1
25
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Text
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Angele Hobeiche Kmeid-Ellis Collection: Supplemental Materials
Description
An account of the resource
The materials in the Ellis Family supplemental materials collection primarily relate to the family histories of the el Khazen, Hobeiche, and Kmeid (Kemaide) families. Materials also include other official documents, records, newspaper articles, and interviews that relate to the broader context.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Kail Ellis
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-2006
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Ellis Family
Translations by Lala AlSaeedi and Hadia Harb
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Donor retains full ownership of any and all copyright currently controlled in agreement with Khayrallah Center. Nonexclusive right to authorize all uses of these materials for non-commercial research, scholarly, or other educational purposes are granted to Khayrallah Center pursuant to Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA).
Language
A language of the resource
Arabic
English
Italian
French
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Image
Text
Dublin Core
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Identifier
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KEllis2018-402
Title
A name given to the resource
Article by Kail Ellis on Mariam Hobeiche, c. 2000
Description
An account of the resource
An article written by Kail Ellis on Mariam Hobeiche and her life at the Mar Elias Convent in Ghazir, Lebanon. The Khayrallah Center does not hold the original copy of this item.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2000
Subject
The topic of the resource
Writing--History
Genealogy
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Text/pdf
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Kail Ellis
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Donor retains full ownership of any and all copyright currently controlled in agreement with Khayrallah Center. Nonexclusive right to authorize all uses of these materials for non-commercial research, scholarly, or other educational purposes are granted to Khayrallah Center pursuant to Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA).
2000s
Ellis
Family History
Hobeiche
Kail Ellis
Mar Elias Convent
Mariam Hobeiche
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https://lebanesestudies.omeka.chass.ncsu.edu/files/original/ff0598fe6450073cc4a8eed18bf79f43.pdf
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~outbern jf eberationof
~prian 1!..ebanese
~merican([lubs, 3Jnc.
PRESIDENT
Michael Shikany
1715 N. Holly Lane
Atlanta. Georgia 30329
VICE PRESIDENT
Sharon M. Benson
1906 Lantern Lane
Missouri City, Texas 77 459
QFFIC,•LEMBLEM
YEAR 2000-2001
.
EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIR
Fayes F.Thomas, Jr.
2761 S.W. 84 Court
Miami. Florida 33155
November 13, 2000
Dear Club President:
Enclosed you will find your copy of the Club President's Handbook published by the Southern Federation
of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs, Inc.
The Federation Handbook, which includes a directory and by-laws, will be available soon. One will be
mailed to you as soon as they are ready.
Thank you for your service to your club and to the Federation.
Sincerely,
ohn C. Casbeer, Secretary
Southern Federation of Syrian
Lebanese American Clubs, Inc.
Home Office: 713-787-6474
•
Home Fax: 713-787-6611
Incorporated State of Texas
*
1999
�PREFACE
I
Congratulations on your election as Club President with the Southern Federation of Syrian
Lebanese American Clubs, Inc. We want to express our support for all your endeavors throughout
the year. In addition to your public service within your Club and community, your office provides
you ,vith the opportunity to serve our Federation, develop your personal leadership skills, and
continue the joint efforts of the Club Presidents and Federation Officers that served before you.
CLUB PRESIDENT'S HANDBOOK
For the first time in the history of the Southern Federation, a "Goals for the 90's" Task Force was
organized at the 59th Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida on July 4, 1990. One major
focus was a direct way to assist Club Presidents regarding Federation issues, ideas for
improvement and the future. We are continuing to discuss different ways to assist and coordinate
Club President/Southern Federation communication.
SOUTHERN FEDERATION OF
SYRIAN LEBANESE AMERICAN CLUBS, INC.
One of the efforts is to provide Club Presidents with this Handbook. It establishes uniform
guidelines for Club Presidents regarding the duties of their office and suggestions on how to carry
out their responsibilities.
The President, Chairman of the Board, Officers, Board Members and members of the Southern
Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs, Inc. support your efforts and wish you every
success in the upcoming year.
(
PREPARED FOR
THE AFFILIATED CLUBS OF THE SOUTHERN FEDERATION
2000-2001
Revised 10/01/00
-
2
�Table of Contents
JOB DESCRIPTION
(
Preface
2
Table of Contents
3
Job Description
4
Guidelines and Recommendations
5
Plan of Action
7
Federation Communication
8
2001 Meetings
8
Club Activities
9
FORMS
Club Fact Sheet
10
Roster
12
3
We encourage you to begin your administration by carefully reviewing the Constitution, By-La,vs
and General Information of the Southen1 Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs,
commonly referred to as "The Handbook." This publication is the road map and key to your
success in understanding the Federation; it's programs, and the tools available to assist you. We
urge you to circulate The Handbook among all the officers in your club. This is the first step and
the vital communication link between your club and the Federation.
Your primary point of contact with the Southern Federation is your State Vice-President. The
State Vice-President under the Chairmanship of the Vice-President of the Southern Federation is
a member of the Membership Committee and is primarily responsible for the membership and
grov.rt:h of Clubs within your state. Your State Vice-President is your active partner in the
Federation.
The recommended job description for Club President is in your General Information Handbook
under Model Constitution and By Laws as amended through July 17, 1999, Article VIII, Officers:
"The President, and in his absence the Vice-President shall preside at all meetings; shall
appoint all committees; and exercise general supervision over the affairs of the organization. He
shall at all times enforce all the laws and rules of the organization and shall call to account any
member violating the same. He shall have the power to discipline any member for conduct
unbecoming a member of the organization".
4
�ii.
GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
We submit these Guidelines and Recommendations for coordination of your efforts with the State
Vice-President. We encourage you to contact your State Vice-President immediately after the
Annual Convention to begin communication.
1.
a.
Review and carefully consider the current status and future plans of your
club.
b.
Determine your members needs.
Meet your members needs.
i.
Number of meetings
ii.
Number of events
111.
Method of communication
a.
Meet him in person and/or over the phone.
b.
Discuss the needs of your club and his participation as the representative of
The Southern Federation to meet those needs.
Create New Ways to Promote Interest in Your Club
a.
Plan fun activities that your membership can easily participate in that will
increase attendance:
1.
Pot Luck
ii.
Family Fun Day
111.
Heritage Day
b.
Find out what activities other clubs have held and have been successful or
that are planned in the future.
C.
Membership involvement through committees:
1.
Membership activities
ii.
Ways and Means
111.
Youth
1v.
Others established and/or formed by your Club.
Refer to Handbook
6.
Encourage the Young Adults to be Active
a.
Give them the opportunity to participate as Committee Members,
Committee Chairman or Officers
b.
Structure activities that are of interest to the young adults
c.
If there is interest, help them form their own Club
Inform him of the current status, future plans, membership needs, goals and
objectives of your administration for the upcoming year.
Utilize your State Vice-President
a.
4.
5.
Interact with your State Vice-President
C.
3.
1v.
v.
Goals and Objective
c.
2.
111.
Charities
Activities
Nomination
Committees
Increase your Club's awareness of the Southern Federation by sponsoring
an installation of Officers attended by the State Vice-President.
b.
Promote information about Federation programs and meetings.
c.
Participate in the networking process between Club Officers, Chairpersons
and members throughout your State.
Increase Awareness of Your Club in the Federation.
a.
Submit information vital to your State Vice-President in his role as your
Southern Federation Representative.
1.
Club Fact Sheet
ii.
Notification of change of Officers
7.
Imaging the Federation
a.
Define the Purpose
Citizenship
1.
..
11.
Heritage
111.
Fellowship
IV.
Scholarship
Charity
V.
Your State Vice-President is available to assist you representing the Federation. These are
guidelines and recommendations that should be applied according to your circumstances. One of
your best reference sources is the Southern Federation Handbook.
b.
Encourage members to send personal and club news and photographs to
the Bulletin Editor for publication in the Bulletin.
c.
Inform your members about the Federation programs:
1.
Scholarship
5
6
�FEDERATJON COMMUNICATl ON
PLAN OF ACTION
(
CLUB ACTIVITIES
EVENT
NUMBER
DATE(S)/MONTH(S)
Number of Meetings
Number of Social Events
Ne\\' Club Mixer
Receptionfor Graduates
Election of Officers
Installation of Officers
ITEM
DEADLINE
Revie,v Handbook
Club Fact Sheet
Bulletin Articles
Upon Election
Each Julv
Membership Roster and Dues
Notification Change
of Officers
_,
Scholarship Application to Clubs
Scholarship Applications Returned
To Scholarship Director
Notification to Bulletin of
Graduating Seniors
Amendments to Federation Constitution
Nomination Federation Officers
Nomination for Federation A,vards
Notification to Participate in Debutante
Presentation
Committee Information
Prior to Mav 1
Imrnediatelvafter election
Fcbruan· l
May I
08-01 / l 0-0 l / 12-0 l
02-01 / 05-0 I
May I
J\1ay I
May 15
Upon request
Upon request
Upon request
CLUB COMMITTEES
NAME
2001 MEETINGS
CHAIRMAN
Activities
(
Membership
The most direct and effective form of commurucation is your part1c1pation in the Southern
Federation Mid-Winter Conference and Annual Convention. Please mark your calendar today
and made plans to attend. You \\rillfind it to be a re\\~ding and fun experience.
This Plan of Action is a simple Vv·ayfor you and your Officers to plan your year. This should be
applied according to you circumstances.
\\lavs and Means
Youth
Mid-Winter Conference- Phoenix, Arizona - February 15, 16, 17, I 8
Annual Convention- Houston, Texas - July 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
7
8
�CLUB FACT SHEET
CLUB ACTMTIES
(
SOUTHERN FEDERATION OF SYRIAN LEBANESE AMERICAN CLUBS, INC.
A listing of club activities is available to you through your State Vice President. You have access
to this information by contacting your State Vice President. The purpose of this information is to
provide you with resource infonnation, point of contact and support documents for successful
activities that have already been held by other Clubs.
It is essential that you promptly complete the enclosed Club Fact Sheet upon receipt. This will
provide essential information to the Officers of the Southern Federation in regard to your receipt
of important Federation information. This will also serve as the basis information to your State
Vice President in communicating and working \\rith you over the course of this year. Please
con1pleteand return to your State Vice President. Your prompt attention is appreciated.
This information v.1ill provide an outline and overview complete with details regarding the event.
If you have any event that you would like to consider, do not hesitate contacting your State Vice
President for information or his opinion of the activity.
Club Name:
E-Mail Address:
Family based activities have been the central meeting and social focus of the Southern Federation
and affiliated clubs throughout our history.
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Name of President:
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone Number:
(Area Code)
(
Name of Secretary:
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone Number:
(Area Code)
What is the term of office for your officers?
When is the normal month of your installation of Officers?
Number of Members in your Club:
---
1999
___
2000
Date Club Organized:
List of Members of your Club that are now active in the Federation
9
.
•·
... · ..
Name:
Office:
Name:
Office:
Name:
Office:
10
---
2001
�Club Fact Sheet
ROSTER
Page -2-
Herewith included is our check in the amount of $ ______
July 1, 200__ to June 30, 200 __
covering our Federation dues for the
List the years you participated in the Scholarship Program:
Club·
What are your major functions during the year:
Profile of Syrian-Lebanese people residing in your city (i.e.) how are they affiliated? Families,
professions, religion, church, origin, etc.):
President:
Secretary:
Address:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone No.:
Telephone No.:
(NC)
(NC)
Denote Officers *
Address
Name
Comments and Suggestions:
Zip
Dor A
I
If you require additional space, please use the back of this page or attach an Addendum. Thank
you for your participation.
MARK "D" OR "A"
(USE OTHER SIDE IF NEEDED)
FOR DELEGATE OR ALTERNATE
NOTICE
Dues are payable annually in advance at least 60 days before Convention time and cover the period between Conventions.
VOTING ALLOWANCE AT CONVENTIONS:
Member-Clubs
Member-Clubs
Member-Clubs
Member-Clubs
Member-Clubs
Member-Clubs
Member-Clubs
with less than ten (10) members
between IO and 37 members
between 37 and 62 members
between 62 and 100 members
between 100 and 150 members
between 150 and 170 members
with over I 70 members
zero (0) votes
four (4) votes
seven (7) votes
ten (I 0) votes
thirteen ( I 3) votes
fifteen (15) votes
one (1) vote for every 30
members over 170
*Please designate how your club will vote "UNIT RULE" or "INDIVIDUAL RULE". Ifno choice is denoted herein, then your Club
will be governed by the "UNIT RULE".
11
12
�NOTES
13
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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SFSLAC Records Series 3: Program Books and Handbooks
Description
An account of the resource
This series contains program books from SFSLAC annual and mid-year conventions along with general information handbooks.
Materials in this series are arranged chronologically by year.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1935-2022
Dublin Core
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Identifier
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sfph2000
Title
A name given to the resource
Southern Federation Club President's Handbook
Description
An account of the resource
The 2000 SFSLAC Club President's Handbook prepared for the Affiliated Clubs of the Southern Federation.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2000
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs
Subject
The topic of the resource
Clubs
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Text/pdf
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
The donor retains full ownership of any copyright and rights currently controlled. Nonexclusive right to authorize uses of these materials for non-commercial research, scholarly, or other educational purposes are granted to Khayrallah Center pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. Usage of the materials for these purposes must be fully credited with the source. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials.
2000s
-
https://lebanesestudies.omeka.chass.ncsu.edu/files/original/be74fe8ef17ac384f31ad09f3a238c7e.pdf
6657fdb7e5ba64370276a6b3f9610a5f
PDF Text
Text
��������• •
oi)
ll -
��St. George Maronite Catholic Church Community
San Antonio, Texas - March 5, 2000
75th Anniversary
1925 - 2000
�DEDICATION
T
his book is dedicated to the Founding Families of St. George Maronite Church, those brave and
courageous young men and women who set sail a century ago with hope and dreams of a new life
of opportunity, with only their Maronite faith and determination to guide them. They struggled as
peddlers while they laid roots in their adopted country, and like the Cedars of Lebanon they grew strong and
with a will. They left us this legacy, our Maronite Church and community, which has thrived for 75 years and
which embodies the spirit and essence of our faith --- the "Faith Of The Mountains".
75th Anniversary
�ACKNOWLEDGMEN TS
T
he creation of this book has been made possible by the tireless efforts of Cecilia Mery who through out the
years preserved, categorized and provided the documents and photographs needed to assemble this work,
and to Melissa Karam and Jessica Margarette Karam whose computer skills and long hours of tedious work
help create the graphics, text and art for the book. A special thanks also is extended to Paul M. Mery, Jr. and Fernando
Fernandez, parishioners and principals of Thomas Reprographics, for the use of their facilities. We also thank all
contributing writers who gave their time to research and submit articles for this publication. Finally, but not the least,
we thank our pastor, Father John Al-Nahal, for his support and encouragement.
Richard and Peggy Anaw aty Karam
Edit ors
75th Anniversary
iii
��TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Dedication ...............................................•..... ••.. •.. ••••••····•••···· ···.. ······· ········ ······· ····· ······· ······ ·.. ··· ···.. ·····.. ·••.. •.. .... . i
Acknowledgments ............................................ •••••••••••.. •·· ············ ············ ······ ··.... ······· ····· ······.. ·········· ·.... ..... .... iii
Table of Contents............. ............. ........ ......... .................. .•·· ......... ··················· ································· ................ iv
Messages From Dignitaries
Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio, United States of America ..................................
Cardinal Nasrallah Peter Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East................................................
Archbishop Francis M. Zayek, United States of America.....................................................................
Most Reverend Patrick F. Flores, Archbishop of San Antonio .. .. .. .. ...... ... .. .. .. ..... ...... ...... ... .. ...... ..... .....
Bish op John G. Chedid, Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles .......................................
Bishop Stephen H ector Doueihi, Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brookly n................. .............................
Pastor John Al-Nahal, St. George Maronite Church, San Antonio......................................................
President Bill Clinton, The White House, Washington, D .C. ...............................................................
Governor George W. Bush, State of Texas ........ .. ... .... .. .. .... ........................... .. .. ... .. .. ...... ... .. ..... .. .. ..... .......
Mayor H oward W. Peak, San Antonio, Texas
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
····························.. ·············· .. ··············--·········--······.......... 11
75th Anniversary Celebration ....................................................................................................................... 15
Maronite Youth Organization (MYO) ......................................................................................................
Sylvia Karam
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) .........................................................................................................
By Fernando Fernandez
Scholarship Committee .............................................................................................................................
By Patricia Karam and Genevieve Karam Niemeyer
National Apostolate of Maronites (N.A.M.) ............................................................................................
By Ann Karam
Religious Church Award
Papal Honors ............................................................................................................................................... .
Knights of St. Gregory ............................................................................................................................
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem......................................................................
Patriarchal Award and Bishop's Award...................................................................................................
National Apostolate of Maronites Awards {NAM)
Massabki Awards (Gold and Silver) ....................................................................................................
Faith of the Mountain Youth Award ....... ........... .............. ... .......... ..................... ........ ...... ......... ...........
Eparchial Lay and Clergy Organization ................................................................................................ ..
Order of St. Sharbel. .... .... .. .. ....... ............... ... .. .. .. ... ... ... ... ... .. .. .... ..... ... .. .. .. ..... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... .. .. ... ... .. ... ..
115
118
125
126
131
132
133
134
137
138
By Richard J. Karam
Activity Center Groundbreaking Ceremonies .............................. ..
29
By Richard J. Karam
Past and Present Clergy ............................................... ..
By Father John A L-Nahal and Cecilia Mery
35
..................... .
Religious Order: Maronite Lebanese Missionaries (M L M)
By Father John AI-Nahal
. .
Past and Present Churches and Rectories
By Cecilia Mery
40
...... ..
........................................................................ ·
45
History of St. George Maronite Church
By Richard Karam
.......................... ·· ··· ·····...............······· ·········· ·•·······.......................... 53
Founding Families .............. .
By Philip Joseph Yamin
····························· ................................ ·····••.. ............................ ..... ...................... 73
Church Organizations
Parish Coun cil and Stew ardshi C
.
P omnuttee· "Centu ·
f
By Tom Joseph
·
nons o Continuity" ...................................... .. 101
Ladies Altar Society (LAS.) .............. ..
By Julia D. Karam
····· ............................................................................................... . 104
Holy Name Society............................ ..
By Edward K. Me1y
......................................................................... ······· ....................... . 110
St. George Ch oir.. ..........
By Deborah Mery Fer~~;;~;~.................................................................................................................... .
Special Functions and Events
Magic Is The Night...................................................................................................................................... 141
By Cecilia Mery
Texas Folklife Festival.................................................................................................................................
By Patty Burrus
St. George Lebanese Dancers.....................................................................................................................
By Ann Karam
Mahrajan ........ ................... .................. ................................................ ..........................................................
By Fernando Fernandez
Bingo..............................................................................................................................................................
By Richard J. Karam and Morris Karam
Miscellaneous Church Events..........................................................................................................
By Morris Karam and Richard J. Karam
Ameleb Club of San Antonio.....................................................................................................................
By Bob Karam
Bey Aleph Sorority......................................................................................................................................
By Julia D. Karam
Cedars Club..................................................................................................................................................
By George Yamin
Continental Club of San Antonio....................................................................................................
By Philip Yamin
K & M Club ..................................................................................................................................................
By Morris Karam and Edward K. Mery
158
162
166
174
179
183
184
185
World War II Veterans....................................................................................................................................... 191
Memorials and Ads...............................................................••• ......... ••••••••• .. ••·· .. •••••••• .. ·.. ······················.. ···········
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
156
Affiliated Secular Clubs
Amesyr Fraternity....................................................................................................................................... 173
113
iii
152
iv
��3339 MASSACHU SETTS AVENUE. N.W.
WASHINGT ON. D, C . 20008,3887
APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
4386
January 20, 2000
No.........................
Thie No. Should Be Prefi~•d to tho Answ er
Dear Father AI-Nahal:
On the happy occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of St.
George Maronite catholic Church, San Antonio, Texas, it is my distinct privilege
to convey to the entire parish community the heartfelt congratulations and
prayerful good wishes of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
As you gather on October 28th and 291h, it is the hope of the Holy Father
that this celebration taking place during the Jubilee Year should awaken renewed
consciousness of your Christian dignity and mission and a recommitment to
Catholic values, as found in the Gospel and reaffirmed by the Magisterium of the
Church.
His Holiness desires to unite with the entire parish family in thanking God
for the blessings of the past seventy-five years, while entrusting the future into
the loving hands of Mary, Mother of the Church.
As a sign of his spiritual esteem and solidarity, Pope John Paul II imparts
to all the parish his Apostolic Blessing, granted through the intercession of Mary
Immaculate and St. George.
May I be allowed to join with the sentiments of the Holy Father and add
my own good wishes.
Sincerely in Christ,
I
(.
I
+ l,() ()..,l l-(; J~
I
ti/
1vv~JJM
Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo
Apostolic Nuncio
Reverend Jean AI-Nahal, Pastor
St. George Maronite Catholic Church
6070 Babcock Road
San Antonio, Texas
75th Anniversary
1
�...,:
4::!-iJJUI J~t ~t....J ~lwl ~~
Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
Bkerke
J~
A.M.-H
' ~.w; ~.J:! ul.)Mll ~I 0.1~ ~ 4t,-....)l ~.;:JI
' 0~
~~"i,Jll - ~ 1 '-"",Jl-ul.W o~ W I · 1 .t.. •
~I.;
-
-
♦
~ (.J ..J"-4
h"JI <.rl--..JI
14
29/2000
Our Apostolic Blessing upon Most Reverend John G. Chedid,
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, U.S.A.
