Phoebe welcomed Reverend Jameson Baxter as a Staff Chaplain on Thursday, October 20, during a Service of Installation. Friends, his family, and members of the Phoebe community attended the service held in Moyer Hall at Phoebe Allentown.

As fellow chaplains and pastors spoke of Rev. Baxter and his ministry, his love of art and music became apparent to those in attendance. Gracing the cover of the bulletin for the service was a project that Rev. Baxter designed to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Phoebe Apartments.

After placing tape on a canvas in the shape of the Phoebe logo, Rev. Baxter helped residents of the apartments dip their hands in paint and place them all over the canvas. Once the paint dried, the tape was peeled off the canvas to reveal the white “Phoebe knot” which shines through the bursts of colorful handprints of residents. Rev. Baxter looks forward to continuing to create relationships with the residents at Phoebe through music and art.

UCC Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, officially installed Rev. Baxter as chaplain during the service. Rev. Baxter then offered words of thanks as the service ended, and invited everyone to join in fellowship. Light snacks and refreshments were offered to those in attendance as they welcomed Rev. Baxter to Phoebe.

When asked about the opportunity to become a chaplain at Phoebe, Reverend Baxter had this to say:

“I am beyond thrilled to join the Pastoral Care Services Department at Phoebe as a staff chaplain. Pastoral Care Services is a wonderful team of incredibly talented and caring individuals. I am proud that our department takes the values of inclusivity and diversity seriously. As chaplains, we provide care and support to persons of all religions and faith traditions, and those who have none. Recently, a resident said to me, ‘It doesn’t matter what denomination we are, we are all searching, all seeking the same hope.’ Indeed we are all searching, each of us in our own way, and at Phoebe, I am grateful that is honored and respected. In the warm welcome I have received from residents and staff, and in the caring conversations and the stories shared, it is quite evident to me that Phoebe is a special place. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as chaplain!”

Welcome to Phoebe, Rev. Baxter!