William E. Randolph, Jr
William E. Randolph, Jr.
25 July 1956 – 15 may 2021
The Burial of the Dead Thursday, 10 June 2021
6 pm The Crossing 2 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD
The Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietsche, Celebrant XVI Bishop of New York The Right Reverend Clifton Daniel III 10th Dean of the Cathedral The Reverend Rhonda J. Rubinson, Preacher Priest-in-charge, Church of the Intercession, Manhattan The Cathedral Choir Kent Tritle, Director of Cathedral Music Raymond Nagem, Associate Music Director David Briggs, Artist in Residence Dorothy Papadakos, Cathedral Organist, 1990–2003 Renay Joubert, vocal soloist Joseph Joubert, pianist and arranger Kirsten Sollek, vocal soloist
PRELUDE My Tribute Arr. by Joseph Joubert Guide My Feet Arr. by Jacqueline Hairston I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired Arr. by Joseph Joubert
All who are able, please rise. BURIAL SENTENCES
William Croft (1678–1727) and Henry Purcell (1659–1695) AM the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, Iyet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shalt stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our pray’rs; but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty. O holy and most merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death, to fall from thee. Amen. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 3
GREETING The Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietsche XVI Bishop of New York
REMEMBRANCES Jeannine Otis Justin Dehnert Phillip E. Randolph Valerie E. Randolph-Martin
THE COLLECTS Bishop The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Bishop Let us pray. GOD of grace and glory, we remember before you OST merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our this day our Brother Bill Randolph. We thank you understanding, deal graciously with Justin, Valerie, Ofor giving him to us, his family and friends, to know MPhilip and all of Bill’s family in their grief. Surround and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by People Amen. your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. People Amen.
The People are seated. A READING FROM THE BOOK OF WISDOM Read by Bessie Green. HE souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes Tof the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. (3:1-5, 9)
Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. 4 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD
PSALM 150 Sung by the Choir. Laudate Dominum O praise God in his holiness: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him in his noble acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him in the sound of the trumpet: praise him upon the lute and harp. Praise him in the cymbals and dances: praise him upon the strings and pipe. Praise him upon the well-tuned cymbals: praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath: praise the Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Chant: Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924)
A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF JOHN Read by Christian Murck. EE what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. SThe reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. (3:1–2) Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 5
All stand, as able. A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL Read by the Reverend Gilberto A. Hinds, Priest-in-Charge, The Episcopal Church of Grace and Resurrection, Queens, NY. Gospeler The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. ARTHA said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even Mnow I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (11:21–27) Gospeler The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The People are seated. THE SERMON The Reverend Rhonda J. Rubinson, Priest-in-charge Church of the Intercession, Manhattan
All stand, as able. THE APOSTLES’ CREED The Bishop says In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say, Bishop and People BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. II believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 6 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD
THE PRAYERS Led by Elisabeth Jacobs. The Leader begins, saying Leader Our brother Bill was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give him fellowship For our brother Bill, let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ with all your saints. who said, “I am Resurrection and I am Life.” People Hear us, Lord. Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for Bill, and dry the tears of Leader He was nourished with your Body and Blood; those who weep. grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. People Hear us, Lord. People Hear us, Lord. Leader You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow. Leader Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother Bill; let our faith be our consolation, and People Hear us, Lord. eternal life our hope. Leader You raised the dead to life; The Bishop prays give to our brother Bill eternal life. ORD Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother People Hear us, Lord. Bill Randolph, who was reborn by water and the Spirit Leader You promised paradise to the thief who repented; L in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us bring our brother Bill to the joys of heaven. your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to People Hear us, Lord. follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. People Amen.
THE PEACE Bishop The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. After exchanging greetings, the People are seated.
