Texas.
“Father Polk, your many years of faithful service have been a generous gift to a world in need. You have continued your faithful service to others while a resident at Chandler Estate, which we appreciate tremendously. May the Lord bless you as you have blessed so many and give you peace and joy in your priestly service. We express sincere gratitude for your service and devotion to our residents. Your Chandler Family appreciates you,” says Jim Whitis, Executive Director of Chandler Estate.
Now a resident of Morningside Ministries, Polk stays very active in a number of ways. According to many of the staff, he stays busy by attending many of the activities and socializing with his fellow community members. “Mr. Polk is a wonderful gentleman, he enjoys many of our activities and socializes well with everyone. He was one of the first residents I met coming on at Chandler, he welcomed me so sweetly,” says Elisa Marie Salazar, Director of Activities at Chandler Estate.