Your correspondence of February 18, 2000, desired an Apostolic blessing upon the request of our
son and priest, Father John Al-Nahal, Lebanese Missionary, on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of
St. George Maronite Church, San Antonio, Texas, which he serves.
We honor your request, we ask God to bless St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio, her priest,
and her parishioners, and bestow upon them the faith of their fathers and grandfathers, and to
augment the growth of their spiritual tradition, especially during this Jubilee Year - which is a year of
penance, forgiveness, reconciliation and pilgrimage - and to abundantly shower his divine favors.
We hope that all m embers of your Eparchy, especially the parishioners of St. George, profit from
this occasion, for their renewal in faith and Spirit. We ask God, through the intercession of our Lady
of Lebanon and St. George, to increase their religious values, their patriotic ethics, and bestow upon
them his satisfaction and grace.
Cardinal Nasrallah Peter Sfeir
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
2
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
3
�Archbishop Francis M. Zayek
4010 Galt Ocean Drive
Apartment 1203
Fort I.Auderdale, FL 33308
ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO
(954) 564-1963
CHANCERY OFFICE
P.O. BOX 28410
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78228-0410
TELEPHONE (210) 734-2620
April 11, 2000
t
Dear Father John, Parishioners of Saint George Maronite Church in San Antonio, and
Dear Friends:
I rejoice with you in the upcoming celebration of your 75th Anniversary.
December 9, 1999
I remember always with great pleasure our Maronite Community of San Antonio, she has been always an
example of what our Maronite people can achieve when they are united and sacrifice together.
I know about the humble beginnings and the upheavals of your parish as it strived, despite all the
difficulties, to survive and transmit to the future generations our faith and heritage.
Parishioners of St. George Maronite Catholic Church
c/o Reverend John Al-Nahal, Pastor
6070 Babcock, Road
San Antonio, Texas 78240
I remember with great appreciation your zealous pastor for years, Chor-Bishop John Trad, I remember
the good old parishioners who I visited in 1964 when I was still Bishop of Brazil.
Dear Parishioners of St. George:
The Exodus to Babcock Road was a true Blessing, the active Ralph Karam was anticipating with great
joy what began to happen, a total renewal not only of your buildings but before all of community, with
the fantastic awakening of the young generation
ate with Church
you in observing
the 75thI
It is with great pleasure t~at I look forward topartici
onit/catholic
in San Antonio.
Anniversary of the fou_ndmg of St. George i~ar You are indeed to be commended for your courage,
congratulate
you
o~ this mom;n~is
generosity and
achievements
or e p~t~5 y~ars under the leadership of your present and past
The progress since has been continuous and you good parishioners of Saint George have done marvels.
Youthis
became
a vibrant
community
and
is bearing
abundant
fruits. and your parish a center of irradiation for all the Maronites in Texas,
pastors.
11
.
ess This will be for your benefit as ~e as
My prayer is ~at you will contmue to ~ake gb~~~~~n y~ur rich heritage, _traditions and faith.
that of your chtldren and future ge~_rat1o~s.. s the Way the Truth and the Life.
May Our Lord draw you closer to im w o I
'
While !_remember on your 75th Anniversary with great reverence all those who preceded you putting the
founda11ons, all those who have labored since the beginning and have received now their heavenly
reward, I ask the Lor~, through the Intercessions of Saint George, to bless you abundantly and to keep
you always at the service of His Kingdom, because it is through our efforts that this Kingdom will come.
d to make this celebration possible and memorable.
Congratulations to thos~ who W<?rked/~t h~eorge shower His blessings upon all of you.
May God, through the mtercess10n o
.
'
Sincerely in Christ,
Christ yesterday, tomorrow, forever,
-;- f? 2= . .2-~
Sincerely yours,
~~ ~
Most Reverend Patrick F: Flores, D.D.
Archbishop of San Antonio
PFF/mgs
Archbishop Francis M. Zayek
4
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
5
�Office of the Bishop
EPARCHY OF SAINT MA RON
OF BROOKLYN
109 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, New Yo rk tt201
Tel: (718) 237-9913
EPARCHY OF O UR LADY OF LEBANON OF Los ANGELF.S
August 2, 2000
Prot . No. 506/1/00
Rev . Jean Al - Nahal, MLM,
and Parishioners of
Saint George Church
6070 Babcock Road
San Antonio , Texas 78240
Dear Fr. Al-Nahal and Parishioners
of Saint George Chur ch:
27 July2000
You ha:e inform~d us that on October 28 and 29, 2000, your
co:'!"'uni:y of Saint George, in San Antonio, will be celebrating the
75 anniversary of the estab lishment of their parish church .
Father John AI-Nahal, MLM
Maronite Community of St. George
St. George Maronite Church
6070 Babcock Road
San Antonio, TX 78240
Sev~nt y- f i"ve years ago, your fathers and mothers, although newly
:~rived to the Un~ted States of America, and not yet acquainted
th
!hehway of life , language, and customs, decided to gather
;r~un t e altar . in t he way t hey had learned from their tradition
M~r~~it:e;:~~~-!~~ec~~~~sdlater , the c h ~ldren of these heroes of ·
th
United States . They wil~ g:~:g
e e!ite of our people in the
thanks to God for th
b d
r aroun the same altar to give
and their families ~h: y un ~n! -graces He has showered upon them
the observance of His law~e e icate t hemsel v es to Ch rist, and to
Dear Father John and Beloved People of St. George:
You intend to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of your Community. From your beginning until this Great Year
of the Jubilee, for three quarters of a century, your journey as a Community of Faith has been amazing:
different in approaches yet the same, struggling in your path yet solid and firm, open to all calls yet faithful
to your true identity. It is a privilege and honor for me to share in your celebration.
For the years I spent among you as your pastor, I was moved by one particular note. It is beyond the unity
in your ranks; beyond the dynamism you showed in your activities; beyond the creativity which kept you
growing and expanding without losing sights. This note I am talking about is the physical, I would even say
your earthly attachment to that "piece of land" which harbors your church, your rectory, your classrooms,
your playgrounds, your arcade and halls, and which enshrouds your spiritual legacy and your Eastern
religious roots. To me you were, and still are, a Community with deep, solid and personal belonging. Pride
was there and enthusiasm and total loyalty. May you be blessed for generations to come.
Inspired and aided by God's Gr
they make of their Church the
center of their lives
1 . . ace,
how well they have s u~c::d~~~ou:ly, mo r ally, and physically, and
Parish of st. George cle
· de w~oleheartedly congratulate you
•
rgy an laity.
'
We join with you and r ender ra·
each one of y our c ommuni t
p ~se to God . Li k ewise, we offer to
a generous hand to our ne~lour eep . gratitude for having e x tended
everyone of you, and may Ouy : !ablished Eparchy. May God bless
ln serving God and your neir hbo y o f Lebanon continue to guide you
g
r .
Sincerely your
Prot. No 466/1/00
As you conclude your 75th Anniversary and you journey toward your centenary during this year of the Great
Jubilee of Christianity, I wish you to remain with these qualities and spirit. By the flagpole in front of your
big hall, you planted a time capsule for the future. It is still there. However, l believe that the true time
capsule of St. George Community is indeed planted in the soil of your hearts, old and young. May it stay
there for ever.
.
+ ~ hedid
c D
Bishop o f t he ~parchy .of our
331 So. SAN VIC£m't B
Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
LVD., Los ANGELES, CA. 90048 • p 0
PHONE: (310) 247-8322
F . . Box 16397, BEVERLY H ILLS, CA. 90209
• AX (3 10) 247-9297
God bless you and sharar.
JGC:dk
+-:r+Z= ,a~<L,).,..u d .
❖Stephen
Hector Doueihi, S.T.D.
Bishop
Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
6
75th Anniversary
75th Anfliversar'
7
�December 2000
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
I am very fortunate to be with you celebrating the 75 th anniversary of the founding
July 11, 2000
of St. George Maronite Catholic Church in San Antonio. After five years of working and
serving with you, I have come to realize how important this time is in our history. As we
begin the millennium, we continue to build on the past.
We recognize the many
Greetings to everyone ga thered to celebrate
'te
the 75th anniversary of St. ?eorge Maroni
Catholic Church of San Antonio.
sacrifices that were made by those who came before us. Their pioneering spirit, strength
and fortitude are their greatest gift to us. Whenever we enter the grounds and see our
church and beautiful surroundings, we must never forget those who made all this
possible.
.
f
lace of worship is
The anniversary O _a Pf 'th of a community.
a testament to the lasting ai . ds members of a
1
This faith is toget
a covhena~t
congregation
er in ;h:~i~t~ of fellowship.
My hope for our Church is that one day we will have a place for every
d don a great tradition
Our count:Y was fou~.e f ~edom he l ps to unite
of religious li?erty. fT·~~s ~nd creeds and gives
our
nationgroun
of ddivefrset
us common
or _of~rance and understanding
of others.
parishioner: children, youth, young adults, adults, and elderly- a place to pray, educate
and care for them.
At the same time we need to instill in them the same love and
commitment of strong Maronites that will carry this church far into the future.
. h
d freedom come with
Your pre?i~u~ ~ait ;~is cel ebration is a
great responsibilit i e~hat God's g i fts can be
reminder
of ~he our
ways o bl ig
' ation to he l p others.
used
to fulfill
I pray that God will bless us on this special occasion and continue to be the center
of our parish community.
Best wishes for a memorable ceremony and for
great success in the future.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
60?0Babcod< Ro,d • San Aatonio, Te>a'78240 • O ffice (21OJ 690-9569 • Cente, (21 OJ 696-593 7 • Fa, (21 OJ 690-5093
8
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
9
�..
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STATE OP TEXA S
OFFICE OF THE G OVERNOR
WHEREAS,
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 2000, ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC
CHURCH WILL BE OBSERVING THE 75TH ANNIVERSA RY Of ITS FOUNDING;
AND
WHEREAS,
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CHURCH WAS FOUNDED IN 1925 AT THE CORNER
Of PECOS AND WEST MARTLN STREETS TO SERVE THE MARONITE
COMMUNITY THAT LIVED WITHIN A SIX-BLOCK RADIUS OF THE CHURCH;
AND
WHEREAS,
OVER TH£ YEARS THE CHURCH EXPERIENCED RENOVATIONS AND
RELOCATIONS; THEN IN JUNE 1974, THE FIRST MASS WAS CELEBRATED
AT ITS PRESENT SITE ON BABCOCK ROAD; AND
WHEREAS,
THROUGHOUT ITS 75-YEAR HISTORY, ST. GEORGE MARONlTE CHURCH
HAS BEEN A STRONG SPIRITUAL FORCE IN OUR COMMUNITY STRIVING TO
EDUCATE AND TEACH THE RICHNESS OF THE MARONITE CATHOLIC
LITURGY AND TRADITIONS; AND
WHEREAS,
AS WE ENTER THE NEW MILLENNIUM, THE MEMBERS Of ST. GEORGE
MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAVE COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO
MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF DEFINING AND PRESERVING THEIR FAITH
AND TRADITION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Gl!ORGE W, BUSH
GOV~lt.NOR
September 11, 2000
Greetings to:
St George Maronite Catholic Church
Congratulations onyour 75'1' anniversary. This
October 29 service provides a great opportunity For
people to renew Friendships andreflect on threequarte:s ora century ormemories andservice to San
Antomo and Bexar County.
t
~
~ .'
The Lone Star State has a strong spiritual Foundation
Churches provide a place orworship andFellowship, .
anda place For Texans to strengthen their Faith. I ,
~o:,mendyou (~r hosting this gathering that brings
e -a.t.nese Families together to celebrateyour unique
h er, age andcustoms.
.I
~\
,)
I
LauraJoins me in sending best wishes For a
memorable celebration.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, HOWARD vi.. PEAK, MAYOR Of THE CITY Of SAN ANTONIO, ON
BEHALF OF A «aRATEFUL CITIZENRY, DO HEREBY EXTEND MY MOST
SINCERE CON«aRATULATIONS TO ST. «aEORQE MARONITE CATHOLIC
CHURCH, ITS PASTOR AND CON«aRE«aATION AS THEY CELEBRATE THIS
SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE I N THEIR CHURCH'S HISTORY.
Sincerely,
,L_
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY HAND AND
CAUSED THE SEAL Of THE CITY Of SAN A NTONIO TO BE
AFFIXED THIS 10TH DAY Of MARCH, 2000.
'RGEW. BUSH
HOWAiW W. PEAK
MAYOR
75th Anniversary
75th AnJ1iversal}'
11
��75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
By Richard J. Karam
The 75th Anniversary celebration of the St. George Parish, headed by Chairperson Jo Ann Andera,
commenced Sunday, October 29, 2000. Beginning with the Sunday liturgy at 11:00 a.m., the entire day was filled
with joy and emotions. Bishop John Chedid and Archbishop Patrick Flores joined Fathers John Al-Nahal,
Abdallah Zaidan, Milad Yaghi and Monsignor Alexander Wangler in celebrating the liturgy.
It was a grand liturgy with all Church organizations participating. Marching into the Church in procession
and in full regalia were the Knights of St. Gregory, the Parish Pastoral Council, the Stewardship Committee, the
Ladies Altar Society, the Holy Name Society, MYO, Scholarship Committee Chair, the Patriarchal Recognition
Awardist, Massabki Medalists, Order of St. Sharbel, Order of the Holy Sepulcher, Faith of The Mountain
Awardist, Bey Aleph Sorority and Ameleb Club representatives. Seven members of the Knights of Columbus
also attended. The Choir was in full strength and the reverberations of the melodies and importance of the
occasions brought tears to the eyes of many.
After the liturgy and following the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Activity Center, the guests,
numbering over 600, were escorted to the Grand Hall for a full course Lebanese dinner prepared by the loving
hands of Amira Andera, the Ladies Altar Society and the ladies of the Parish. The audience listened to the
American National Anthem, sung by parishioner Jennifer Felan, and the Lebanese National Anthem, sung by
parishioners and cousins, Deborah Mery Fernandez and Yvette Mery Haase.
Thereafter, speeches were made by Archbishop Patrick Flores, Bishop John Chedid, and Father John AlNahal. Master of Ceremonies, Richard Karam, gave the past history of the parish while George Mery spoke of
the present, and Jamal Tawil gave the vision for the future. In between the speeches, the audience was
entertained by the Ambassadors of Lebanon Dance Troupe directed by Deborah Mery Fernandez. After the
raffle which awarded five sets of gold coin collections, the crowd was entertained to the music of Paul El-Bayeh
and A. J. Imad. Photographs were taken and the guests were given a memorial bookmark featuring the design
of the first Maronite Church in San Antonio against the backdrop of the present Church, as a memento of the
occasion.
In his speech to the audience, Archbishop Patrick Flores said that he was pleased w ith the accomplishments
of the Parish over the years... and that there was one thing that he would ask of our Parish:
"Don't let the customs and traditions of your culture die. One of the
greatest things you can hand to your children and to your grandchildren is your
heritage, your foods, your traditions, your dance" ... it has been a beautiful thing
to see the growth take place with your Parish, from the small building downtown
to your present extraordinary facilities .... and in addition to your buildings, you
have preserved your spirituality. Cong ratulations. "
Archbishop Flores was followed by Bishop Chedid who then rose to speak and posed this question to
the audience:
15
75th Anniversary
�11
What are these traditions we seek to preserve? First and foremost, there is the
common denominator of our belief, for there is no tradition that is not grounded in a faith
and belief Then there is the concept ofhome and family which is unique to the history of
our people. The authority of the man of the house, and the value and cooperation of our
women. The closeness ofour households, the hospitality that permits our doors to be open
to every wanderer, and a bed by night for the homeless. All of these attributes make up
the undefinable things that account for our culture."
As we continue with our plans for the future, Richard Karam reminded the guests of the words of writer
and philosopher John Ruskin:
"Therefore when we build, let us
think that we build forever.
Let it not be for the present delight,
nor for the present use alone.
Let it be such work as our descendants
will thank us for:
Our Pastor Father John Al-Nahal, h aving been born, raised and educated in Lebanon, and having been
transported across the world to serve the parish ioners of St. George, extolled the virtues of the Parish and of his
homeland when addressing the audience:
"And let us think, as we lay stone on stone ..
That the time has come when those stones will
be held sacred because our hands touched them ...
And that men will say as they look upon the labor
and wrought substance of them ...
See what our fathers did for us."
"I Left my family, my friends and my country and came to the United States as a
young priest with a lot of dreams. All I brought with me was my faith, the faith of the
mountains."
Father Jo~ told the audience ~hat his faith had grown while working with the parish of St. George, whether it
be c.ele~ratmg the mass, wor~mg on the grounds, or cooking with the ladies. As he was leaving to visit his
family m Lebanon the followmg week, Father John said that although he misses his family deeply, he knows
that once he leaves for Lebanon, he would miss the parishioners of St. George also.
The Saint George community is proud to be part of the Maronite progeny, its history, and the long fruitful
struggle to gain a foothold of existence and recognition in the New World.
"I have two homes, two families, two worlds of existence: one in Lebanon and the
othe~ with the parishioners of St. George." I believe in you, and this is why my faith
contmue~ to grow each day. I thank each one of you personally for all the
accomphshments we have realized."
Little does Father John know that h
f h
· ·
O
accomplished rece t1
d th p . he was o~e
t e guidmg forces for many of these things that have been
n Yan
e ans owes him a great debt of gratitude.
George Mery, President of the Pa t I C
. .
s ora ounc11, m addressing the guests at the gath ering said:
"To those of you who have ·
h·
.
given t LS commwuty 50 - 75 years of your lives
we can never adequately thank you Wi
·11 l
.
...
talents y
. h
.
e Wt a ways cherish your devotion, time and
.. . ou are t e reason we are here t d t
l b
o• yo
d
h
o ay o ce e rate our 75th Anniversary.I To all
'J
u un er t e age of 25 please ac t h . [
Activity Center} as a t
.'
cep t ts our Church, our history and the new
s eppmg-stone to help you cont .
t
and to foster our her·ta
A dfi
mue o preserve our Maronitefaith
1
ge. n or God's sake ple
h b
children.. • an"l
the,·r chL'Idren as wefl.
'
ase pass t e aton on to your own
"
11
Jamal Tawil, Chairman of the Stewardshi C
.
th
e past and envisioning the future. H e sa1.d~. omrmttee, recalled the parable of the talents when reflectingv on
,,It strikes me how well our forefather.. h
.
years ago, St. George Ma
.
.
:s ave done Wtth the talents given them. 75
romte pansh started with th t l
if
.
on North Pecos Street abid' fi . h
e a ents o a $7,500 piece ofproperty
·
'
mg att , perseverance a t
L1111que and strong sense oif 'd 1· u,
'
rue sense of community, and a
t en tty. vve have grown f'rom 50fi ·1·
$7
a ,500 piece ofproperty to
. . .
J'
amt tes to 250 families -from
I .
. .
a mu1llmtllwn dollar con I - .,,
111
ee. Our v1s1onfor thefiutu . fi
zp ex - Jrom one mass on Sunday to
re ts to oster and mult' l h
l
tp Y t e ta ents of our forefathers."
16
17
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversar)'
�75thJu6ifee _ Cefe6rating tlu Liturgy
Cefe6rating the Liturgy
.....
+
+
>fc
~
>l'
>l4 ,,,
~
,J,
1·~ ~
,-J-
19
18
75th Anniversary
75th Anni17ersarJ'
�75th Ju6ifee 'Brunch
75thJubilee fJ3runch
20
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversar)'
21
�75thJu6ike 'Brunch
75th Ju6ike CJ3runcfz.
22
23
75th AnJ1iversar)'
75th Anniversary
�75tfi Jubifee 'Bruncfi
75th Ju6ifee :Brunch
24
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
25
�75thJubifee
27
26
75th Anniversal!
�ACTIVITY CENTER GROUND BREAKING
By Richard J. Karam
Sunday, October 29, 2000, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Activity Center took place in conjunction with the 75th
Anniversary of the Parish. A distinguished array of Ground Breakers took part in the ceremony, each representing and symbolizing
an important aspect of our history and community:
His Excellency John G. Chedid, Bishop of the Eparchy Of Our Lady Of Lebanon, our Father, the guardian and protector of the
Maronite Faithful in San Antonio, under whose direction and authority we stand to dedicate the new Activity Center.
His Excellency Patrick Flores, Archbishop of the Archdiocese Of San Antonio, Godfather of our parish and community, whose care,
love and support has been indispensable over the years.
Father John Al-Nahal, Pastor and the leader of our St. George Maronite Church and community, whose guidance, dedication and
hard work has borne the fruit of our accomplishments.
The Honorable Ed Garza, Councilman for the City of San Antonio, District 7, whose friendship and support in secular matters has
been of prime importance to our Parish.
Mr. George Mery, President of the Pastoral Council, whose selfless work, along with the other members of the Council, has
provided stability and continuity for Parish functions and affairs.
•
Mr. Jamal Tawil, Chairman of the Stewardship Committee, whose careful analysis and astute business knowledge, along with the
other members of the Committee, has provided financial stability, long-term planning and growth for our Parish.
Mrs. Jackie Hull, President of the Ladies Altar Society, who, along with its members, are the internal light, spirit and center of our
Parish, who provide for the Altar, the Pastor, the Church and the Parish at large.
Mr. Solomon Karam, Jr., President of
the Holy Name Society, whose Society has
kept the spiritual essence of Christianity at
the forefront of its existence.
Mrs.
Salwa
Kirkes,
our
senior
Parishioner, who is a living symbol of the
Maronite nation's
determination
and
tenacity to survive and flourish, and to pass
its traditions and legacy to our youth.