The Lord’s Table is prepared. As the Bishop stands and moves to the Altar, all stand as able. OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Pie Jesu from Requiem Maurice Duruflé(1902–1986) Kirsten Sollek, contralto IE Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Blessed Lord Jesus, grant them rest. PPie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem sempiternam. Blessed Lord Jesus, grant them eternal rest. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 7
HOLY COMMUNION The People remain standing, as able. Bishop The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Bishop Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Bishop Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give God thanks and praise. The Bishop proceeds T is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of Iheaven and earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of everlasting life. For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
SANCTUS Sung by the Choir. Sanctus from Requiem Maurice Duruflé ANCTUS, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! pleni sunt cœli et terra gloria tua. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. SHosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest. 8 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD
The Bishop continues The Bishop continues OLY and gracious Father: In your infinite love you We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, Hsin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of to you, the God and Father of all. new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all whole world. your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this People AMEN. for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: THE LORD’S PRAYER This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you The Bishop then says and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Bishop and People Bishop and People UR Father, who art in heaven, Christ has died. Hallowed be thy Name, Christ is risen. Thy kingdom come, Christ will come again. O Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD The Bishop breaks the consecrated Bread. Silence is kept. The Bishop then says Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia! The Bishop says HE Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Thim in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 9
THE COMMUNION The ministers bring the Holy Communion to the People, who come forward to receive. Communion is distributed only in the form of Bread. The communicants carry the Bread back to their seats, remove their masks, and consume it. They then replace their masks.
MUSIC AT THE COMMUNION Sung by the Choir. Agnus Dei from Requiem Maurice Duruflé GNUS Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Adona eis requiem sempiternam. grant them eternal rest. All stand, as able. POST COMMUNION PRAYER Bishop Let us pray. Bishop and People LMIGHTY God, we thank you Athat in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Savior. People Amen.
The procession to the Columbarium will consist of the Bishop, the Dean, and closest family. The People remain in silence. PROCESSIONAL Sung by the Choir. In Paradisum from Requiem Maurice Duruflé N Paradisum deducant Angeli, May the angels lead you into Paradise; in tuo adventu suscipiant te Martyres may the martyrs receive you at your coming Iet perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem. and lead you into the holy city of Jerusalem. Chorus Angelorum te suscipiat, May the choir of Angels receive you, et cum Lazaro, quondam paupere, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, æternam habeas requiem. may you have eternal rest. 10 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD
THE COMMITTAL As Bill’s earthly remains are placed in their final resting place, the Dean says Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me; I will never turn away anyone who believes in me. He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life to our mortal bodies through his indwelling Spirit. My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope. You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. The Dean says these words N sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to IAlmighty God our Brother Bill and we commit his body to its resting place; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace. People Amen.
THE BLESSING AND DISMISSAL The Bishop and the others return to their places in the Assembly. Then the Bishop blesses the People, saying: HE God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the Tsheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever; and the blessing, mercy, and grace of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. People Amen Bishop Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.
VOLUNTARY
Improvisation on “For All the Saints” Dorothy Papadakos (b. 1960) (Sine nomine) THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 11