Ms.
Azizi
Jeanine
Van
Delden,
President of the MYO, the youth of our
Parish, who will inherit the past, enjoy the
present and especially the Activity Center
that has been dedicated, and who w ill lead
the future generations of our Parish.
75th Anniversary
=--
29
�.9Lctivitg Center (jrountf6reakjng
.9Lctivity Center (jrounabreaKjng
75th AnniveNfl
75th Anniversary
31
�c)LIC
'32
75th Annire~
�PAST AND PRESENT CLERGY OF
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
San Antonio, Texas
By Father John Al-Nahal and Cecilia Mery
0
ver the years St. George has been blessed with faithful and
devoted servants of God. We wish to acknowledge these men at
this special occasion with our deepest gratitude.
Most Reverend Francis M. Zayek
Bishop of the Eparchy of St Maron of Brooklyn 1966 -1996
Maronite Archbishop of the United States
[Retired 1996]
Most Reverend Stephen Hector Doueihi
Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn
1996
Most Reverend John G. Chedid
Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
1994 - Retired 2001
Fr. George Aziz
Pastor
1925 - 1930
75th Anniversary
Fr. Elias Nagem
Pastor
1930 - 1939
Fr. Anthony Dahdah
Pastor
1939 - 1946
Msgr. Alexander
Wangler
Acting Pastor
1946 -1948
35
�Chorbishop John
Trad
Pastor
1948 -1967
Msgr. Assad Awad
Asst. Pastor
1964 -1964
Fr. Neh matallah ElHayek
Asst. Pastor
1967 -1967
Fr. Wlademer
Akekee
Pastor
1967 -1974
Fr. George P.
George
Asst. Pastor
1983 -1985
Fr. Assaad ElBacha, M.L.M.
Asst. Pastor
1996 -1998
Other Religious Personnel
who served St. George
Msgr. Bernard C.
Khachan
Pastor
1974 -1977
1985-1987
Fr. Abdallah E.
Zaidan, M.L.M.
Pastor
1990-1994
36
Msgr. Jam es J.
Khoury
Pastor
1977 -1985
Fr. Milad Yaghi,
M.L.M.
Asst. Pastor
1991-1993
Fr. Hares
Zagheib
Asst. Pastor
1984-1985
Fr. Marwan E.
Tabet, M .L.M.
Pastor
1994 -1996
Most Rev. Stephen
Hector Doueihi
Pastor
1987 -1989
Fr. John Al-Nahal,
M.L.M.
Pastor
1995 -present
Subdeacon
Raymond E.
Casillas
1996
Sister Monica
Gorman, SND +
Nun since 1935
1981-1985
Brother Gerard
Trottier
1982-1985
37
75th Anniversary
�39
75th Anniversary
38
75th Anniversary
�CONGREGATION OF MARONITE LEBANESE MISSIONARIES
By Father John Al-Nahal
The Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries (C.M.L.M.) was founded at the monastery of Kreim- Gh
(Mountain of Lebanon), in the year 1865. This foundation was the result of relentless efforts of Father John Habib,\:~
later became Bishop, and numerous dedicated priests. The founding fathers wanted the members of the congr .
egation
to walk the way towards perfection, to work for the spiritual welfare of others, to preach the Gospel, to warn, ide
counsel and educate for the Glory of God. The C.M.L.M. is under Patriarchal jurisdiction, which means it is und~ th,
authority of the patriarch and enjoys special consideration from the Patriarch and Bishops.
e
. T~e C.M.L.~. grew and . "the people started_ coming to see the missionaries, seeking assistance, counseling and
I1sterung to their talks and gmdance. Then the pnests went all over Lebanon preaching and hearing confess1ons
· ...and
the people loved them and respected their way" (from the Founder's notes) .
The Congregation commits itself to the task of missionary work because "We are in need of missionary projects,'
a~ Father Stephen Kozah, one of the founders of the Congregation and its first Superior General repeated man ti
Bishop John Habib's wish when he addressed the first members offers a good summary of the ~ongregation/go::
"The best thing for me is that I see you before my death spread as Jesus' disciples around
th e worlcl and the Ea st, proclaiming the 'Good News', tolerating the need, persecution, and death
out of love for the One who shed His blood for us. (Hebrews 11:26) ... that God would do
whatever He likes in us.
11
The Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missio
· ·
·
·
in the East or the West w·th t h . .
nanes is a community workmg to announce the Gospel anywhere
1 ou
es1tation or delay.
The formation of the Congregation is founded on as 0 I'
.
. .
. .
.
major centers foster and prepa e f tu
. .
.
id education, human, sp1ntual and rmss10nary practices. Its
r u re m1ss10nanes of the o d
Th ·
1· •
.
. .
.
formation prepare them to be "sh
.
r er.
eir re 1g10us, educational, rmss10nary and priestly
eep among wolves" m th
·d
f h
.
the commitment of the believers.
e rru st O t e world, seeking the repentance of sinners and
The Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionarie
.
.
Maronites are present.
s exiSt s today m Lebanon and around the world where the
LEBANON
*Operate National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon
.
.
*Monastery of Kreim-Ghosta the M th H
, Hanssa, Journeh, Lebanon, since 1908
*
,
o er- ouse
* Convent of John the Apostle, Jounieh
Apostles College in Jounieh - School from Ele
.
*Monastery of Deliverance in M
b
mentary to H igh School grades
*
ayrou a
Maronite Orphanage and Cadmus Coll
. T
School grades
ege m yre - School from Elementary to High
*In addition, there is an orphanage and h I
*Printing press: used for the liturgic I s~ o~. ~der construction in Edde, Batroun
*Publication of "Al Manara" ("Th L~ hanh re 1g1ous publications of the Patriarch and others
e Ig t ouse") wh· h ·
from a scientific approach
IC IS a magazine discussing religious topics
*As custom and tradition, one of the Congregation fathers gives the annual retreat for the
Patriarch and Bishops
*Pentecost 1981: The Congregation opened a radio station called "The Voice of Charity" which
still broadcasts today to Lebanon and many neighboring countries
*The Congregation is in charge of the spiritual direction for the Holy Family Maronite Nuns
All of these places in Lebanon are centers in the service of the gospel, the church and the society.
UNITED STATES
*Around 1920, Father Youssef Kmeid and Father Boulos Khoury came to the United States
and served the par ishes in Cleveland and Akron. Father Kmeid died June 29, 1952, on the
celebration of his 50th Anniversary to the priesthood.
*September 1988: Father Abdallah Zaidan and Father Marwan Tabet came to the United
States for post-graduate studies
*January 1990: Archbishop Francis M . Zayek, after consulting with the Superior General,
assigned Fr. Abdallah Zaidan to St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio, Texas
*Summer 1990: Archbishop Francis M. Zayek ventured to establish a community in Houston
and Fr. Abdallah Zaidan was assigned to serve the community and prepare it for establisment
*October 1990: Fr. Marwan Tabet was assigned to administrate to the Our Lady of Lebanon
Mission in Dallas, Texas
*March 1991: Agreement signed between Archbishop Francis M. Zayek (Diocese of St. Maron) and
Superior General Philip Yazbek (Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries) to serve the
parishes of San Antonio, Dallas and Houston which was modified in December 1993 to grant the
Congregation a 99-year covenant in Houston to insure constant stability
*November 1991: Fr. Milad Yaghi was assigned to administrate to the mission in Houston
*November 1992: The community of Our Lady of Lebanon, Dallas, Lewisville,Texas purchased a church
building on a
3.5 acre-tract subject to development
*December 1992: Our Lady of the Cedars, Houston purchased a five- acre tract, and erected a church
building and parish facilities.
*January 1993: Fr. Marwan Tabet left Our Lady of Lebanon, Dallas (Lewisville, Texas) for mission work in South
Africa and Fr. Abdallah Zaidan served as administrator until the forthcoming appointee arrived.
* August 1993: Fr. Fadi Tabet joined Our Lady of the Cedars Mission in Houston to assist Fr. Milad
Yaghi
*August 1993: Fr. Andre Estephan became the administrator of the parish in Dallas
*May 1994: Fr. Marwan Tabet returned to the United States to serve as Pastor of St. George
Maronite Catholic Church in San Antonio effective September 1, 1994
*Fr. Abdallah Zaidan was assigned by Bishop John Chedid as the first Rector of the Cathedral of Our
Lady of Mount Lebanon of Los Angeles, California effective June 23, 1994
*1995: Fr. John Al-Nahal came to the United States and was assigned as Assistant Pastor of St. George
Maronite Church in San Antonio
*1996: Fr. John Al-Nahal assigned to serve as Pastor at St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio
*1996: Fr. Assaad El-Bacha assigned as assistant pastor of St. George and later transferred to Our Lady Of
Lebanon, Lewisville, Texas as its pastor
*1997: Fr. John Al-Nahal developed the web page for St. George
*1998: Fr. John Al-Nahal graduated from St. Mary's University obtaining a Master's Degree in
Catholic School Leadership with Honors
40
41
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�*2000: Celebration of St. George Maronite Catholic Church at San Antonio, Texas 75th Anniv~rsary
*2000: Fr. John Al-Nahal began Doctorate of Ministry Program at Oblate School of Theology m San
Antonio, Texas.
OTHER COUNTRIES
*Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mission established in 1901 includes a parish, a college, a printing press
and the publishing of their own journal in Arabic and Spanish
*In 1931 a mission was set up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
*In 1931 a mission was also set up in Johannesburg, South Africa and during 1991 another church was
established on the northern side of that same city
*In 1993 one parish was started in Australia
All of these places become a second home for the Maronites as well as for the Lebanese in general. These centers
are a place to renew their Maronite Catholic beliefs and their Lebanese traditions and heritage.
Since its inception, the Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries has been faithful to the rules of
evangelical poverty. The Congregation continues to sow the seeds of the Gospel throughout the world, firmly
convinced of humanity's need for their services. Their "success is based upon (their) convictions," and they continue
to serve Jesus as disciples who spread the Good News from the mountains of Lebanon to the four corners of the world.
(From the archives of the Founder).
42
75th AnJlive~
�PAST AND PRESENT CHURCHES AND RECTORIES
By Cecilia Mery
St. George Maronite Church
426 North Pecos Street and Martin Street
Dedicated on September 25, 1932
75th Anniversary
45
�The Garage Church
St. George Maronite Church
The First Church on 6070 Babcock Road
1974 -1980
Rebuilt at 501 North Frio and Morales Streets
Completed 1952
Dedicated May 14, 1958
The Red Rectory
Church Hall
and
Upstairs Rectory _ 1958
1974 -1976
46
75th AnJ1iver.<ll'
75th Anniversary
47
�New Rectory
9103 Maggie Court
St. George Maronite Church
6070 Babcock Road
Dedicated October 19, 1980
Back View of the Rectory
(Rectory is adjacent to Church Property)
Former Recto
Now Utilized as the Ch hryB .
urc u s1ness Office
48
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
49
��HISTORY OF
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CHURCH
1925 - 2000
By Richard J. Karam
"Look To The Past, To Appreciate The Present And To Envision The Future"
Preface
Our Past has been both eventful and glorious. We at St. George practice our Catholicism in the rich traditions
of the ancient Antiochene Eastern Rite. As Maronites, we cherish the thought that Jesus and his apostles walked the
lands of Lebanon and preached to its inhabitants. And of course, we pride ourselves with the knowledge that our
patron saint, Maron, one of the first open-air ascetics of the Christian monastic movement, received his Christian
training in Antioch, in ancient Syria, one of the greatest Christian centers of all time. Indeed, the brand of Catholicism
we practice at St. George has been directly imported by our immigrant forefathers from the d istant shores of Lebanon.
Although a significant migration of Maronites from the shores of Lebanon occurred after the Crusaders were
forced to leave the Holy Land in the 13th century, the greatest migration of all time occurred at the turn of the 19th
century, following years of turmoil and severe depravation under the Ottoman Turks.
This exodus at the turn of the century is indeed a unique phenomena of historic proportions. The facts are
staggering: according to U.S. immigration statistics, from 1900 until the beginning of WWI in 1914, an estimated
100,000 persons (or 25% of its population) left Mount Lebanon for America.
When Peter Saleh, Larry Karam,
and I visited our ancestral Village,
Mazraat El Toufat, in 1997, the old
timers told us the story of my grandfather, Dieb's, departure. Several young
men from the Village had returned after
a 2-3 year stay in the United States and
they described it as a frontier with an
abundance of opportunity ... as peddlers' they were making three times the
average American wage, a small fortune by
Lebanese
standards.
Influenced by these stories, my grandfaVillage of Mazraat El Toufat
ther, his wife, and seven other young
.
.
men from the Village decided to leave for America in 1907. Theda~ came for their d~partu~e. As they l~ft the Village
on foot, Dieb's father, Becos Elias Karam, following slowly behind, call~d out his sons name while_ ~h~ group
descended the mountain toward Tripoli, where they would embark on a ship.... he woul? repeatedly y~ll._ Dieb, call
my name". And Dieb would call back "Papa, Papa, I hear you". As they drifted out of sight he yelled Dieb_ call my
name one more time, for I know this w ill be the last time I will hear your voice". When the group was out of sig_ht and
Becos could no longer hear his son's voice, he prostrated himself to the ground and :"ept. That was the last time he
saw h.1s son or h eard his v01ce.
·
sa d d epart u res li"ke this were repeated thousand of. times. at the turn of the .19th century as the sons and daughters of Lebanon, our grandparents and relatives, left their native land for a new life.
53
75th Anniversary
�Immigration To San Antonio, Texas
First Maronite Priest, Reverend George Aziz,
And the Founding Church Members
It is believed that Michael Sfair and Challita Shaheen
were the first Maronites to arrive in San Antonio in 1883. Other
early immigrants were Elias Abdo, 1885 and his sons, Joe Abdo
(and wife Sofia) and Elias Abdo, 1895; Kaisar Yamin, 1890, Assef
and Mariam Karam, 1895; Annie Swia Casseb and sons, Solomon
and George Casseb, 1901.
Kaisar Yamin
. By the early 1920's, a sizeable Syrian and Lebanese
Mar~rnte co~unity was well rooted within a one-mile radius of
Martm and Fno Streets on San Antonio's near west side.
The sp~ritual needs of these immigrants were administered at the time by the Claretian Fathers of San Fernando
Cathedral or the Oblate Fathers of St. Mary's Parish downto
It was n~t until 1925 that the Maronite community had
opportunity to establish their own church.
7~
On January 20, 1925, Reverend George Aziz, a native of
Lebanon, stopped over in San Antonio on his way back to
Birmingham, Alabama, after visiting his brother in Mexico. Father
Aziz had been a citizen of the United States for many years and had
successfully established Maronite parishes in Buffalo, N. Y., Scranton,
Pennsylvania, and Birmingham, Alabama. After visiting with the
immigrant community in San Antonio, he was asked to stay and
serve as their priest. To the community's delight, Father Aziz
consented, subject to the approval of the Roman Catholic Bishop, the
Most Reverend A. J. Drossaerts.
The first meeting of the local Maronites took place at the
Catholic Women's House of the Diocese, where an 11-member committee was selected to visit the Bishop and make the request for
Father Aziz to serve as their Maronite priest: Chairman Solomon
Casseb, Kaisar Yamin, secretary, Mike Shalhoub, treasurer, George
Jamail, Wadih Cattan, George Joseph, Mariam Jowdy, Salim Boutros,
Rashid Ablan, Yousef Andera, and Antoun Sakr.
Solomon, Annie and George Casseb
Tuesday, February 3, 1925, a second meeting of the Maronites
was held to joyously announce Bishop Drossaerts' approval. At that
meeting the excited and energized committee raised the funds to pay
Father Aziz a salary of $100 a month, and Solomon Casseb advanced
six months' rent for his residence until money could be collected to
buy land for a church and a rectory. Before the meeting was over, the
amount of $2,055 was pledged, w ith Solomon Casseb and his mother,
Annie, promising they would match every dollar donated. In the
interim and while awaiting the acquisition of a church and rectory, the
Maronite mass was celebrated by Father Aziz in the Santa Rosa
Infirmary Chapel every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Elias and wife Helen S . Ab
Sol
wia do; Helen's sister Ja il El'
omon Casseb, Sr. (son of Annie S . ~me y; ias Adbo (son of Elias and Helen)·
wia asseb, sister to Helen and Jameily)
'
75th Anniversary
George Joseph
(George Yousseph Daher)
75th Anniversary
Solomon Casseb
Mariam (fawde)
Jowdy
Salim (Boutros)
Battros
Yousef Andera
Antoun (Sakr) Sacre
~
55
/
·V~J3
�First Maronite Church, Pecos and Martin Street
By July_ 1925, the committee found the property at 426 North Pecos Street at th
c?r~er of Martm Street, containing a small two-story frame building with gray clapboarl
s1dmg. The prop_er~y was purchased for $7,500, $3,000 cash and the balance of $4,500 on
a note to be repaid m 18. months. The first floor served as the Church, whi·le th e second
fl oor was use d as t h e pnest's rectory.
. _ . So beginning in July 1925, the Maronite mass, incorporating the language of Christ
m its liturgy, w~uld be celebrated in San Antonio. St. George Maronite Church would b
the only Maromte Church to exist in the southwestern United States for a period f e
years.
o 53
The first parishioners of the new Church, according to the Churc h roster, were:
:t
Assad Estephan Salloum El Ri a h lb h.
Fares Eid, Rashid Kabalan, Azar M~~lo:f
~m Fares Dahrouj~,- Salim Boutros, Elias
Dagher, Barbara Ibrahim Dahroujj, Mary and Ab;:ir hGJeorge N~Jlb El Jamail: Hanna
LaHood, Wadih LaHood Sarki·s M
v
a awde, Eid Karam, Zaitar Said
,
aroun .1ou sseph Ka
w d "h N .
Nassour, Yousseph Najm, George You;se h D
ram, a I . ass1f, Hanna Ghaleb
Yousseph Sada and children Ge
R hp
ah e:1', Estephan Zame, George Andera
Melhem Tannous Semaan B,ouh~drge Ba ayem, Mike Chalhoub, Antoun Tannos Sak~
1
outros Nakhle W hb K ·
'
Yousseph,_ Lawoon' El Khoury, Salimar,
Cattan and
. e e, a1sar Yamin, Kareem
Shokre Michael, Semaan and Boutros Att 11 h son, Manam Georges, Gerges Kabalan,
Deeb El Hajj, Mariam EI Helou M . a y,a , Fodlallah Bou Jawde, Shah een Shaheen
Moussa, Yousseph Tannous Ib , h " an!m ousseph Ghaleb, Khalil Sheeb1e Nasrallah
N ·
'
ra 1m 1annous Sa b y,
'
aim Menhem, Sallim Ghaleb Yous
h H
a , ousseph Beshara and brothers
Hanna Semaan, Assad El Deek N sep B anna Elias and brother, Assad Yousseph,
Eddeek, and Elias EI Amshetee. , assour rothers, Yousseph H anna Yousseph, Assad
First St. George Maroni te Church
426 North Pecos and Martin
1938 Southern Federation Convention
Dedication of the First St G
. eorge Maronite Church Septemb
25 19
er
,
32
George (Rahayem)
For almost six
F
h
h
years, at er George Aziz •ct
Rahaim
ouse on North Pecos Street while livi
h sa1 mass on the first floor of the framed
the construction of a
h
ng on t e second floor. Even th
h h
.
his place at th
new c urch on that site, Father Aziz w t
f oug _t e community was poised to launch
Maronite,Patria:c;quest of Archbishop Drossaerts, The Sac:d ~ns erred ~n 1931 and F~ther Elias Nagem took
.
ongregat10n for the Onenta1 Church, and the
Upon Father Nagem's arrival c
.
was again prompted b th
.' on struct10n for the new Church b
.
.
..
new building Th
y e generosity of Annie Casseb and h
egan. The fmancmg for the new facility
The total cost.to b~i~de;_;hurch was built at the same site on ~:;~npSolomon, wh? pledged $10,000 toward the
ing" individual bricks to f ~~w Church_was $13,000. The parishione ec_os and d edicated on September 25, 1932.
who designed in ty ical ~ o~ Maromtes and others. The architec/s raised the money to retire the debt by "sellhieroglyphics chisel~d . L ebditerranean style, a gold-colored
. fdor the new Church was Leo M. J. Dielmann,
C
m e anon Th b ·1d·
mosaic ome and c t t
h
h
.
asseb serving as General Ch . ·
e ui mg was constructed b V
u_ -s one arc way wit Aramaic
airman of the Building Committee. Y · Falbo & Guido Contractors, with Solomon
The new facility was a source of great pride to the parish. In 1938, the Amesyr Fraternity of San Antonio,
organized on March 21, 1935, and the Bey Aleph Club, organized in the late 1920's -- both of which were auxiliary
secular organizations of the St. George Maronite community and members of the Southern Federation of SyrianLebanon Clubs -- sponsored the 7th annual convention of the Federation in San Antonio. The Amesyr Fraternity had
sponsored the soft ball tournament annually for the Federation, but that year, in order to assure that the convention
would be flawless, President Ed Cattan and Treasurer Paul Mery enlisted the Just Friends Club of Victoria not only
to join the Federation as a member club, but also to host the annual soft ball tournament. Following the successful
convention events, on Sunday, September 4, 1938, the members of the Southern Federation celebrated Mass at St.
George Maronite Church with Fr. Nagem officiating.
Death of Father Elias Nagem, 1939
Ten months later, June 29, 1939, Father Elias Nagem passed away after months of illness. An estimated two hundred Maronites attended his funeral at St. George. Father Nagem was buried at the San Fernando Catholic Cemetery.
For a brief period the Rev. Father Marcus A Valenta, Pastor of San Francesco Di Paola, administered to the needs of the
parish. That same year, Father Anthony Dahdah from Lebanon was appointed to fill the position and he served the
parish for seven years until he was reassigned in 1946. Father Alexander C. Wangler was appointed interim priest for the
parish for almost two years until another priest could be sent from Lebanon. On September 23, 1947, Father John Trad
from Barhalyon, Becharrie District of North Lebanon, was appointed pastor, but he would not arrive until the beginning
of the year.
56
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
57
�~
JNIQI
lilrl,
.....
~=
fcdcraim cl 5)1iin & ~ A.'n<rlan Ouh,
· \1 ( ~ M.lronltrOuirth•X·pccmbtH 19.\1!
"
Southern Federation Convention
Members Attend Mass at
St. George Maronite Church
September 4, 1938
(Identifiable Persons From Left to Right)
Dieb Becos Karam, Jim Nami, Saleemi Abdo, Joe Battros, George Fadal, Mr. Hallet, Jimmy Rizik, Edmond D. Karam, Henry Hallet,
Paul K. Mery, Sr., Rosie Mery, Henry Guerra, Jr., Saleem Battros, Toufic Faour, Najib Rizik, Julia D. Karam, Marsha Kouri Karam, Louis
Yamin, Julia Sfair, Edward Battros, Paul Andry, Elizabeth Monsour Battros, Eva Karam Andry, Janie Karam Andry, Gloria Yamin
Benson, Angela Aoudi, Elias Mery, Louis Karam, Mr. George Rahaim, Said Karam, Virginia Curry, Ibrahim Dahrooge, Margaret Abdo
Karam, Mary Yamin, George Yamin, Mike Sfair, George Sfair, Solomon Karam, Margaret Andry Karam, Genevieve Karam, Mitchell
Battros, Mrs. Sada, Joe LaHood, Father Nagem, Elias Becos Karam, Mike Karam, Mary Mery Karam, Hope Monsour Estefan,
Esperanza Matta Mery, Francis A "Frank" Mery, George K. Mery, Edward K. Mery, Sam Sacre, Jamille Jitani, Louis Mery, Sada Mery,
Sara Sacre, Maria Mery, Janie Mery Ashmore, Elaine Nicholas Lieck, Malvina Karam, Josephine Curry Karam, Najm Mery, Anastasia
Battros, Kalil Mery, Karim Mery, Tarrouze Zina, Sam Yanun, Emil Sacre, Philip K. Yam.in, Rajoon LaHood, Mariam Jowdy, Joe Andera,
Rose Shalhoub, Mrs. Farris, Leon Curry, Afife Rashed Wassof, and Emil Ablan.
~
g.
i.
!
~
g.
[
<
(I)
;;i
!))
~
Funeral Mass For Father Elias Nagem
June 26, 1939
~
�First Relocation Of The Church
When Father Trad arrived in San Antonio in early 1948, he came at
a critical time in the Church's history. The parish had just learned that the
Church building on North Pecos would have to be relocated, as the site
was located in the path of the newly proposed IH 35 Expressway. Not
only lacking funds to rebuild, the parishioners were also divided on the
issue of a new site, half of them favoring relocation in the same neighborhood on North Frio and Morales Streets, and the other half favoring a site on
San Pedro Avenue.
After many meetings held by the dedicated Father Trad, the motion
to rebuild the Church on Frio Street was put to a vote. Church records
reflect that 38 favored the relocation to Frio Street, while 39 opposed.
Because of the close vote, the final decision was presented to Archbishop
Robert E. Lucey in a letter request dated October 26, 1951, signed by Father
Trad, Solomon Casseb, Solomon Sfair and Edward Karam. When the
Arc~b~shop decided in favor of the Frio Street location, many unhappy
pansh10ners strayed away from the Church for a number of years.
First Patriarchal Visit
On September 20, 1962, His Beatitude Paul Peter Meouchi, Patriarch of Antioch and The East for the Maronite
Church, made a historic voyage from Bkerke, Lebanon, to the United States. It was the first official visit by a Maronite
Patriarch to this country, to visit, among others, his parishioners in San Antonio. Patriarch Meouchi was accompanied by
Bishop Antonios Peter Khoraiche, his Vicar at the time. In preparation for this historic visit Msgr. Trad formed a committee headed by George Casseb and George Mery to arrange visits with local civil and military officials and authorities.
Monsignor Trad hosted the official delegation and introduced His Beatitude to these local officials and authorities. The high
point during the visit was a trip to the LBJ Ranch near Johnson City, where Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson
welcomed the Patriarch.
Second Church Completed 1952 Dedicated 1958
After the land was acquired at 501 North Frio Street, the old Church
on North Pecos Street was torn down and the materials moved to North Frio
Street. The Church was then rebuilt brick by brick at the corner of Frio and
Morales
Streets. .The
. 1mann, were
d
. plans. of the original architect, Leo M • J. D1e
use and the ongmal builder, Guido Brothers Construction Company, was
used as we_ll. New bricks had to be purchased for the exterior of th: new
Church while the old bricks, chipped in the tear down, were used behind the
new ones;.the old structural steel, the old front facade, the altar, and the tile
roof were incorporated into the new Church E
C
· xcept for new terrazzo floors
ms~ad of wood floors), the new Church was identical to the original Church
on orth Pecos Street. After its completion in 1952 the Ch h
d d.
cated on May 14, 1958, by Archbishop Lucy.
,
urc was e Iharder :lr:::~o:~r:f ~y dissension, the fl~u~dering parish was struck even
y
he actual move. Ongmally estimated at $100 000 th
move cost the congregation an additional $54 000 b
f
,
' e
age during transit.
'
ecause o structural damTraveling from o~e- city to the other, asking Maronites to donate th
_
Second _St. George Maronite Church
th
lin e ~eces
Rebuilt at 501 North Frio Street
St. George. The Ladies Altar 5oc· ty h
d
.
as e trave g pnest of
ie
e1pe to sustam Fathe 1J d h O
.
needs. Trmes were hard but somehow by th
fG
r ra ' w was barely able to meet his own monthly financial
•
'
'
e
grace
o
od
and
th
·
tl
·
through this difficult period.
e sam Y patience of Father Trad, the Church managed
Patriarchal visit to Fort Sam Houston, September 23, 1962
sary funds to pay the deficit, Father Trad became known
Msgr. John Trad, A Local Dignitary, Rt._ Re_v. Stephen A_. Leven, Aux. B_ishop of San Antonio,
His Beatitude Paul Peter Meouch1, Bishop Antoruos Peter Khora1che,
Second Row: Paul Andry, Sr., Father Krug, George Mery, Edward Mery, Gerious Mery
Back Row: Frank Mery, Paul Casseb and George Casseb
First Row:
61
60
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Second Relocation of the Church to Babcock Road
When Monsignor Trad was reassigned to Australia in 1966, he was succeeded for a year by Father
Nehmatallah El-Hayek. Father Wlademer Akekee was then transferred to St. George, and when he arrived on
November_2, _1967, he was presented with a major crisis facing the parish: the impending condemnation of the
Church, this time by the Urban Renewal Agency. On January 6, 1968, the parish held a general meeting to discuss
the predicament, and most all the families attended. All agreed that unity was critical; that site selection and raising
funds for a new location were primary; th at a hall would need to be built first to help raise money, and then church
construction would follow.
A number of sites were considered and, although many
Lebanese families moved to north side residential neighborhoods
by the 1960's, a few parishioners were unhappy w ith the selection
of the site on Babcock Road. Many thought the site was too large
and too far from the central city. In addition to these problems, the
cost of building a new church, compounded by inflation, seemed
once more, an impossible task. The land on Babcock, comprising
15.4 acres, was purchased on March 15, 1974 for $195,000.
With a small house on the newly acquired Babcock Road
property to serve as a rectory, and an old garage converted to serve
as the Church, the parish greeted its n ew pastor, Reverend Bernard
Khachan, in 1974. When taken to the property where he would
live, Father Khachan thought he had been condemned to the farthest outpost on the Texas plains. Nonetheless, from the ashes of
the old parish arose a new beginning and a reborn community
responded to the "we can do it" call of Father Khachan.
Patriarch Paul Peter Meouchi_and Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson at the LBJ Ranch
with St. George parishioners
Magic Is The Night
It was also during Father Trad's
tenure, assisted then for a short time by the
Reverend Assad Awad and Nehmatallah ElHayek, that the parish would kick off a much
needed annual fund raiser. At the behest of
th~ four-member Board of Trustees -- comprised of Ralph N. Karam (Finance Director)
Morris D. Karam, Edward K. Mery and
G~orge K. Mery -- Ralph N. Karam conceived the idea of holding an annual
Lebanese festival_ to be sponsored by the St.
George community. The idea was quickly
sup~orted by th~ Ladies Altar Society.
Carne Karam, Ladies Altar Society member
g~ve "the e_v~nt its name ... "Magic is th~
Night .... a billing which has become synonymous with exotic dances, entertainment and
sumptuous Lebanese food. This yearly
event not only provided much needed revenue for _the Church, but also energized the
community.
Edward Mery:' Karen Karam, and Ralph Karam outline plans for "Magic
. .1s
the Night" to be held at La Villita June 27-28, 1964
"The Red Rectory"
A newly instituted twelve-member
Church council was created, replacing th e
previous four- member trusteeship composed of Morris D. Karam, Ralph N . Karam,
Edward K. Mery, and Solomon J. Karam, Jr.
The new twelve-member committee was
composed of Ralph N . Karam, Tom Joseph,
Solomon J. Karam, Jr., Josephine Melfi,
Cecilia Mery, Paul K. Mery, Sr., Ret. Col. John
George, Paul Andry, Frank J. Van Delden,
Paul Karam, John Signaigo, and Richard J.
Karam. Unified behind their determined
and dedicated priest, the enthusiastic
Council and congregation went to work to
clear the land and raise the money to construct a Church Hall and Rectory on the
property.
The Wood Frame "Garage" Church
63
62
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Th e Hall D e di c ati o n July 11, 1976
NAM Convention July 26, 1981
Construction began almost immediately and on July 11, 1976,
the 150 families of St. George dedicated their new and modern Hall
and Rectory. The dedication was celebrated by the Most Reverend
Francis M. Zayek, the first Maronite Bishop for the United States.
Proud to show off its new facilities,
on July 26, 1981, the community h ~st~d its
first NAM Convention where pansh1oner
Solomon J. Karam, Jr. was elected its
President. Most of the Maronite clergy
gathered for the first time in San Antonio for
their yearly clergy conference, among them
the newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop John
G. Chedid, Archbishop Francis Zayek and
the local Latin Archbishop, Patrick Flores.
For the time being, the small wood frame garage contin ued to
be utilized for liturgy. The Hall was utilized for super bingos, hall
rentals, Magic Is The Night, and countless other fund-raising activities, gradually allowing the community to raise the necessary funds
to commence the construction of the Church . Before the Church
construction began however, Monsignor Bernard Khachan would be
replaced in 1977 by Father James Khoury
Th e Churc h D e di ca tion O c tober 19, 1980
Fr. Jim Khoury and Bishop Zayek at the
Dedication of the Hall
The new Church was designed by parishioner-architect, Larry Raba, and constructed by parishioner-contractor, Mitchell Battros in 1979. On October 19, 1980, Archbishop Ignatios Zaide of Lebanon joined Archbishop Francis
Zayek in the ceremonial dedication of the new Maronite Church. The facility was modem and grand and many dignitaries from around the country came to San Antonio to celebrate th e occasion.
Following Patriarch Meouchi's death,
Vicar Antonios Khoraiche became th e
Patriarch of Antioch in 1975 and in 1981 he
made a stop in San Antonio for a pastoral visit.
Kalil and Sada Mery, Patriarch Antonios Khoraiche;
Elvira Mery and Azizi Karam
In 1981 Sister Monica Gorman, SND,
.
(1981-1985) joined Father Khoury in the p arish ministry as did Brother Cerar~ Trottier (1982-198.5) and Fat~~
George P. George (1983-1985). The 1980's w ere good years of growth and prosperity for the community and pans ·
Lebanese Mahrajan/Ambassador Bouhabib
The first Lebanese festival, Mahrajan, was held on May 13, 19~3 on the
Church grounds. The event would continue to be held for the next six years,
until 1989.
On August 19, 1984, the parish hosted a luncheon for H is Excellency
Abdallah Bouhabib Ambassador for Lebanon.
Hall Additions Classrooms And Meeting Facilities
Fr. Jim and Ralph Karam view construction
of the new church
In 1985 Father James Khoury was replaced by Father Bemard
th
Khachan who returned to San Antonio to com plete the development on e
. ti' me for the addition of classrooms
property. Plans were again prepared th 1s
. .
.
.
hall
1
and
in
1987
parishioner
1
and meeting facilities to the ongma
comp ex,
d
Frank Van Delden of Van Delden-Karam Construction Company commence
work.
Kh h
would
Frank Van Delden
Before the project was finished however, Father
: ~ 1987 by
receive another assignment and he would be rep.lace~ 0 Nove~ . : f~r the Diocese of St. Maron. Monsignor Doueihi
Monsignor Hector Y. Doueihi, Chairman ~f the L~~:gicaro~~~:~~ was under-budgeted and riddled with cost overwould complete the classroom and meehn~ facilities P ~ .
d parishioner pledge programs to pay for the new
runs. He would also skillfully arrange and unplement an:J.ml ~he parish but for the efforts, wisdom and direction
0
facilities. This expansion project could have been catastrop c
of Monsignor Doueihi.
f
Larry Raba, Architect, Gloria Yamin Benson, Father James Khoury,
Archbishop Zayek and Ralph Karam
Admiring the architectural model of the future
St. George Maronite Church and Hall facilities
Mitchell Battros, Contractor, on the right
65
6-l
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Papal Visit September 13, 1987
On September 13, 1987, Pope John
Paul II visited San Antonio and was
welcomed to our city by thousands of his
faithful followers including a large contingency from our church. Attending the Papal
Mass and representing St. George and the
Maronite Rite was "The Lebanese Texans", a
committee comprised of Judy Karam, Cecilia
Mery, Ralphie Karam, Paul Mery, Sr., Loraine
Karam Taylor, Zarie Jowdy Aboud and
Damon Mimari, as well as many other St.
George parishioners.
The visit of His
Holiness was an historic event, one that will
always remain in the memories of those who
celebrated Mass with Pope John Paul II.
LEBANESE
TEXANS
~ARONITE RITE )
Cec~lia Mery, Paul Mery, Sr., Loraine Karam Taylor,
Ralph1e Karam, Zarie Jowdy Aboud and Damon Munari
Welcome Pope John Paul II
Celebrating the liturgy at the NAM convention in San Antonio in 1994
Arrival of the Kreimistes 1990
1994 NAM Convention in San Antonio
Toward the latter part of 1989 Monsi or H
..
Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York. On Janu ~ 1
e~tor Y. Doueihi w~s transferred to Our Lady of Lebanon
990
th
Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missio~e~ kn ' a e~~b?a~lah -;aid":11, a ~oung 26 year old priest from the
here was an experiment by the Diocese the f t, tt own as
e1m1stes, arrived m San Antonio. His assignment
Lebanese Missionaries (CMLM) to take,full hrrs a efmpt t? allow a religious Order, the Congregation of Maronite
'
c arge o a Uruted States Parish.
.
Until Father Zaidan's arrival, the efforts and focus of the c
.
bricks and mortar, that is to complete the ph . fr
ommuruty, by sheer necessity, were concentrated on
1
With Father Zaidan's arri~al in San Anto .
amewor~ of the Church and related structures on the Propertv.
youth, vigor and enthusiasm combined :~,th _e cours~ an_d direction of the Parish would permanently change. His
1 · innovative ideas and a
M
·t
. .
'
·
.
.
aroru e congregation into a full service spiritual enf ty w· hin
responsive community, galvanized the entire
1
~tructure of the Church by subdividing and d
.
· it
a few short years, he reorganized the administrative
1
mcluding Nabil Antoun as Hall and Fac·l·ti
e
Megatmg
areas
of
responsibility
to over 25 new employees of the Parish,
11 es anager Fathe z ·d
"R00 t
d Bl
· •
~ an
ossoms" and the "Pass It On Pro am" '
r ai an instituted Bible Study and CCD for all ages;
established at the Hall. Basketball baseball
were s tarted; Mother's Day Out and a Nursery for Kids was
letic facilities on the grounds.
'
an soccer teams for the CYO were formally organized to utilize the ath-
r:1ca
f
In 1993, Father Zaidan inaugurated St G
'
.
:~~ would receive a $500 scholarship for a coll~g/~!1f:tt;rr~t Schol~ship Program whereby each high school gradu-
1s purpose. Furthermore, Father Zaidan was b h. d ~ er selection. A Scholarship Committee was organized for
acre comer to our property.
e m t e effort to expand the Church grounds by adding the five-
On June 2, 1994 the fiv
the Church f0 $200 0
. e-acre tract at the southwest come 0 f H 0 1
financ d
b ;
' OO. With this acquisition, the Par· h ' d ~
_lyhock and Babcock Road was acquired by
e as e ore and from the beginning through C
lbs bs ~ t ~as _increased to an all time high of $1,100,000,
asse ankmg institutions.
St. George parish hosted a second national convention for NAM in 1994 under the leadership of Fr. Abdallah
Zaidan. Chairmen Solomon and Ann Karam, working closely with the NAM Board of Directors, implemented innovations that resulted in greatly increased revenues for both NAM and St. George. Even more importantly, the workshops, liturgies and social events reflected the community-oriented style that Fr. Abdallah preferred, creating a sense
of ownership and success among the many parishioners who were inovolved.
In addition to Father Zaidan's pastoral duties at St. George, he also headed and directed the missionary work
to establish new Maronite churches and parishes in Dallas, Houston, and El Paso. Both Father Jim Khoury and Father
Khachan had worked to initiate missions in Houston and Dallas and these churches materialized during the time
Father Abdullah served as pastor.
In 1994, Father Zaidan became the Superior of the Lebanese Maronite Missionaries in the United States, and was
reassigned to the Eparchy Of Our Lady Of Lebanon in Los Angeles to serve as the Rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady
Of Lebanon. Father Marwan Tabet, also a Kreirnistes, dynamic and progressive at the young age of 32 years, was
assigned in his place.
Although held for future expansion, one of father Tabet's first projects was the developme~t of the five acr:es.
He cleared the land, repaired the two water wells and installed an irrigation system. One of the first uses of the five
acres was a prayer path.
One of Father Marwan's scholarly creations was the organization of The Maronite Resear~h- Insti~ute, or
MARI, a world wide research center whose publications are circulated on the Internet and whose off1c1al office was
at St. George during Father Marwan's tenure here.
66
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�--
On February 3, 1996, Raymond E. Casillas was th~ fir ~t St.
George parishioner to be ordained as Subdeacon in the Marorute Rite by
Most Reverend John G. Chedid.
From 1996 to the Present, The Year 2000
In 1996 the Pastoral duties at St. George were turned over to
Father John A l-Nahal, also a Kreimistes, and also progressive and
dyna mic. Father John assumed the head of the Parish as a yo~ng and
enthusiastic priest who had visions for the future. He has gm~ed the
Pa rish to its highest plateau. Under his leadership, the Pansh has
matured into a sophisticated and well organized religious institution.
Some of the accomplishments under Father John's supervision in the last
four years alone are as follows:
1
*the reduction of the church debt to its lowest level in almost 20 years;
*increasing the Scholarship Program awards to $600 per high school graduate;
*implementation of the Stewardship Committee to oversee church financial matters;
*implementation of the Outreach Committee for administering to the needs of the sick and elderly and
welcoming new parishioners;
*equipping the business office with advanced electronic equipment, such as computers and scanners;
*creation of a Web Page for St. George as well as the Eparchy Of Lady Of Lebanon designed by Dr. Emilio
Garcia. It is full of information and hyperlinks to other related sites;
*updating the Hall equipment w ith a new 100-ton air conditioning unit and convection ovens for the kitchen;
*installation of a sprinkler system for the balance of the grounds;
*retainment of a full time Hall Manager;
*design and construction of a concrete entry marker and a marquee at the corner of Hollyhock and Babcock
to compliment the marker at the front enterence;
*the purchase of a new Rectory adjacent to the Church at 9103 Maggie Court, and the conversion of the old
Rectory into a user-friendly office center;
*the planting of over 500 trees and shrubs throughout the property, 225 of which were named after each
youth of the parish under the age of 18 years and called the Maronite Youth Cypress Garden;
*the further enhancement of our property with additional landscaping and placing a fountain, benches
*
. a~d ~ statute of the Bless~d M?th er in the middle of the parking lot;
the institution of three Sunday liturgies, 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and a liturgy held once a month at 4:00 p.m.
*Started exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm;
*The purchase of another Hall in San Antonio for additional income to support all the programs at St. George
Church;
Recently, Father John headed the committee to design a new Activity Center to be constructed on the prop~rty. Pl_a ns were dr~wn and a ground breaking ceremony was conducted on October 29, 2000, at the same time thepansh
held its 75th Anniversary Celebration Ceremonies
.
. Today ':'e are _a parish growing in size and activity. The motivation and energy of those early pioneer families
st111
prese~t m ~eu many _descendants. Under the direction and assistance of our pastor, Father John Al-Nahal,
~M, we will cont~ue to strive to educate, teach and preserve the richness of the Maronite Catholic Liturgy and tra·
ditJ~ns. As w_e begm the 21st Century, w e are even more committed to meeting the challenge of defining and preserving our faith and our tradition for our chidren and ou r chidren's chi"ld
ren.