ILLIAM Randolph, Jr. (Bill) was born in New Rochelle, NY on July 25, 1956. Bill is a graduate of the High School for the Performing Arts (the FAME High School), and from the Manhattan WSchool of Music where he studied organ and church music with Frederick Swann, then organist at The Riverside Church. Independent studies were at Oberlin Conservatory and the Royal School of Church Music Courses held at Princeton University. In 1983, Bill studied in Paris with the late Jean Langlais, and in London with the late Christopher Dearnely. In 1988, he was invited to participate in the Grand Prix de Chartres Organ Competition in Improvisation and was awarded Outstanding Young Man of America. Bill was the last organist to play the Easter Sunrise Service at Radio City Music Hall, and in 1996 was appointed the first Associate Cathedral Organist in its music history to work under Dorothy Papadakos. He has performed for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, Nelson Mandela and he played the Inauguration Service for Mayor David Dinkins. Bill and his first husband, Wesley Mercer lived together for about twenty years. Bill was on a dialysis machine on the morning of 9/11, watching on TV, knowing that Wesley was inside the towers. Wesley died a hero that day, helping people out of the stricken buildings. About eleven years later, he met Justin Dehnert, who became his dear companion and domestic partner, making music together very happily during Bill’s final fifteen years. Bill performed at the Anglican and Roman Cathedrals in Barbados, and in 2000. Bill gave recitals at The Riverside Church, St. Thomas 5th Avenue, The Interchurch Center, Abyssinian Baptist Church, City Temple Baptist in Baltimore, and Grace Congregational Church in Rutland Vermont. In the summers of 2018 and 2019, Bill gave recitals on the largest pipe organ in the world at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, becoming the first person of color to be invited to do so, and drawing the largest audience ever to attend a summer performance there. Bill has been Director of Music and Organist at the Church of the Intercession for nearly 30 years, from 1983–1993, then from 2002 until his death. Between 1993–2001, Bill served as Director of Music and Organist at historic St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Harlem, and at St. George’s Church, Stuyvesant Square. He is also Assistant Cathedral Organist at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Adjunct Organist at Columbia University and Organist at The Marymount School for Girls on the Upper East Side. Bill passed away on May 15, 2021, after a long illness. Besides Justin, Bill is survived by his siblings Valerie and Phillip, niece Victoria, and nephews Peanut and Damon. He will be dearly missed, and his memory will inspire us to faithfully search for beauty. 12 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD
CLERGY LITURGICAL STAFF The Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietsche, D.D. Kent Tritle, M.M., Director of Cathedral Music Bishop of New York Raymond Nagem, D.M.A., Associate Director of Music The Right Reverend Allen K. Shin Bryan L. Zaros, M.M., Associate Choirmaster Bishop Suffragan of New York Peter Ennis, Chief Sacristan The Right Reverend Mary D Glasspool Douglass Hunt, Organ Curator Bishop Assistant of New York Samuel Kuffuor-Afriyie, B.M., Organ Scholar The Right Reverend Clifton Daniel III, D.D. Christina Kay, M.M., Music Administrator Dean of the Cathedral Jie Yi, D.M.A., Music Administrator The Reverend Canon Patrick Malloy, Ph.D. Sub-Dean and Canon for Liturgy and the Arts CATHEDRAL PRODUCTIONS STAFF The Reverend Canon Steven Lee, M.Div. Canon Pastor and Vicar, Congregation of Saint Saviour Christian Mardones, Director, Cathedral Productions Issac Lopez, Productions Coordinator
The Reverend Pamela Cooper-White, Ph.D., Assisting Priest Matthew Jacome, Head Carpenter The Reverend Paul Anthony Daniels II, M.Div., Assisting Priest Melissa Mizell, Lighting Designer
The Reverend Deacon Kenton J. Curtis, M.S.W., Deacon Kate Conover, Head Electrician Kelly Wilson, Audio Tech
ONGOING PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THE CATHEDRAL REGATHERS THE CONGREGATION OF SAINT SAVIOUR Whether in person or on our website, there are many ways Chartered in 1992, the Congregation of Saint Saviour is a to join the Cathedral community and stay in touch. The 400-member strong community of believers who support the Cathedral is now open 9:30 am – 3 pm Mondays – Fridays Cathedral with our time, talent, and money. We serve as lay and 9:30 am – 6 pm Saturdays – Sundays. Admission ministers, ushers, vergers, readers, acolytes, choir members, for sightseeing is $5. All those seeking individual prayer, and outreach volunteers. Although the Cathedral remains reflection, meditation, or Columbarium visits will be closed to large gatherings, we have created a vibrant online welcomed without charge. Our online community resources community with opportunities for worship, Bible study, and and programs, including streaming worship services, fellowship. To learn more about ‘the heart of the Cathedral,’ messages from the Dean, virtual tours, music recitals, and visit www.saintsaviour.org, or reach out to our Canon Pastor, children’s activities, and contact information for Cathedral Steven Lee, at [email protected]. clergy, are just a few clicks away at stjohndivine.org. IMMIGRATION AND SANCTUARY RESOURCES CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY CARES (CCC) The Cathedral is a house of worship for all, regardless of SUNDAY SOUP KITCHEN immigration status. If you, or members of your family, During this time, the CCC Soup Kitchen remains open community or parish, need assistance navigating life as each Sunday, serving bagged meals to those in need. For an immigrant of any legal status, we hope to connect you more information or to volunteer, contact Thomas Perry at with the resources you need. For information on upcoming [email protected]. Your support and contributions programs and more resources from the city and Diocese, visit are greatly appreciated as we continue to serve our most stjohndivine.org. vulnerable community members. SERMONS ARCHIVE NOW ONLINE
Visit the Cathedral’s website to stream or download audio from past 11 am Sunday Choral Eucharist sermons and listen on the go. Visit stjohndivine.org/spiritual/sermons-archive/ to listen and download.
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine @stjohndivinenyc 1047 Amsterdam Avenue 212.316.7540 New York, NY 10025 stjohndivine.org