15
68
75th Anniversar}'
�:Roofs 7/ncf 23/ossoms
!J(ools lo blossom, blossom lo seed,
c5eedlo rebirlb, as d's decreed.
71s I.be wjor of_youl.b rmflfacfe,
gnlo I.be elo7uence ofa!Je,
0ver a lendnfofmemory,
Glin!7.tn!7, lm1'slin!7 .b.1'.slor_y,
B .1nbs us lo our pas/.
71n anchor andan armor loo,
71 source from mhicbhope millrenem,
2Jlossom slubborn/_y cleaves lo vine,
Which cleaves lo roof andwilllbrou!Jh lime,
Our b.1:Slor_y holcls us fas/.
Gelebrale our roofs across I.be sea/
71 common bondfor I.he fami/_y lree
7o s.1nbds roofs - bu! I.he £lossoms flower
7lroundI.he earl.h 1n cl.rjnil_y andpomer 7£e memory mus! las/.
!J(ools lo blossom, blossom lo seed,
c5eedlo rebirl.h, and9oclspeecf.
- 7lnn J(aram, 1990
�THE FOUNDING FAMILIES
By Philip Joseph Yamin
The Founding Families of the St. George Maronite Church were brave and courageous young men and
women who left their native lands in Lebanon and Syria over a century ago with hopes and dreams of a new
life of opportunity, and with only their Maronite faith and determination to guide them. They struggled as
peddlers as they laid roots in their adopted country, and like the Cedars of Lebanon they grew strong and with
a will. It is because of their will power and fortitude that we have been left us with this precious legacy, our
Maronite Church and community, which has thrived for 75 years and which embodies the spirit and essence of
our faith --- the "Faith Of The Mountains".
St. George Maronite Church was formally established in 1925. According to church records translated from
Arabic, an 11-member committee composed of Solomon Casseb, Kaisar Yamin, Mike Shalhoub, George Jamail,
Wadih Cattan, George Joseph (Daher), Mariam Jowdy, Salim Battros, Rashid Ablan, Joseph Andera and Antoun
Sacre were selected to begin the process.
The first recorded parishioners were: Solomon Casseb, Kaisar Yamin, Mike Shalhoub, Salloum Rashed,
Assad Estefan, Ibrahim Dahrooge, Saleem Battros, Elias Eid, Rashid Ablan, Azar Maloof Heny, George Jamail,
Hanna Dagher, Barbara Dahrooge, Mariam Jowdy, Ed Karam, Zaiter "Z" LaHood, Wadih "Willie" LaHood,
Sarkis Maroun, Joseph Karam, Wadih Nassif, Hanna Nassour, Joseph Najim, George Joseph (Daher), Estephan
Zaine, George Andera, Joseph Andera, George Rahaim, Antoun Sacre, Mike Tanos, Semaan Buhidar, Boutros
Wehby, Kareem Joseph, Leon Curry, Joseph Sada, Salim Cattan, Mariam George, George Ablan, Shikri Michael,
Semaan and Boutros Attallah, Fodlallah Jowdy, Shaheen Shaheen, Deeb El Hajj, Mariam Helou, Mariam Joseph
Ghaleb, Khalil Sheblee, Nasrallah Moussa, Joseph Tanos, Ibrahim Tanos Saab, Joseph Beshara and Brothers,
Nairn Melhem, Salim Ghaleb, Joseph Elias and brother, Assad Joseph, Hanna Semaan, Assad Deek, Nassour
Brothers, Joseph Hanna and Elias Amshetee.
The Founding Families for whom we were able to retrieve photographs and information on their
backgrounds are set forth on the following pages.
75th Anniversary
73
�Amira and Joseph Andera
Joe and Sophie Tabet Abdo
♦
ANDERA
ABDO
Joe Abdo left Beirut, Lebanon to
.
the 800 Block of w. Comm
settle m San Antonio around 1895
.
store on the first Ao
J ~rce Street (at Leona Street) near d
t
. In 1909 Joe erected a 3-story hotel JJl
residence. After Jo ~r. doe ater purchased the 3 story buildin own own San Antonio. The family ran a grocery
the grocery busi
un'::'i~9~~e family moved the grocery st~;c;~;s2~~e~tr;et and converted it into th_e family
Joe was married t S h. ·
· arzamora Street and continued in
ne::
Joseph John Andera was bom in Abdeen, Lebanon and migrated to San Antonio, Texas with his brother
George in 1908. He became a produce broker and would sell his goods in front of the downtown Menger Hotel.
He later invested in real estate and owned rental property on the West side of San Antonio. In 1925, he and his
brother loaned money to help start the Maronite Church and donated the interest back. Joe was married to
Amira Andera and they had two daughters - Katherine and Jo Ann.
Paul, Solomon, Ehas,
. oAngelina,
op ie Tabet
theyMary
had ~:~v~~t!~ren
.
Johnand
Joseph,
- George (Toufic), John, Annie, Paul, Frieda,
75
74
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�N ehman and Afife Allem Andry
♦
Salim and Anastasia Faour Battros
BATTROS
ANDRY
. Nehman Moses Andry came to Ti
m San Antonio but later
. ex.as around 1900 from Abdeen L b
Upon his return to San
his farmly to McAllen, Texas, where l;e: anon. He started a produce business
sons to California to b . ~mo, he conttnued in the produce b .
ought land and farmed for many years.
Nehman Andry nng ack fresh produce and fruit to the ~sm;.5s. He would frequently send two of his
;:;,~•ed.
years of age), Peter, ;a~l,marned
to Afife
Allem
the had
ntoruo-area.
Mary, Anne,
John,
Adelland
AlbeJ
M te'::'children
Albert (who passed away at two
'
, argaret and Joseph.
Salim Battros came to this country from Lebanon around 1900. He settled in San Antonio where he owned
a confectionery on South Alamo Street and would peddle anything and everything to sustain his family during
the Salim
depression
years.
was one
of the founding eleven members that met to organize and establish the St. George Maronite
Church.
Salim Battros was married to Anastasia Faour and they had six children - Waddell, Rose, Joe, Louise,
Edward and Mitchell.
77
76
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Solomon Casseb
George Casseb
Genevieve Casseb Cattan and Edward Cattan
CATTAN
CASSEB
Solomon C asse b, h.IS mother Ar ·
own specialty fruit and
~ te, and brother Geor e mi
the 1930's he went into ::~.:~ee~usmess and for many ye!rs ha'::~~:d to Texas i~ 1901. Solomon opened his
George passed away at
late business and continued I b
largest specialty store in San Antonio. In
I. Solomon and G
' a young age from an illness h
o e successful.
Chu_rch m
. San Antonio
eorge
s
mother
A
.
.
e
contracted
when h e w_as a soldier
. during World War
and ask
, rune Sw1a Casseb, donated
family whose memb
. ed that It be named St G
. $lO,OOO to bmld the first Maronite Catholic
O
ers
continued
a
l
.
·
eorge
m
olomon married Anni B
. ong history of public s
. memorY f h er son. Solomon established a
Fl S
e arbeno
d
erv1ce
Solomon, Jr., Frank, Paul,
orence, George and Joe.
an they had seven child~en - Genevieve,
.
Edward Cattan was born in San Antonio in 1911. His brother Wadih (WiJlie) was one of the founding
members who served on the committee that organized St. George Maronite Church. Edward was a cantor at
St. George for many years, helping the priest with readings and songs during the celebration of Sunday mass.
. Edward was married to Genevieve Casseb on January 11, 1933, and they have the distinction of being the
fust couple to be married in the newly constru.cted St. George Maronite Church on Pecos Street . They have a
daughter, Barbara.
79
78
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�....
Celia Karam Joseph and George Joseph
Virginia Haddad Curry and Leon C
and children Anthony and Ange~rry
JOSEPH
CURRY
Leon Curry was born in Sagbine Leb
.
because of th e impen
·
d.mg Revolution.' Arrivin
anon, and
· m
· the early 1900's. He fled Mexico
H
• S rrugrated. t 0 M exico
e was known
g m an
•
"secretar
" d to. helP memb ers of the Lebanese
c Antonio
. in 1909, h e went mto
the dry goods business.
for a Ne! ;:,k ~i~~d them with their correspondenc~Z:X::~rnti ~ho _cou ld not read or write by acting as a
He was
. ad ic n~wspaper. Leon was active in St G re atives m the old country. He also wrote articles
. marne to Virginia Haddad d
· eorge Maron ite Church
Peter Michael and Josephine•
an they had seven children - Anth ony, A.nge1a, Michael,
.
. Joe,
Mane,
George Joseph (Daher) was born in Amchit, Lebanon. He came to San Antonio, Texas in 1912 to join his
mother who had arrived ahead of him. George was a shoemaker and cobbler in Lebanon so when he settled in
San Antonio he opened the Garden Shoe Shop on South Alamo Street. During World War II, Fort Sam Houston
contracted him to repair combat boots for the soldiers. George made fine boots for many people in San Antonio
but his pride and joy was the house shoes made with gold brocade cloth from Lebanon for Archbishop Lucey.
He married Celia Karam on October 8, 1925, and they have the distinction of being the first couple to marry in
the house on Pecos and Martin Street which served as St. George's first church. They had five children- Joseph,
Edward, Gilbert, Thomas and Katherine Mary.
81
80
75th Anniversary
75th Anruversat)'
�Dieb Becos and Adele Jacobs Karam
Mariam and Abdallah Jowdy
KARAM
JOWDY
MariamJowdy followed her h
and prosperous, Mrs. Jowd
usband Abdallah to San Ant . fr0
! :tfamo~t "big house" on t~e:;:u::~r;:tr '."'d financial do~:~0 , ; ~banon in the early 1900's. Influential
onca andmark. Mariam was on
artrn and Leona Streets and . eorge Maronite Church. She owned
/ I though she did not give bfrth t e of the _first members of the L btoday this house stands as a San Antonio
as er own.
o any children, she was blessedetoanese
community
to .own
car.
have bee
n able to raise
hera nephew
John
Dieb llecos Karam was bom on December 13, 1881, in Mazraat El Toufah, Lebanon. Dieb and his wife,
Adele Jacobs from Ejbeh, Lebanon migrated from Lebanon, first enterin g Mexico in 1907, then crossing the
border at Laredo, Texas, in 1908. Dieb and Adele settled in San Antonio from 1908 until 1918 where sons
Edmond and Joseph were born, then moved to San Marcos, Texas, where son Morris and daughters Julia and
EvaDieb
were owned
bom. and operated a small dry goods store in San Marcos until Adele died in 1929. Dieb then
moved his family back to San Antonio in 1933 where he married Marsha Khuri who helped raise his five
children.
83
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Edward and Josephine Daywood Karam
Annie Yamin Karam
Nasre Karam
KARAM
Ed ward "Ed" K
aft .
.
aram was born in Fl
.
er 1mm1grating from Amch·t L
oresv11le, Texas in 1902 H· f h
t::~~ce brokerage business e~pl;~~1non. In his late teens h~ m~:e~t h~: ~nd _mother had settl:d there in 1893
Ed. He later became very succ?ssf~l~any members of the Lebanese C amily :o San Antonio and started a
the real estate business
H
ward was a trustee and one of th
ommuruty who opera ted out of their
E; ':as married to Josephine Da w e u st donors of the St. Ge~r
.
wma, Mary Elaine, and Edwaryd ooct from Austin, Texas and th ge hMaro~1te Church when it was founded.
·
ey ad fIVe child ren - Patricia, Genevieve,
1;
KARAM
Nasre Karam was born in 1894 in Beirut, Lebanon. He migrated to Guerrero, Mexico with his mother when
he was still a young child. His family had a ranch and a dry goods store. Later he came to the United States
through McAllen, Texas and met and married Annie Yamin in 1915. They had two sons - Ralph and Solomon
who were very active and influential in the St. George Maronite Community.
84
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
:~ '(
~
85
/
�Rajoon Yasbeck LaHood and her son Zaiter "Z" LaHood
Malvina and Said Karam
LAHOOD
KARAM
· Said Karam immigra te d to Me · f
s1_ster Sada. This Karam Famil . _x1co rom Lebanon in 1907 to 'oin .
.
his family selling dry goods y JO~ned the Mery brothers in Sa!Jllo ;::s ~other Ha,ge
Ashmore Karam and his
continued to prosper Sa1·d
danK _produce. Said eventually
, dex1co, where Said worked very hard for
mil Y lo San Antonio where he
illhis fa.
aram and they had three children a marned Said's sister, Sada.
- Maladdie (Carrie), Mike and Tony.
sa,.d was married· to Malvina
an K
ahl M ery became best friends and
move
K
Rajoon Yasbeck LaHood left Amchit, Lebanon in 1911 to visit her ailing father and her mother who were in
San Antonio with her sister Cazoon Yasbeck Ablan. She brought her 15 year old son Zaiter "Z" with her. While
she was still in San Antonio, she was notified that her husband Said had suddenly died of a heart attack.
Rajoon could not get back to Lebanon nor could she get the rest of her children to the United States because of
World War I. When the war ended, she was able to send money to Lebanon to bring her children to this country.
Rajoon and her children were successful merchants, traveling and peddling produce and dry goods.
Rajoon and "Z" eventually saved enough money to buy a house on Morales Street located a few houses down
fromRajoon
her sister
who
on the- corner.
andCazoon
Said had
sixlived
children
Zaiter "Z", Fred, Barbar, Willie, Joe and Salwa. Cazoon and Rashid
Ablan had five children - Emil, Ernrna, Judy, Aziz and Azizi.
87
86
~1
Q
:::
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Kalil and Sada Karam Mery
Esperanza Matar Mery and A min
. M ery
MERY
MERY
Amin}. Mery left Lebanon and .
States
in 1923 Later
and o Phened a grocery
migrated
Mexico durin
.
and notions.
store in to
McAllen
Texasg the
H M ex1can
Revolution. He came to the United
, e opened a drY good s store, and' durin· th e peddled mereh and1·se including dry goods
amo, Texas.
.
g e cotton season, he operated a small store iJ1
Al Amin was president of th A
Lebano~'s
independence
was
. 1942 when the first anniversary of
Amm moved
and settl
d .~ele;encan
rated. Lebanese Society of McAllen m
Em1Tia Matar and they hade four
m San
Antoruo
· in 1950 with his wife and f
children
.
- John,
Frank Cecilia d G .amily.
He was married to Esperanza
'
an
enous.
Kalil J. Mery arrived in San Antonio in 1914 from Lebanon by way of Mexico. He started peddling dry
goods and produce on a horse and buggy and did quite well. In 1922, he decided to move his family to
McAllen, Texas, where he opened a dry goods store and peddled on the side. He also opened a candy factory
adjacent
to the
store.
In 1935,
Kalil
and his family moved back to San Antonio and opened a grocery store on the corner of Martin
and Navidad Streets. In 1939 the store was converted to Pan Tex Manufacturing Co. where Kalil's talents as a
tailor excelled by making shirts and slacks which he sold to the government and large companies.
Kalil was married to Sada Karam and they had eight children - Aziz, Azizi, Amira, Elvira, Maria, Janie,
George and Edward.
89
88
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Shikri and Rose Karam Mery
Karim and Zaizaff Karam Mery
MERY
MERY
Karim Joseph Mery immi
Saleem and Kalil who h d
gr_ated to Mexico in 1910 with his if
struck. Karim's brother ;a1f:eviously settled in Saltillo. The
and thre~ sons to join his brothers Amin,
up the station Furthe
m was killed at the train stati·on h pn Revolution
was underway when tragedy
O VII
1
·
rmore
Kar·
,
w
en
anch
,
11'.' s sons, Abdo and Elias died f
In 1914 Karim moved .;
.
a s troops used dynamite to blow
in a traffic accident Th
fts family to San Antonio only t'o f
o typh01d fever at the ages of 4 and 5.
·
erea ter' he moved his
. family to McAll
ace another
traged y, 1osmg
·
opened a grocery store
'];
his
eldest son Yousef
Karim was married t z .
en, exas, where he peddled dry goods and
Me:c:
Shikri M. Mery was born in I<faromai, Lebanon in 1883. In the early 1900's he went to Saltillo, Mexico, to
sell dry goods. The Mexican Revolution had started and in 1913 he brought his family to San Antonio. He
worked many jobs to support his family and eventually went into the produce business. In 1918, he sent for
his sister,
who married
ShikriSusan,
was married
to RoseNajeeb
KaramRizik.
Mery and they had four children - Louis, Paul, Tony and Mary.
Josephine, Shikralla and Joseph
o a1zaff
.
Karam and th ey had seven children - Yousef, Nairn, Saleem, Malake,
91
75th Anniversary
90
75th Anniversary
�Susan Mery Rizik and Najeeb Rizik
Inez, Emily Yamin Rahaim and George Rahaim
RIZIK
RA.B AIM
. George Rahaim came to San Ant .
~1d
many of his fellow Lebanese· H eoruo
the early 1900'sand worked as a produce vendor as
m 1925.
wasfrom
one Lebanon
of the firstindo
George and his wife Em·1 v
.
nors to help establish St. George Maronite Church
Najeeb Said Rizik was born February 5, 1891 in Jazzine Lebanon. He came to the United States by way of
Vera Cruz, Mexico. He settled in San Antonio and worked selling dry goods and produce with his brother-inlaw Shikri Mery. He married Susan Mery Rizik and they had four children - Theresa, Jimmy, Michael, and Sadie
1 Y .1arnm Raha·1
m us1cian
· · who played the organ
and led themChurch
were blessed
ch · fto h ave a daughter named Inez. Inez was a talented
ou or many years.
93
92
Iii
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Solomon and Julia Karam Sfair
♦
Antoun and Elizabeth Og d ee S acre
SFAIR
SACRE
Antoun Sacre left Lebanon in
Antonio where he became ave
the early 1900's. After spendin se
.
"refrigerated" trucks to h 1 getable vendor. He later establ1"sh d g ve~al years m Mexico he came to San
au produce fr
1i
e a trucking c
.
t ey had seven children _ M
G
om exas to other states A t
ompany which boasted the first
ary,
eorge,
Sam,
Emil,
Sarah
R
·
n
oun
was
married
to
Elizabeth
Ogdee and
h
, ose and Edward.
Solomon Sfair was from H addad El Jebe, Lebanon. He came to the United States in 1921 and started in
business by selling dry goods in Laredo and eventually opened his own store. In 1932, he moved his family to
San Antonio. Mr. Sfair was very active at St. George helping the priests care for the church and reading the
epistles on Sunday mornings.
Solomon was married to Julia Karam and they had five children· Fred, Phillip, Adele, Michael and George.
95
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
fri
�Mike Shalhoub
Kaisar and Asma Korge Yamin
SHALHOUB
Mike Shalhoub was born in H
produ~e business. H e operated a f:ll~t, Lebanon. In 1912 he migrated to
.
committee members who establisheu1t stand and also a dry goods store. H!an Antonio, ~exas and went into the
for many years. Mike w
. d St George Maronite Chu h H'
was very active as one of the eleven
v1ctona,
• Malvina, Marga ast married
to
w
dd'
re
·
1s
son
Joe was th e caretaker of St. George
d
..
a 1ah "Rose" Shalh b
re an Ph1hp.
ou and they had six children - Mary, Joseph,
YAMIN
Kaisar Yamin was born in Sidon, Lebanon, and came to San Antonio in 1900. He was known for the
tremendous help he gave other members of the Lebanese community, especially by giving them jobs. Through
his influence in local politics, he assisted in getting citizenship and immigration papers for them. Speaking
seven languages he served as an interpreter during World War I.
Throughout his life, his objective was to help make good American citizens out of his friends of the
Lebanese community. Kaisar was a founding member of St. George Maronite Catholic Church and was present
at the very first meeting in 1925 w hen the church was formed. He was selected to be in charge of the funds
which were collected by the parishioners to purchase the land and pay for the construction of the building.
Kaisar Yamin married Asma Korge and they had ten children - Afife, Fred, Ernest, Sam, Joe, Philip, Mary,
Louis, George and Gloria.
96
ig~
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
97
��THE PARISH COUNCIL AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Centurions of Continuity
By Tom Joseph
Throughout the 75 years of St. George's existence, God has given us the men and women who have risen
to the challenge of securing the continuity of this, His Church.
Continuity is ~ absolute essential of a religious, loving parish. It is the foundation upon which disagreement among us 1s not allowed to become division. It is the assurance that what we decided to do for our
church 10, 20 or 30 years ago is done...or is being done ... or is planned on being done.
Continuity is essential to the feeling our parishioners must have as they give of their time, talent and
treasure. What would it mean to us if we believed that with each departing pastor our goals left with him? We
have a _right, indeed, we are entitled to such a right, to expect to maintain the continuity of St. George Maronite
Catholic Church for our future and the future of those coming after us.
Fixed with the responsibility of ensuring this right for us is our Parish Council.
The Parish Council today consists of nine members including a president, vice president, secretary and
treasurer. Originally, it consisted of four members, then 12 members and now nine members, six elected and
three appointed by the pastor. In 1997, a Stewardship Committee was created by the Eparchy for each Maronite
parish. The reasoning is that financial matters require substantial focus and detracted somewhat from the spiritual responsibilities of the council. Therefore, at the present time, we the members of the St. George council
have four of us working full time to ensure the financial health of our church and nine of us working full time
to ensure the spiritual health of our congregation. Neither the Parish Council nor the Stewardship Committee
has authority higher than our pastor.
Many of us are not familiar with some important decisions that the parish councils have made which history has shown were crucial to the continuity of our church. In the late 1800's, Lebanese immigrants began to
arrive in the San Antonio area. They established a colony primarily on the near west side, and on the near north
side of the city. It was a handful of these immigrants who prevailed upon a traveling Maronite priest to stay and
administer to them in the Maronite Rite. So dedicated were these individuals that they financed the salary and
first church expenses from their own monies with one family giving $10,000 toward the initial beginnings.
Shortly thereafter, a depression greeted this new church in this new land. Our records show no default
of any financial obligations and yet it is interesting to note that the construction of a church and rectory was
started and completed in such dire economic times.
Our church facility was taken by the power of eminent domain in the late 1940's and it appeared that it
might be a death knoll for this small community of Maronites. Had not the trustees of our church remained
committed to our ch urch's continuity, there would be no church today.
The church survived!
At this time, the trustees were struggling to keep the church alive. It was the trustees who from their
own funds were paying for food for our pastor, utility bills and expenses of running the church. No record
exists, written or verbal, that these persons ever requested reimbursement for th~se ~aym~nts. _It :'as co~on
knowledge at the time that this was done out of love for our churc~ a:r:1d a ded1c~t10n, ~1~rce m its ~amfest~tion, that this church will continue. Certainly, the trustees had obligations to their fa~hes and busi_nesses m
what were stressful financial times, which they deferred for the sake of our church and its future. Failure was
not an option then, nor, as time has shown, has it ever been.
75th Anniversary
L
101
�_ Whe~ the seco~d ~aking of the church under eminent domain occurred in the late '60's and 70, . ,
8
again the faithful ded1cat10n of those church trustees that refused to let th is parish die. At that time ' it \\as
attendance would not exceed 25 - 30 people on Sunday. Our pastor had trouble keeping shoe 0 h' 'church
18
bills were being paid out of the pockets of our trustees who again had shown their dedicatio s t nth feet._ Our
· of our pans
· h and our ch urch. Yes, like the Cedars of Lebanon shall we survive!
n
e contmua.
hon
°
_ At the time of the second taking, our church consisted of a small two-story building with the lower
serving as a hall and the upper floor, the rectory. The building had structural defects as did th h
floor
were cracked so badly there was concern that the structures would collapse Again th t
e _c urch...they
the church to die a natural death and leave our parishioners to the Latin p~rishes ~as e emptaho~ to permit
·m
b bl t
h h h
h
very attractive It wa
1 pro a e o ex~ect t at t_ e c urc would be paid enough to relocate once again. At that time the ch ·
s
the rectory occupied two city lots with one city lot behind for parking which accommodated ,b
urch and
a out ten cars.
The Church Council determined that the church would be relocated Again there w
h d'
~ent about where the church was to be relocated and many parishioners we~e outwardly dis:;u~ b is:gree~ at the _churc~ was to be moved from the downtown area. Because of the unwillin ess of th ye y t e fact
it up, this pansh begin the painful process of rebuilding their church once again. gn
e trustees to give
And as always, because the work was being don · h
fG d G
who had the vision of a future for this church ·ts
be m odnohr o o , . od honored us again with trustees
, 1
mem ers an t ose coming after us.
The trustees determined that the next church would b ·
· ••
under eminent domain within the foreseeable futur
e i_mmune from any poss1b1hty of another taking
also decided that the location had to have l
~- The_new site had to be usable for at least 50 years. It was
built!
P enty O parking and any structures were to be exceptionally well
The financial requirements of our new church were met head on by the trustees. Many donated substantial sums of money in order to begin construction of improvements. And in fact, it was a trustee who actually remodeled the garage at cost for purposes of conducting the Sunday liturgy. Immediately, church attendance began to rapidly increase. In keeping with the trustees' responsibility for the financial welfare of the
church, they inaugurated a bingo activity which was highly successful, although not entirely sanctioned by
Texas law at the time. The trustees, with the aid of surrounding parishes, were able to persuade the authorities
that bingo was permissible. Through the efforts of the trustees, bingo continued with some of the trustees
themselves giving up their Sundays to work the bingo
For some strange reason, perhaps not so strange in the eyes of God, our church trustees have refused to
compromise their unwavering dedication to the continued existence of our parish. No obstacle has yet been so
great as to have caused our defeat. (Yes, and the gates of hell shall not prevail...) The continuity of our church
has often been threatened, and repeatedly, as oil continues to rise above water seeking to smother it, our parish
thrives, even when, in order to keep our church from defaulting on its mortgage payment, our trustees personally signed promissory notes for $20,000 each! (And Solomon built his temple from the Cedars of Lebanon!).
It is said that in 1964, when the 5000 year old tomb of King Midas was discovered and excavated in
Turkey, the inner sanctum where the casket was lain was built with Cedars from Lebanon. The archeologist
said that they first stepped in, he could still smell the cedar.
At St. George Maronite Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A., in the year of our Lord, 2000,
YOU CAN STILL SMELL THE CEDAR!
After much research and many hours of ro e
. .
All of the money the trustees received f th
[. p rty v1s1ts, the trustees selected the present church site.
land for the new location was! Some sai;~ins=~~~~?;f the old church complex equaled what the cost of the
a garage and a small house And oh
h" ·k O church, no rectory, no hall, only 15.4 acres of land with
.
·
,
yes, a c 1c en coop' U d
t d h
resources of time, talent and treasure that th th
·
n aun e , t e trustees marshaled all of the
in whose honor our parish was being pe
t ~mse1ves could contribute and then, through the help of God,
church who had moved from the old b rpe ~a ~ ' new faces, new hands, sons and daughters of the previous
O
church trustees who worked to contin' ueegtanh ~ ow up and help. With the unselfish dedication of the former
faces and new hands began to hear th
e existence of our pans
· h for a mod el, more and more of these new
1. .
the Balcones de Bexar?
e re igwus chanting of their ancestors from the Mountains of Lebanon to
:y
Parish Pastoral Council 2000
George Mery, President
Fr. John Al-Nahal
Tom Joseph
Jo Ann Andera, Vice President
Hope Daly, Treasurer
Ted Van Oelden, Secretary
Salah Diab
Gerald Karam
Toufic Khalife
Michel LaHood
Miriam Wells
Stewardship Committee 2000
Ross Mery
Fr. John Al-Nahal
Bobby Karam
Jimmy Mery
Jamal Tawil, Chairperson
Paul Mery, Jr.
Larry Karam (not pictured)
Parish Council 1997
103
102
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�LADIES ALTAR SOCIETY
By Julia D. Karam
The Ladies Altar Society (LAS) was organized in 1925 by several ladies who foresaw the need to help
with the newly founded St. George Maronite Catholic Church. The Charter members who joined together to
work under the leadership of Fr. Elias Nagem were Rajoon Lahood, who became the first president of the LAS,
Cazoon Ablan, Cecilia Monsour and Afife Andry. The objective of the organization, then and to this day, is to
supply and maintain the altar of the Church with such items as vestments, linens, candles and everything
necessary for holding divine services and beautifying the House of God. The members also participate in any
parish project or event deemed necessary or desirable by the pastor.
During the difficult time when the church was being moved from Frio Street to Babcock Road, the LAS
held frequent diru1ers and bingo games at McArthur Park. These events were enjoyed by everyone and kept
the parishioners together. Through the grace of God the parish survived.
In 1925 membership dues were 25 cents a month and now they are $1 a month. The meetings were held
in the homes of members. All of the funds necessary to carry out their goals are raised by the LAS through
dues, donations, or fund-raising events.
Ladies Alter Society 1995
As time went on, the LAS membership and our spirituality grew; now the LAS has an enrollment of 60
members. The LAS initiated the following spiritual activities: (1) bi-annual spiritual retreats for the parishioners; (2) crowning of the Blessed Mother on May 1st of each year; (3) recitation of the Rosary before liturgy;
(4) attend monthly communion as a group; (5) special liturgy for all living and deceased members; and (6)
mercy meals after funerals for family and friends of the deceased.
The LAS also initiated the following fund-raising events for the church: (1) Lebanese dinners held on
the last Sunday of each month; (2) annual Lebanese bake sales held in November-December; (3) snack and
food sales during bingo sessions at the Hall; (4) style shows; (5) serving refreshments after Midnight Mass for
Easter and Christmas services; and (6) raffles. The LAS has also participated in Mahrajan held on the church
grounds; and in the 1981 and 1994 NAM Conventions held in San Antonio.
One of the most rewarding services its members perform is the care of the Altar of God. It is a joy to
see t~e altar clean, sparkling and beautifully decorated for the liturgies, the holiday services and other special
occas10 ns. Also a great deal of satisfaction is felt by its members when they serve the mercy meals to bereaved
families and friends after the funeral of a loved one.
First Row:
.
.
A Andera Sandy Nasif, Josie Ogbugbulu,
Janice Gildersleeve, Patricia Karam, Alice Casillas, Jo nn
'
Diane Palasota
Second Row:
♦
S 1 Kirkes Vickie Mery, Adriana Khalife,
Souhaila Al-Haj, Josephine Da_ywo~d Karam, a wa
,
. K
z
·
Aboud Glona Saliba
Jo Ann Reed, Sophie aram, ane
'
.
C
K m Josephine Faour, Emilia Mery,
. .
W lls Josephine urry ara ,
h
M
Third Row·
Carmen Aranda, inam e '
d
y tte Garcia Roseann Anderson, Marie Josep ,
.
. M rs Amira An era, ve
,
Kathy Andera, Elvira Mery, Beatrice ye '
Deborah Fernandez, Marilyn Hughlette
. M . Jones Vee Jowdy Azizi Karam,
.
B
son
Pamela
Craig,
ane
,
'
.. M
Members not pictured:
Jackie Hull, Glona en
'. K
Peggy Karam Jessica Karam, Cecilia ery,
1 . K m Monica aram,
,
bd K
Judy Karam, Mary Karam, Mary E ame ara ,
·cia Benson, Amira Dean, Margaret A ?. ar~,
Malake Mery, Maria Mery, Cathy Van ?e~~o~a:artha Mery, Nancy Nasif, Waddell Nasif, Patricia Saliba,
Margaret Andry Karam, Sylvia Karam, Madeline
'
Evelyn Schroder, Anna Shaw
Ladies Altar Society Officers 2000
Jackie Mery Hull, President
Jo Ann Andera, Immediate Past President
For 75 years, the Ladies Altar Society has been an important pillar of St. George. This group of faithful
~omen ~a_ve, over the years, sto_od by in times of stress and hardship and in times of joy and happiness. Their
fir~, ~idmg ha nd has proved invaluable to their community and to their Church. Because of their love and
~edica~ion to St. George, the Ladies Altar Society continues to serve and support the church and its parish10ners m any endeavor that is needed.
Kathy Van Delden, First Vice President
Miriam Wells, Second Vice President
Jo Ann Reed, Treasurer
Connie Moller, Secretary
105
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Name
Date •
Deceased
Name
Date
Deceased
Abdo, Salimi
Ablan, Cazoon
Ablan, Emma
Ablan, Jessie
Aboud, Sadie C.
Allem, Anita
Allen, Hannah Nader
Andry, Afifi
Andry, Eugenia Ganie)
Ashmore, Inez Rahaim
Azar, Haney
Battros, Anastasia
Brandino, Amelia
Buhidar, Waddell B.
Canavati, Jennie A.
Casseb, Annie B.
Casseb, Hanna
Curry, Virginia H.
De La Garza, Mary Louise
Estefan, Catherine
Estefan, Hope M.
Farah, Salimi
Ferris, Annie N.
Hallet, Ida Tuma
Harfoush, Malvina
Heny, Mary
Joseph, Celia K.
Jowdy, Madeline T. ·
Jowdy, Mary
Karam, Genevieve M.
Karam, Josephine D. (Jay)
08/30/52
11/28/59
09/17/72
09/14/58
05/01/84
01/19/85
08/18/79
07/17/77
02/19/94
11/22/94
07/21/60
04/17/78
01/13/75
10/08/91
11/24/87
10/06/85
Karam, Malvina
Karam, Marsha
Karam, Rosie
Latuf, Lola
La.Hood, Mary S.
La.Hood, Rajoon
Mansour, Cecilia
Marrun, MarshaM.
Melfi, Josephine M.
Mery, Esperanza M.
Mery, Rose
Mery, Sada K.
Mimari, Angela J.
Myers, Beatrice B.
Nasif, Louise B.
Nejjum, Barbara J.
Rizik., Susan M.
Rodriguez, Guadalupe
Saad, Eugenia
Sada, Helani
Sada, Minnie
Sfair, Hasna
Sfair, Julia
Shalhoub, Rosa
Tannos, Jessie
Trad, Esther K.
Vetters, Anna H.
Vidal, Rose N.
Wehbe, Katherine
Wehbe, Philomena
Yamin, Asthma
Zena, Tarrooze
02/09/75
01/24/58
02/23/72
07/02/76
07/07/84
1938
10/05/79
02/17/60
10/30/86
05/26/74
09/12/43
07/23/82
09/02/91
07/18/99
04/24/93
03/19/28
11/07/61
01/31/94
03/21/52
11/01/51
10/07/93
05/17/89
12/12/47
t.o•
crl~
Meladie (Carrie)
10/22/55
04/29/95
07/17/64
09/30/90
02/01/58
05/19/80
02/27/66
01/17/67
12/12/72
02/01/85
09/88
06/10/45
08/27/88
10/26/99
07/23/80
06/02/56
07/15/95
04/07/92
12/20/80
10/21/32
12/13/86
02/05/57
Ladies Altar Society 1962
04/24/59 ~
~1u
Eva Andry,
t And ry Karam ' Carrie Karam,
· Andry M argare
·
Abl
First Row:
Sada Mery, Esperanza Mery, Jarue h A,11
Waddell Buhidar, Louise Nasif, Emma
an
. All m Hanne
en,
Josephine Daywood Karam, Anita
e '
.
And
. Afifi. Andry Josephine Melfi, Roseann
erson,
W hbe Hasna Sfarr,
'
V k M
Back Row: Madeline LaHood, Philomena e . M'al . Harfoush Anastasia Battros, Judy Karam, IC ie ery,
p · h Meouchi
vma
'
· K
Cecilia Mansour, Mary Karam, _atnarc Sada Sheehan, Genevieve Karam, Malvina aram
Annie Ferris, Rose Karam, Sophie Karam,
107
106
I
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Ladies Altar Society 1985
Ladies Altar Society 1967
I
Ladies Altar Society 1990
Ladies Altar Society 1 975
109
108
75th Anniversary
t
75th Anniversary
�HOLY NAME SOCIETY
By Edward K. Mery
The Holy Name Society of St. George Maronite Catholic Church was established i~ 1948_ under the
guidance of Father John Trad. The Holy Name Society rep_laced the Sacred Heart Fraterruty which was an
organization the Maronite Rite had establishe~ in i~s pa~1shes thr?ughout the country of Lebanon. !tis
believed that St. George is one of the first Marorute panshes m the Uruted St~tes to hav~ a_ Holy Name Society.
The organization remained active until Father Trad was reassigned to serve m Australia m 1967.
In 1987, The Holy Name Society was reactivated under th e leadership of Father Stephen Hector
Doueihi. While his stay was short-lived, Father Doueihi encouraged the members to be active and made sure
that they attended a retreat at St. Joseph's Retreat House in 1988. Father Doueihi was reassigned and replaced
by Father Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M. in 1989.
Under Father Zaidan's direction, the Holy Name Society continued to prosper and increased its membership to 28 active members. Today, the members attend mass and receive Holy Communion on the 2nd
Sunday of every month. This celebration is followed by breakfast and a meeting at the rectory. Lively discussions are held about how Catholic men should react in today's society and how to define their beliefs into
action.
Holy Name Society 1994
The general purposes of The Holy Name Society is: to promote the spiritual welfare of the men of the
parish by encouraging and assisting them to observe the practices of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name
of Jesus, namely the frequent reception of the Sacraments, th e honoring of the Most Holy Name by an active
religious life, and the working against all things which offend the Most Holy Name;and to broaden the
knowledge of the members of the Catholic religion through the discussions at meetings.
Devotion to the Holy Name goes back to the Old Testament where we find reverence for the Name of
God enjoined by the Second Commandment. The beginning of the Holy Name Society began as an organized
effort to promote the fulfillment of this Divine Commandmen t and can be traced back to the Thirteenth
Century when the heretics of that day, particularly in France and Spain, made violent attacks upon the Divinity
of Christ, ridiculed His supernatural character and His Holy Name.
The formal beginning of the Holy Name Society is credited to Pope Gregory X who in the year 1274
commissioned the newly founded Dominican Order to concentrate its efforts on preaching greater devotion to
the Holy Name.
On April _1~, 1564, Pope Pius IV instituted the Confraternity of the most Holy Name and thus provided ~apal reco~rnt~on and approval for this devotion to the name of God and Christ. In February 1970, a
national orgaruzation of the Society was instituted to be known as the National Association of the Holy Name
Society.
The record is open that all may read regarding how much the Holy Name Society has accomplished to
check the foul habit ?f profan~ ~d indecent language and to teach men love and respect for the Name of Jesus.
It has become a bastion of belief m the Divinity of Christ amon g th e men of America and the outstanding vehicle for the program of an effective Lay Apostolate.
_1:he Holy Name member assumes the special obligation to s trive by word, deed and example to ful£ill
the petition of the Lord's Prayer: "...Hallowed be Thy Name".
Holy Name Society 1999
..
.
thon Grauzer, Ellis Aboud, Toufic Khalife
First Row: Mike Ayoub, Em1ho Garcia, An
YR
Id Mery Joe Joseph, Lyle Myers, Robert Karam,
Second Row:
Philip Clark, Ralph Karam, ona
'
Edward K. Mery, Solomon Karam
E
t Karam Norman Goris (guest)
•
(
t) Frank Mery, rnes
'
Third Row: Arnold Valle, Joseph Klinger gues '
.
~ J ph Edward Karam, Eugene
bd on Raymond Casillas, om ose ,
.
IM
Members Not Pictured: Nabil Antoun, Su eac . G
Merv Gerious Mery, Jimmy Mery, M1chae ery,
K
Dwayne Mery, eorge
J'
.
Karam, Morris Karam, Larry aram,
d Van Delden, Alex Yamin, George Yarnm
Paul K. Mery, Sr., Ross Mery, Tom Taylor, Te
H ly N ame Society Officers - 2000
oSolomon Karam, Jr., Pre~ident
Ronnie Mery, Vice President
111
75th Anniversary
110
75th Anniversary
�ST. GEORGE CHOIR
By Deborah Men; Ferna11dez
For the last 75 years, music has played a very important role in the tradition of the Maronite liturgical
services at St. George ... no one can imagine not having the beautiful melodies of the Eastern Rite sung during
the liturgy. The wonderful voice of the church cantor Eddie Cattan and the beautiful voice of Inez Ashmore
still remain in the memories of our parishioners today.
The organists who carried on the tradition over the years have been Carrie Karam, Tommy Karam,
Lorraine Karam Taylor, Marcella Karam Davies, Linda Karam Chavez, Samantha Signaigo Elandary, Kendra
Karam Signaigo Recio, Elyse Karam and Barbara Imboden who is now serving as our organist. The first pump
organ placed into service at St. George was acquired with funds raised by Gloria Benson who organized a raffle for a television. Today's organ purchased through the generosity of many parishioner - sponsors, accompanies the many services held at St. George.
♦
The choir has always been unique because it has been held together by family members of St.
George and many devoted Maronite members from all over the world. It would be impossible to name
everyone who has been a choir member. Some past and present members of the choir -- Gloria Yamin
Benson, Mary Karam, Josephine Karam, Janie Andry, Amira Mery Dean, Reggie Lahood Raba, Sessie
Mimari, Sharon Benson, Sandra Karam White, Michal White, Alex White, Karen Karam Baines, Patsy
Karam, Lanie Karam, Yvette Mery Haase, Cecilia Mery, Miriam Mery Wells, Solomon Karam, Ralphie
Karam, George Mery, Michael Mery, Eddie Mery, Bruce Mery, Nabil Antoun, Deborah Mery Fernandez,
Jennifer Felan, Michael Abou Ghanam, Souhaila Al-Haj, Alba Deleon, Emilio Garcia, Yvette Garcia, Ted
Schechter and many more - have devoted their lives and voices to preserving the richness of the Eastern
music in our Ii turgy.
About 30 years ago, Deborah Mery Fernandez, while studying music in college, took on the difficult
job of writing all the church melodies that up until then, had been sung from generation to generation by
ear and by following a type-written script. Deborah met with many past singers to capture the original
melodies as accurately as possible because through time, the words and music had ch anged.
Commissioned by Bishop Zayek, Deborah and others worked approximately ten years to standardize the
Maronite music for all the Maronite chu rches in the U.S. The effort continued the practice of incorporating
the rich music of Lebanon.
Edmond o. Karam
There is no doubt that music will always remain an intricate part of our liturgy. The music is intriguing, sentimental, soothing and so very traditional. All who have sung and played, will always be blessed. And
all who have heard, will forever have their lives touched by its beauty.
O God of Silence
Bl~ssed is the one who quiets
everthzng
within himself and l.zstens
.
to the _impelling voice which leads to you.
(Fengztho: Sedro/ Liturgy for St. Sharbel)
112
'
75th Anniversary
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-
113
�MARONITE YOUTH ORGANIZATION
By Sylvia Karam
The Maronite Youth Organization, MYO, was brought together to:
Promote the spiritual, social and intellectual welfare of its members;
Build a close relationship between its members and the parishioners;
Strengthen young adults in their faith, rite, heritage and tradition; and
Live together in a community based on love and respect.
St. George Choir 1983
Our youth at St. George Maronite Church exemplify all of this.
One of the main goals of the youth group each year is to attend the annual Maronite Youth Workshop.
To be able to attend these workshops, the members would work all year to raise funds for the trip. Some of
the fund raisers they participate in are car washes, manning concession stands at church-sponsored baseball
games, running the concession at the Easter picnics, sponsoring breakfasts and dinners at the church hall, having raffles, selling Gold C books, cookbooks and candy. They also sponsored city-wide 3-on-3 basketball
"Show Your Stuff" tournaments under the guidance of Fernando Fernandez.
The MYO enjoy being together and strengthening friendships. While working hard to raise funds for
the workshop trips, they always managed to have a good time. If they were not involved with fundraisers,
they would gather for fun activities such as swim parties, lock-ins, holiday parties, picnics, bunco, movies,
bowling and dances.
F.ach year the MYO sponsors approximately 15 youths from St. George to attend the Maronite Youth
Organization workshops. In 1993, the MYO was fortunate to be able to attend the "World Youth Day" in
Denver, Colorado. The theme from "World Youth Day" says it all:
11
♦
I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
0ohn 10:10).
♦
The Maronite youth gathered with youths from all over the world for one common goal. Those who
attended were blessed and privileged to be in the presence of our Holy Father Pope John Paul II. Adam Karam
from St. George was selected as a representative to attend a special, private mass with the Pope. This experience left everyone that attended with increased faith, compassion and love for the greater good of o ur world.
St. GeorgeYouth Choir 1999
To this day, all of our young people who were fortunate enough to attend "World Youth Day" have a
special bond with each other and often recall this unforgettable experience that changed their lives forever.
MYO Officers 2000
Azizi Van Delden, President
Rashid Khalife, Vice President
Nichole Mery, Treasurer
Saleem Al-Bahloly, Secretary
Ross Michael Mery, Sergeant-at-Arms
Samantha Karam, Historian
St. George Choir 1999
75th Anniversary
114
75th Anniversary
_
\
I
�MYO Attends WORLD YOUTH DAY in Denver, Colorado - August 1993
116
75th Anniversary
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117
�C. Y.O. SPORTS
Catholic Youth Organization
By Fernando Fernandez
The history of CYO sports at St. George Maronite Church begins at the time when Fr. John Trad was
serving our community. He forged an agreement with the Archdiocese of San Antonio that made CYO youth
sports possible at St. George. To fully appreciate what Fr. Trad did, one needs to understand how the CYO
sports program is organized.
The CYO of the San Antonio Archdiocese is an inter-parochial sports league coordinated through the
Catholic Chancery. To participate, one mus t live within the geographical boundary of one of the Roman
Catholic parishes located throughout the San Antonio metro area. Individuals wishing to be part of a parish
CYO team must live within the boundaries of that parish and cannot play for another parish. These rules left
St. George with no geographical boundaries from which to field its teams. St. George parishioners live all over
San Antonio and the surrounding area and under the CYO rules could not play for their parish. Fr. Trad argued
that St. George parishioners, regardless of where they lived, should be entitled to play for St. George.
Archbishop Lucy agreed and established an exception for St. George.
In 1959, the first CYO team out of St. George was a successful baseball team that traveled all over San
Antonio playing children from other parishes. Some of the names on that team were Nehrnan Andry, Albert
Andry, Freddy LaHood, Danny Karam, Bob Karam, Paul Andry, Harry Karam, Eugene Karam, Solomon
Karam, Ron Mery, Paul Mery, Jr. and Freddy Mery. Throughout their five-year existence they were coached by
Eddie Mery, Sr., Morris Karam and Frank (the gov'ner") Mery. The team and the program disbanded when the
boys were old enough to play on their respective school teams. Thirty-plus years would pass before St. George
would see another CYO team.
ln 1994, Fr. Abdallah Zaidan set out to enrich the parish life at St. George. One of his goals was to get
children involved in the community through sports. Fr. Abdallah then asked Nehman Andry and Fernando
Fernandez to help him organize a program. Nehman was a sports advocate serving on the Church Council and
Fernando Fernandez was coaching a group of St. George boys from the St. Luke's CYO program.
One of Nehman's ideas was to have a monthly children's bowling league. Some may remember that
we did that for a while. Fernando's idea was for St. George to get involved in the CYO sports program by putting together teams made up of St. George children. The group agreed and set out to make it happen. Fr.
Abdallah appointed Nehman to go to the Chancery and express our desires. At the Chancery, Nehman met
with Manuel Hernandez, CYO Sports Director, who remembered the participation exception that had been
granted to St. George by the Diocese in 1961 and immediately welcomed St. George into the program. We were
informed that our parish was located within Zone 6 and that we would be competing with teams from St. Luke,
St. Matthews, St. Mary Magdalen and Prince of Peace.
Eventually, we were able to put together boys only and girls only basket_ball, ba~eball and _softb~l
1 l995 St. George' softball team won the Zone Title and took second place m the City Champ,onsh~p.
teams. n
,
group of young ladies comprised the St. George girls soccer team of 1998 that helped p10Later,,that s•;:;e,,c~;;cer in the San Antonio CYO program. They also went on to play volleyball. Some mcm~::; 0f;~:;e t:ams were Layla, Teryn, Brittany, Stephanie, Genina, Myrtle, Jamila, Nagham and Gentry.
In l995 the St. George Dragons boys basketball team took second in Z?ne 6 t~ the eventual Cit~
•
'
team members were Saleem Fernandez, Justin Wells, Rashid Khalife, Jordan Mery an
Champ10ns.
the Sal eem Femandez was the City Champion free-throw shooter and represented St.
Gibran
Mery.Some
Thatofyear
George in the State Shoot-out in Austin.
0 h 1995 1996 teams were th e girls basketball team coach e dbYJ u1·,e Mery and Peter .Mery
. Kwith playd
t er
. .
n Monica Mer Tiffany Cisneros, Chnstm aram an
ers, Nichole Mery, Samantha Karam, Az1z1 Van De1:r~ ;o her Mer tevon Haase, Mark Joseph Mery, Ross
Karen Ogbugbulu. A year later Nicholas Mery, C 1~\e present
George by playing basketball for coaches
Michael Mery,
Jason
Mery
and
Brandon
~aramf
hi~oub
s
bpasketball
team
played from 1998 through 2000. The
dM kM
A younger version o t s oy
G
d
George
an of Keith
ar Mery,
ery. Frankie
. Diec
. k , Ezek.ie I Alm ond and Stephen Garza were coached by Roy arza an
core
team
Julie Mery and were one of the best in Zone 6.
st
. ht CttB
in Girls
Basketball.Teryn
ThatMery,
team
Finally in 1999, St. George won the first three_sh
trailg
y Chm
·ttanypionships
Kearns Layla
Fernandez,
d C ach Fernandez wit p ayers n
,
was Raba,
lead by
Coach Reno,
KearnsAshley
an
Tori
Brittany
Zepeda, N'ich o 1e S a1azar, Sarah Linares and Gabriela Wilson.
°
h ter in St George's CYO history is coming to a close. This
As of this writing, it seems that the second c ap f
.
CYO teams or parents able to organize them.
h
will be the last year we have enou g core part·sh children to .orm
d any
thr
h ommitted and involved parents. These
.
•
only
be
realize
oug
· · ·d uals
As with any children's orgaruzation, success can
rt cd in particular by these lay md1v1
an happen. From filling
. . out a11 the CYO
past few years were made poss1'ble b Y p arental and pastoral suppo
ak things
who took on the responsibility to do w hatever was_n:~ss~ tom ese coaching, getting teams to and from games
paper work, working concessions, pre~aring the fie~ ord ;o~~e,Kearns,Toufic Khalife, Fernando Fernandez
and much more. Special thanks to Ju he Mery, Kevm an
and Nehman Andry.
.
t together in the CYO is incalcu lable. It ts a
The value of affording ou r kids the opportunity to co~pte ~ow each other and to learn how to work
rare opportunity to afford our futur~ leaders the_ ch;~~!:rg: a:ongst the other Catholic parishes. ~e sense
together towards a common goal w hile represen ting
'f g i·s priceless to the future of our commumty,.
. the St· George un1 orm
of pride that is developed by wearing
d
Its of today were brought up. Today's boys an
The world is a very different place from when t~~ adu Id The lessons and leadership skills that can
f
e competitive wor ·
' chances
virls will need to be better
prepared
o~ a mor
o.
.
rgaruzed
sport are tools that can only enhance any young persons
be learned by participating man°
in life.
Since it was August, the first sport on the CYO sports calendar was soccer. In 1994, the first CYO soccer team of the new era was formed of firs t and second grade boys and girls from St. George. Some of the team
members were: Jacob Andry, Brandon Schroder, Stephanie Taylor, Layla Fernandez, Teryn Mery, Christopher
Mery, Corey and Dana Pa!asota, Brittany Keams, Myrtle Karam, Jamila Khalife, Genina Mery, Jason Mery and
Nagha m Al-HaJ.
Coaches for that
first team were Nehman Andry and Fernando Fernandez. After soccer came
basketbaU
... then baseball...then
softball.
118
~
119
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�~
CX)
O')
,--
E
ctS
~
St. George's First CYO Team 1959
ctS
..c
Q)
Cf)
ctS
co
Cf)
L.
Q)
(.)
C
ctS
.....J
Q)
..c
r-
Father Trad
120
r
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
121
�11
St. George Dragons 1993 Tiny" CYO Soccer Team
♦
1999 San Antonio ,,Swish"
City Championship
St. George Dragons Soccer Team
1997-1998
122
123
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Not Necessarily CYO ...
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
By Patricia Karam
In 1993, ~ari~h Council President Edward Karam designated a committee to establish a scholarship program for the panshioners of St. George. Members of the first committee were:
Reverend Abdallah Zaidan
Diane Abdo
Adriana Khalife
Patricia Karam
Pony Karam
Raymond Karam
Gene Niemeyer
Geraldine Reid
Pam Wadsworth
The first meeting was held on November 30, 1993. This committee developed the criteria for scholarship recipients and decided that all eligible applicants would be awarded a St. George scholarship. Included in
the criteria are the requirements that the recipients must receive a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), use
the award to attend an accredited college or university in the year following graduation, and the student
and/or his parents must be an active, contributing member of the parish for the previous four years. Funds for
the program were provided from the bingo proceeds.
The purposes of the scholarship program are to encourage Maronite youth to strive for higher education and excellence in academic achievement and to provide recognition for our youth at their high school graduation ceremony.
A formal legal document was developed and presented to the Parish Council. All council members
signed the document and it was sent to Bishop John Chedid, Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
for approval. The St. George Maronite Catholic Church Scholarship Program was officially established June 8,
1994. The Scholarship Committee is to consist of nine members including the Pastor of St. George. Four members are to be elected by the church parishioners and four members are to be appointed by the pastor.
St . George Softball 'T'
"Wi
.learn
dlson's Wiggles"
1981
First Row: Julie Merv L. d K
-✓, m a
aram and o
~cond Row: A friend, Thelma 1-Iapshie M ~~on Karam, Jo Ann Andera, A friend,
Third Row: Evelyn Karam A
d
'. r. illson, Marcella Karam LuAnn K
,
nen , Gen Me S .
,
aram,
ry, ylv1a Karam, Laura Dalv Ge K
J'
rry aram
p·
The first series of scholarships of $500 each were awarded to six high school graduates in the spring of
1994. In addition to revenues from bingo and other sources, the scholarship fund also has an endowment of
$15,000 in the name of George and Constance Casseb. The first scholarship from this endowment was awarded in 1997. To date, 40 high school graduates of St. George parish have been awarded scholarships.
•
Scholarship Committee
Deborah Andry, Geri Mery Reid,
Tom Joseph, Patricia Karam, and
Genevieve Karam Niemeyer
124
75th Anniversary
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125
�NATIONAL APOSTOLATE OF MARONITES
(NAM)
By Ann Karam
'
{A)M,
___f
NATIONAL APO STOLATE OF MARONITES
The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) serves as a unifying force among the laity of the Maronite
Church in the U.S.A. and as a common link between the clergy and the laity.
Karam Jr - General Chairmen
Ann Daly Karam and Solomon t·on _'Sa~ Antonio, Texas
1981 and 1994 NAM Conven 1
The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) was founded in 1964 and held its first convention in
Washington, D.C. that same year.
St. George parishioner, Solomon Karam, Jr., served as president of the organization from 1981 to 1984.
It was during his tenure that NAM established its national office in Brooklyn, New York. Edward Shiner has
served as Secretary General since 1983.
Members of St. George Maronite Church have been active in NAM since the mid-1970's. The parish
hosted two conventions in San Antonio, one in 1981 and more recently in 1994.
St. George parishioners w ho have served at NAM national events as parish delegates and regional rep·
resentatives include Cecilia Mery, Gloria Benson, Robert Karam, Deborah Mery Fernandez and Richard and
Peggy Karam. Some have served as members of the National Board: Solomon Karam, Jr., Ann Karam, Kathy
Andera, Sylvia Karam, Robert Karam, Richard Karam and Raymond Casillas.
NAM sponsors the Gold (national) and Silver (by parish) Massabki Medal awards. Many St. George
parishioners have been honored with the Silver Massabki Medal. Two have received the Gold Massabki Medal,
awarded only once a year during the national convention: Ralph Karam and Solomon Karam, Jr.
NAM also awards college scholarships to qualified Maronite youth. In July 2000, Julia Taylor was select·
ed to receive this recognition. St. George MYO and religious education members have received awards from
winning entries in the yearly NAM Vocations Awareness Poster and Essay Contest.
.
Ch irs and Members
AM Convention Committee
a
1994 N
S lah Diab Solomon Karam, Jr.
L ry Raba, a
'
M'ke A oub, Ernest Karam, ar
Front Row: Richard Karam, 1
y
.
l(halife, Reggie Raba, Judy
•
Wells Adnana
Mi
Debbie Fernandez,
nam
,
Second Row: Peggy Karam,
. Ann Karam
Karam, Martha Mery, Cheryl Smith,
.
. e S lvia Karam, Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,
z Eddie Mery, Touftc I(halif ' y
Third Row: Fernando FernandeM,
Raymond Casillas
George ery,
M
Cecilia Mery, Ross erY'
NAM helps preserve the Syriac-Maronite traditions by making people aware of the rich heritage of the
Maronite faith and by fostering pride in the Maronite Church.
127
75th Anniversary
126
75th Anniversary
/J
�I
�RELIGIOUS CHURCH AWARDS OF ST. GEORGE MARONITE PARISH
In the 75 years of its existence, ~t. George _M~ronite Catholic Church has been blessed with many good, faithful and dedicated parishioners. who ~ave giv~n their time, talent and/ or treasures. A few of these parishioners have distinguished
thern5elves for their special contributions and have been awarded Papal or Patriarchal honors.
°~
PAPAL HONORS
KNIGHTS OF ST. GREGORY (K.S.G.)
The Papal Order of St. Gregory was founded by Pope Gregory XVI on September 1, 1831. Unlike membership in the
Military Orders, membership in the Order of St. Gregory does not impose any special obligations. Consequentally, it
is the preferred award to acknowledge an indiv idual's particular meritorious service to the church. Awards of the
Order are usually made on the recommendation of Diocesan Bishops to the Apostolic Nuncio, who then forwards the
recommendation to the Secretariat of State. If approved, a Diploma is drawn up in Latin which is under signature and
seal of the Cardinal Secretary of State and delivered to the recipient.
The investiture of Knighthood is an acknowledgment that the recipient is a person who places himself at the service of
a noble cause, fighting evil, promoting good and defending the weak and oppressed against injustice. Becoming a
knight does not merely mean receiving a well-deserved title of honor, it presupposes a solemn commitment. St. George
is proud to have five parishioners who have been accorded the Papal h onor of Knight of St. Gregory.
Solomon J. Karam, Sr.
Investiture: December 16, 1958
Pastor: Msgr. John Trad, CB
Bishop: Archbishop R. Lucey
Ralph N. Karam
Solomon J. Karam, Jr.
July 6, 1984
Fr. James T. Khoury
Archbishop Francis Zayek
July 6, 1984
Fr. James T. Khoury
Archbishop Francis Zayek
Ralph and Josephine Karam, Azizi Karam,
Ann and Solomon Karam, Jr.
and Solomon Karam Sr.
Morris D . Karam
May 8, 1986
Msgr. Bernard .Khachan
Bishop John G. Chedid
Margaret and Morris Karam
Tom Joseph
May 8, 1986
Msgr. Bernard Khachan
Bishop John G. Chedid
Kristin, K, Tom, and Nicholas Joseph
131
75th Anniversary
�-
.,
PATRIARCHAL AWARD
PAPAL HONORS
THE EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM
. A presti~ious honor was_ accorded to Lawrence and Regina Raba who, through Father John Al-N
Archbishop Patnck Flores, were inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchr Of J
al . ahal and
·
· l
e
erus em m reco · ·
0 f thetr
specia work for St. George Maronite Church. The Order w ith only 18 000
t
Id .
gnition
honor of Knighthood.
'
'
curren wor wide members,is an
The first Maronite Patriarchal Award was issued in the United States to one of our parishioners on May 27, 1998 by
Cardinal Nasrallah Peter Sfeir, Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East. This award is given to acknowledge
an individual's particular meritorious service to the Maronite Eparchy and its churches. The recommendation for the
award was made by His Excellency John G. Chedid, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, for prudent legal
advice and assistance given to St. George, other Texas parishes and to the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon. The recipient
was also appointed to the Eparchial Stewardship Council of the Eparchy by Bishop John G. Chedid. He is a trustworthy
advocate and a man of sincere and honest faith. This parishioner is:
Although some historians claim that the Order
was founded a few years after the death of Christ
most historians have attributed the foundation of th:
Order to Godefroy, Duke of Bouillon, first Christian
King of Jerusalem following the crusaders liberation
~f Jerusalem in 1099. Investiture into the Order was
firs~ documented in the 14th Century. The ritual,
which would continue for many years, would occur in
Jerusalem and would normally follow celebration of a
Mass of Saint George, the patron Saint of Knighth00.
d
Richard J. Karam
Presented August 30, 1998
Pastor: Fr. John Al-Nahal, MLM
Bishop: Bishop John Chedid
Richard J. Karam and wife Peggy
The foundation of the Order as an Orde f
Chi a1ry
r o
v
of the Holy Roman Church is of more recent
date. .By a Brief dated July 23, 1847, p ms
· IX put the
Guardian of the Holy Places under the authority of the
~ewly reestablished Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and
m Dece~ber of the same year, conceded the right to
make knights ~o the Patriarch. It was decreed that the
conferral of this Order pertained to the Patriarcwo
h h
m ay use this pow "· f
.
er m avor of those people distinguished by the integrity of their life, who have rendered
remarkable services to the church and who h ave d emonstrated all other conditions required for this honor."
BISHOP'S AWARD
The Maronite Bishop' s Award for the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebano:1 ':~s pr,esente~ to one _of _our
arishioners on August 30 1998. This award is given to acknowledge an md1vidual s particular menton~us
P
'
· as President
·
service to the church. The recipient
is presently serving
?f the _Pa~tora1.C ounci·1 and h as b een very active
in many church organizations and activites throughout the years. This panshioner is:
Laurence and Regina LaHood Raba
Presented O ctober 14, 2000
st
Pa or: Fr. John Al-Nahal, MLM
Bishop: Archbishop Patrick Flores
George N. Mery
Presented August 30, 1998
Pastor: Fr. John Al-Nahal, MLM
Bishop: Bishop John Chedid
. The ~r~er was reformed most recently in 1976 rec . .
.
manly honorific. Its principal mission is t " inf
eivmg Papal approval on July 8, 1977. Its character is pn·
the pract· O f cm· • .
.
ty t0 th e p opes; to sustain and assist the O. .re orce
. .
ice
istian life by its members in absolute fideh1
H0 l L
re ig1ous spmtual h . bl
'
Y and; and to conserve and propagate th f,. h .
'c anta e and social works of the Catholic Church in the
Asp·
t
b
e ait m the Hol L d
.
,
rran mem ers must be practicing Cath 1.
f
Y an and the nghts of the Catholic Church there.'
support of several members of the Order. o ics o good character recommended by their local Ordinary with the
George N. Mery and wife Julie
133
132
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�...
MASSABKI AWARDS
By Cecilia Mery
SILVER MASSABKI MEDALISTS
N-"I J o ~ /\,0,,fOLUl C. M-"l,Oi-.Jfl.
The Maronite Church has as one of its treasures, the beautiful example of the Massabki Brothers and their mar.
tyrdom in 1860. Under religious persecution by the Turks, the three Maronite brothers, Francis, Raphael and Alxi;
Molite, gave up their lives rather than renounce their Christian faith. Beatified in 1926, the Massabki Brothers exem.
plify the s trength and courage that have enabled the Maronite Church io flourish in spite of hardships, even to this da)
NAM is proud to use the example of the Massabki Brothers in the establishment of the Silver and Gold
Massabki
These
awards levels.
are bestowed to NAM members who have contributed time, talent and treaStue oo
the
parish,Awards.
regional and
eparchial
The Gold Massabki Medal is presented annually to one Maronite who has distinguished himseU by his seH-sac.
rifice for and dedication to the preservation and promotion of the Maronite Rite. A committee of three, appointed ;
the Board of Directors of NAM, recommends names to the Archbishop and he selects the recipient for the year.
The Silver Massabki Medal is given by NAM to Maronites in our eparchies who have been nominared by thor
pastors
for their
unselfish dedication to the preservation and promotion of the Maronite Church, both on a parish and
an
eparchial
level.
_.. .. .... _...................... .1976
George Karam + • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
............................1976
Ralph N. Karam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .....................1977
Julia D. Karam • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · .................... .1978
Kalil J. + and Sada K. Mery+ · · · · · · ·
Josephine Melfi+ • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Morris D. Karam . • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Amira Andera .... • • • · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Carlie Estefan . .. • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
·
·
·
·
·
····
····
····
····
····
·······
·······
·······
·······
·······
····
····
····
····
····
· ·::: ....................
· : .......................
·
................
· · · · · · · · · ..............
···········
....
.1979
.1980
.1981
.1982
.1983
Zarie Aboud .. • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · : : : : : : : : : : : .... .1984
Robert A Karam - • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
.... .1985
Azizi M. ~aram . • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · : : : : : : : : : : : : • : : .....1985
At Large: Ann D. Karam • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
1986
Fernando Fernandez • • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ..... ::: :1987
Every year in the Fall, pastors receive a nomination lonn, which is completed and returned to the National
Office. The Massabki Committee of the Board of Directors approves the nominees, making sure the requirernen~ are
met and the guidelines are properly followed. The pastors are notified of the awardees in January of each year. I,
addition
to those
nominated
each
region
in each
eparchy. by their pastors, the Board of Directors can also nominate one "At Large" recipient from
Alton Wells ..... • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : . . . .1988
. ....... _............ .... . · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·........
. ... .1989
Deborah Mery Fernandez • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·.
. .1990
Nabil Antoun .... • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : . .1991
. ...... . .1991
· · · · ·...... . ..
Larry Karam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A number of St. George parishioners have been nominated by their pastor for the Silver Massabki Award and
five
parishioners
have been nominated by the NAM Board of Directors for the "At Large" Silver Massabki Award. Two
panshioners have received The Gold Massabki Awards.
. . . . . .. . .. .
...
At Large: Kathy A. Andera · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·.........
_.. _ ........... .1992
. · · · · · · · · · · · ·.............. • • · · · · · · · · · · . .1992
Gloria Yamin Benson · · · · · · · · · · · ·
At Large: Cecilia Mery•••·····················:::: ...... . .. . ............ 1993
Edward K. Mery . • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
........... • · .199
4
. . . . . . . . . . .......... . .. .1994
Salah E. Diab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · · · · · · · ·
The following are the past Gold and Silver Massabki award recipients from St. George
At Large: Sylvia A. Karam • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·: ............. _.. _........... .1995
~-i' ..
· · · ·Casillas
·
Fred A. LaHood .. ... ..........
d...
Alice
.................. .......
· ...... ..1995
1996
At Large: Subdeacon Raymon an
. . . . . . . . . . .......... .
Gold Massabki Medalists
1984
1986
George N. and Julie E. Mery : · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Dr. Emilio and Yvette R Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jo Ann Reed . ...... · · · · · .. · .. · · · ....
Jo Ann Andera .. • • · · · · · · · · · · ............
Jamal and Ghayda Tawil ..................
Ralph N. Karam
Solomon J. Karam, Jr.
: : : . _ . ..... _...... _ .............. .1997
......
. ...... . .. .. .. .1998
· · · .... ::: ....................... ·
1999
..... • _...... _....... .2000
·······
. . . . . . ......
134
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
135
�-
FAITH OF THE MOUNTAIN YOUTH AWARD
d
K
and for the year 2000, the
in Youth Award recipient for 1999 was A am aram
.. .
The Faith of the Mounta
b h b
t· e members of the Maronite Youth Orgaruzation.
F
dez They have ot
een ac 1v
recipient was Yazmeen ernan
.
d d th NAM Conventions and have participated for
. . ted in the youth workshops, have atten e
e
They have partic1pa
"th the St George Lebanese Folk Dancers.
years w1
·
1999
2000
Adam Karam
Yazmeen Fernandez
Silver Massabki Award Recipients
Seated: F.ciward K Mery, Orilia Mery, Qoria Benson, A.zizi Karam, Morris Karam, Julia Karam, Zarie Aooud, AmiraAniera
2nd Row: Sylvia Karam, Deborah Mery Fernandez, Ann Karam, SubDeacon Raymond and Alice Casillas, Bishop Patrick Zurek, JoAnnAroera.
Ft JohnAI-Nahal,Adam Karam (Faith of the Mountain Award), JoAnn Reed, Kathy Andera, 'nrette and FmilioGuda
3rd Row: Fernando Fernandez Solomon Karam, Rotert Karam, Alton v\,ells, Julie and George N. May, Salah Diab
1999 Faith of the Mountain Youth Award
Solomon Karam, Fr. John, Adam, and Ann Karam
1999 Silver Massabki Recipient
Jo Ann Andera
w ith Most Rev. Partick J. Zurek and Fr. John
136
2000 Faith of the Mountain Y;ut~;~!hn
ebbie Yazmeen Fernan ez
'
Fernando , D
2000 Silver Massabki Recipients
Ghayda and Jamal Tawil
75th Anniversary
137
75th Anniversary
�ORDER OF ST. SHARBEL
By Cecilia Mery
The Order of St. Sharbel is an organization of lay people and clergy who have pledged their spiritual strens,•
and financial support to the needs of the priests of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.
Its mission: We are entrusted by Christ w ith a mission to proclaim the Gospel, worship the lovingTrinity,arJ
to care for one another.
The overall objective of the Order of St. Sharbel is to strengthen and promote the growth of the Maronite
Church through means of financial assistance. The first objective is to direct financial assistance toward educating the
seminarians of our Eparchy by providing funds for tuition and all expenses of the seminarians. The second o~ective,
when possible, is to provide additional retirem ent benefits to our retired clergy in order for them to live with digni~·
and make it easier for them to share the wisdom of their years.
One way of sharing in the Order's objectives is to become a member. An annual member pledges to donate
$500 annually; a perpetual member makes a one-time donation of $5,000 to the Order's Trust Fund.
The Order of St. Sharbel has the privilege and duty of being His Excellency's Honor Guard. At functions
presided by the Bishop, members are encouraged to wear the Cross of the Order of St. Sharbel and to form an Honor
Guard during the Bishop's entry.
St. George members of the Order of St. Sharbel who are active are:
Alice Casillas
Julia Karam
THE ORDER
OF
SAINT SHARBEL
138
75th Anniversary
�MAGIC IS THE NIGHT
By Cecilia Mery
It was during Father John Trad's tenure at St. George Maronite Church in 1963 that the Maronite Community
would kick off a much needed annual fund-raiser to help pay Church debts and make needed improvements to the
Church and Hall. Father Trad and his four-member Board of Trustees composed of Morris D. Karam, Edward K. Mery,
George K. Mery, and Ralph N. Karam, met regularly to devise ideas for fund-raising activities. Ralph Karam, Finance
Director for the Board, came up with the concept that the community could host an annual grand gala for the entire
city of San Antonio which would exhibit exotic Lebanese dances, entertainment, and sumptuous food. He proposed
a fun-filled cultural event highlighting typical Lebanese cuisine, ethnic music and dances, and the colorful costumes
of the Middle East.
♦
♦
Ralph presented the concept to members of the St. George Ladies Altar Society, whose support would be indispensable in order to host the event. The idea quickly gained support among the Ladies, especially members Josephine
Karam, Josephine Melfi, Emma Ablan, Judy Ablan, Waddell Buhidar, Vee Jowdy and Marie Rashid. They encouraged
Ralph to kick off the event promising full support from not only the Ladies but also the entire community. In subsequent meetings with the Ladies Altar Society, member Carrie Karam would be credited with giving the event its name
MAGIC IS THE NIGHT.
The first function was held September 22, 1963 at La Villita and La Villita Assembly Hall in downtown San
Antonio. The tremendous success of the event was partly due to the Magic Is The Night Dancers, a group of young
parishioners who presented the main attraction of exotic dancing in authentic costumes and dress. The show - stopper presentation, originally called "Fantasy Orientale", was choreographed by Karen Karam, its original director, who
taught the youngsters the authentic, rhythmic and exciting dances of Lebanon and the Middle East. The event placed
the San Antonio Lebanese community on the map. On April 8, 1964, W. W. McAllister, Mayor of San Antonio, and the
San Antonio City Council presented the first proclamation ever issued in San Antonio setting aside one week as
"Lebanese Colony Week". Edward Mery, accompanied by youngsters from the parish dressed in colorful Lebanese costumes, accepted the award from the Mayor. The annual event would continue to be held at ViJlita Assembly Hall until
St. George built its Hall facilities on the Babcock Road property, on July 11, 1976. Thereafter, the event was hosted on
St. George grounds.
The men and women who have chaired this lavish event through the years have done so with style and pride, and
37 years later, MAGIC IS THE NIGHT remains a much anticipated event for the entire city of San Antonio.
Ei
141
75th Anniversary
�RALPH AND JOSEPHINE KARAM AWARD
MAGIC IS THE NIGHT
CHAIRMEN OF MAGIC IS THE NIGHT
Ralph N. Karam and George K. Mery .............. . .... ". ...................
. .......1964
1963
Ralph N. Karam and George K. Mery
Ralph N. Karam and George K. Mery
Ralph N. Karam and George K. Mery
Ralph N. Karam and George K. Mery
d (Hemisfair in San Antonio)
Postpone
Ralph N. Karam and George K. Mery
Josephine Melfi an d Josephine Karam
· · · · · · • · · · · • · · · · · · · · : : : : : : : : : : : : . : .......1965
· · · · · · • · · · : : : : : : : : : : .......... . .. . .......1966
..........
1967
. ....... . ....... . ........... . ............1968
. . ...... . ... . ... .. ... . ........ . .........1969
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. • •1970
. ... . .................................. :1971
Josephine Melfi and Josephine Karam ... . .. . . . .. . ..... . ........... : : : : : : : : : : .1972
Josephine Melfi and Josephine Karam · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·::::::: ...........1973
John Signaigo, Larry Raba and Paul Andry, Jr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .............1974
John Signaigo, Larry Raba and Anthony Wehby .... : : : : : : : : : : : : : : . .......... . ..1975
John Signaigo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · · · · · · · · · . . . .
. .................... . . .1976
.
·
John S1gna1go
• • • · · · · · · · · . . .. · · · · · · · · · · · · · . . . . . . . . .
........ . .. • • · · · · ·1977
The Ralph and Josephine Karam Award was established in 1995 by George and Maureen Munari in recognition of the vas t contributions made by Ralph and Josephine Karam to St. George Maronite Catholic Chuoch.
The Ralph and Josephine Knram Award is presented at "Magic Is The Night" to those people...individual,
family or corporate ...who best exemplify leadership, vision and dedication in raising funds to support the
present and future needs of St. George Maronite Catholic Church, whether it be with time, talent or treasure.
Solomon J. Karam and Ralph N. Karam·················::::: ........ . ... . .....1978
Solomon J. Karam and Ralph N. Karam · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·:: ............ . ..........1979
Solomon J Karam and Paul Andry, Jr · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
.. . ..........1980
.
b
d Edward K Mery · · . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1981
Ralph N. Karam, Larry Ra a an
.
. .. . .............. . .... . .... .
Father Jim Khoury and Larry Raba . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. ..................1982
Larry and Regina LaHood Raba • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
..... . .........1983
L
d
Regm· a LaHood Raba . • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
........1984
arry an
............ . .... .
Solomon J. Karam and Larry Raba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . ............ . ....1985
L
and R
eo-ina LaHood Raba • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
............1986
arry
RECIPIENTS
o·
. . .. • • · · · · · · · · · ·
Edward K. Mery and Robert Karam · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
. . .... . .. . .... . .........1987
.
.
.........
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·..
Postponed until 1988 • · · · · · ·
................... • • • · · · · · . .. . .1988
1995
Larry and Regina LaHood Raba • • • · · · · · · · · · · · ·
....................1989
Larry and
Regm
· a LaHood Raba • • • • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · : ..... . ............. .1990
L
and Regina LaHood Raba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · · .....
. ........................ .1991
arry
.......... ·
1992
Ross Michael and Sylvana Mery .. .. .. . •
.. ........................1993
Ross Michael and Sylvana Mery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... .
Ralph and Josephine Karam
1996
Larry and Regina Raba
1997
Amira, Kathy and Jo Ann Andera
Ross Mich ael and Sylvana Mery · · · · · · · · · · · : : : : : : : : : ....... , , · · · · · · · · · · · .. · · -~:
George E. and Maureen Mimar'. .. .. .. " " ..
. . .......... " .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 6
Mimar1
.....
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
.
George E. and Maureen .
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1997
M mar1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. ..199
George E. and Maureen '.
.
.. " ...................1998
George E. and Maureen M1man . .... ·. ·. ·. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. 999
George and Julie Mery "· · · · ·" · · · .
· · ·" .. · · " .. · .. ·.. . ...
.. .2000
1
Gerald and Sandra Karam · · · · · · · · · · · · · · : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ... • • · · ·
·········
Gerald and Sandra Karam · · · · · · · · · · ·
1998
Cecilia Mery
1999
Eugene and Suzanne Karam
2000
J. J. Amaro, Vice President
BudCo of San Antonio
142
75th AMiversary
75th Anniversary
143
�Chairmen of Magic is the Night
Chairmen of Magic is the Night
Patricia and Bob Karam
Josephine Melfi
Ralph and Josephine Karam with
Cecilia Mery, Fred LaHood and Azizi Karam
Sylvana and Ross Mery
Solomon and Ann Karam
Reggie and Larry Raba
George and Julie Mery
75th Anniversary
144
75th AnJUversa0
145
j_
�nMagtc Memories
•
•
II
1964
'MAGIC
IS THE NIGHT"
CENTRAL COMMITTEE
HARD WORK
RALPH N. KARAM
Gtne,ol Chairman
MAKES
0
MAGIC"
For all those hard-working members of
the Central Committee shown here, and also
for all those members of the Lebanese Colony who gave so unstintingly of their time
and their energies, who are not shown here,
putting the word "Magic" into "Magic Is
The Night," meant hours, days, weeks, and
months of discussing, planning, arranging,
and just plain, hard WOl'k.
SOLOMON SFAIR
Adviso ry Chairman
JOE P. BUHIDAR
Food ChaJrmon
FRANCIS A. MERY
liembers of the Central Committee readily, and in fact, proudly, doff their hats to
those loyal members of the Colony who ha\'e
always been ready to step forth and quietly
but efficiently produce their share of what
is needed to })l'esent the annual spectacle
no\\ familiarly known as "Magic Is The
Night." They know that it is for a good
cause, and that is all they need to know.
".Magic Is The Night" barely goes into
its second year, but already its fame is
spl'eading far and wide. Last year's Lebanese
Colony festival, also presented at La Villita,
was a resounding success. This one is not
O\'er .ret, but from all indications, it shows
tendencies of shattering past l'ecords. The
fact is, that last year's festi\'al showed so
much promise, members of the Central Committee decided to go all out this year, and
extend the colorful presentation to a pair
of evenings and thus accommodate all those
fun-seeking San Antonians and out-of-town
visitors who wish to enjoy the Arabic-tYPe
spectacular.
lodging Chairman
EDMUND "BUTCH" KARAM JR.
Youth Committee Choirmon
EDWARD K. MERY
Publidty Chairman
MARIE RASHED
Fina nce Chai rma n
Id t LaVillita
"Mauk is the Night " 1965 H~uo~ Lebanese Dinner for their guests
MICHAEL RIZIK
legal Advisor
er prepare d and served a sump
The ladies of the commuru·ty
146
147
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�I
-I
Planning fo "M
Magic is The Night Dancers - 1967
· ·
Ralph Ka
K
r
agic 15h the Night" 1981
ram, aren Karam Chore
and Fa;he 1· oKhgrap er and _Director of Entertainment
r un
oury, Charrman
Standing: Loraine Karam, Lili DuTerroil, Karen Karam, Dan Madras, Pamela Karam, Tina
Karam, Debbie Mery
Yvette Mery, Nancy Nasif, Michele Battros, Janice Mery
Magic is The Night Dancers- 1969
Patrick Karam, Bobby Karam, Freddie LaHood, Solomon Karam Jr.
Kathy Andera, Renee Mery, Loraine Karam, Yvette Mery
148
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
149
�St. George Lebanese "Magic is the Night" Dancers
1990 -1995
150
75th Anniversary
�TEXAS FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
THE INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES
By Patty Burrus/ ITC Public Relations
The Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) began with Governor John Connally's 1965 promise of a major Texas exhibit for the 1968 World's Fair in San Antonio. ITC was established by law as a permanent state educational institutionand
in the process, they stripped the Texas stereotype of his chaps and revealed leggings from 26 ethnic cultural groups.
One of the original cultural group s featured on th e Exhibit Floor is the Lebanese, and included in thisareaatt
wonderful displays about the culture and the Lebanese people of Texas. Adorning the exhibit walls are photograph5
and descriptions of well-known immigrants such as Kaisar Yamin, who came to the United States in 1890. His lifelong
objective was to make good Americans out of the Lebanese immigrants. Images of the Maronite Rite founder St. Maron
and the original St. George Maronite Church on North Pecos Street in 1925 are displayed. A hands-on Peddler's Pack
is featured as well.
A variety of items provided by St. George Maronite Church are prominently displayed in one of the cases.
These items include a brass censer, a Maronite mass book, hand-written and printed Breviaries.
.
h celebrated many milestones in its 29 years of existence, and especially during the 1_9 years
1
The ~estiva . a:f o Ann, including welcoming the two-millionth visitor in 1994. In 1996, a sho:"-stoppmg .perunder the Directo,~shiJanele Stage" (called th is becau se of its close proximity to th~ Leb.anese area ~unng the Festttl~
1onnance on the Le
b the original Lebanese Folk Dancers from the first Festival m 1972. This performance ea
d a performance Y
· · l
feature .
f F lklif Jo Ann Andera, who was part of the ongma troupe.
tured the Director o o
e,
h
Hshments over the years, in 1989 Jo Ann was named the Texas
Although given nume:ous awards for . ~r a~i~;'fhe was inducted in the Hall of Honor Lifetime Achieve~ent
festivals Association P~ofess1onal _of_ th~ _ye~~9tshe was distinguished with the Headliner Award in the "professional
AssociahWon, in . C
n1·cat1·ons Inc. in 1997 she was presented with the Ralph and
A\vard from Texas Festivals
"
ted by omen 1n ommu
,
.,
.
h 1· Ch h· in
chievement category presen
d hi
. .
d dedication" to St. George Maromte Cat o ic
urc ,
=~::;<;~::c::t::~~;~:;:;::r".:L;:b:ti:.:i:~~YA::0p~:~1:r:~; ~~!~1:;ii:~:~o~;~::;:~;~~~
Antonio. The entire e anese co
ed to LeadershiP San
bv this special relationship.
_
.
F lklife Festival, but the event has become a Texas tra
No one could have predicted the success of the Texas ~ 11 of the articipants. Special thanks goes out to Jo
d'ti n no doubt due to the sheer dedication ~nd pe_rseveran~e o ~ St Geo;ge Maronite Church, who continue to play
~Andera and to the original participants, mcludmg mem ers o
.
·or parts in the event's success today.
maJ
.
and for allowing us to look for-
~/::n~~~-;,::~~;::~r~~~~~:r.r.::~o~3;:;a:;mversary
ThJe Institute
ward to une 7-10, 2
Although the Institute is well known throughou t the state as an educational center concerned with the history
and diverse cultures of Texas, staff members felt that something more was needed to tell the Texas story. Texas was and
is people-living and celebrating, learning and touching. An expression of this is found in the Texas Folklife Festival.
The Folklife Festival idea began in 1968 w ith a trip to Washington, D .C., to participate in the Smithsonian
Institution's Second Festival of American Folklife to tell the world about Texas. They returned ready to do it again for
the folks back home.
O.T. Baker, Exhibits Manager of the Institute, and coordinator of th e Washington show, was named manager of
the Festival. His team's main objective was to showcase the folklife of Texas w ith the idea of showing how Texans
celebrate and have fun.
The Festival opened September 7, 1972, with 2,163 particip ants rep resenting 21 different ethnic groups and 100
Texas communities. Representing the Lebanese group were Paul Andry, Jr., Fred LaHood, and Larry Karam on behali
of the Ameleb Club, which sold authentic Lebanese cuisine. Deborah Mery Fernandez led the Lebanese Folk Dancers
of St. George Maronite Church.
FESTIVAL
Tl
In ~973, the :estival _grew attracting nearly 3,000, but the planned four-day Festival was cut to two by a visit
fro~ Hurncane Delta. And m 1974, the rain set in again resulting in flash floods that closed highways and delayed the
arnval of .many participants. The wet welcome for visitors in 1973 and 1974 prompted a change in dates to the fir5t
weekend m August. It remained in August until 2000, when the dates were changed to June 1-4, in an effort to escape
the Augu~t heat and because many schools were beginning their fall terms earlier in August. The change proved succes~ful ~ 1th over l9,000 more people attending. St. George parishioner, Jo Ann Andera, has been employed by The
Uruve:sity of Texas lnstitute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio since 1970. She was named Director of Special Events
and Director of the Texas Folklife Festival in 1981, and has held tho se pos1·t·ions ever smce.
·
o Ann Andera, Director of ~pedal Events and
Father John Al-Nahal and J "
F lk Life Festival .
Director of Texas 0
153
152
ifa
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�Folklife Festival
'~ ,
i
'I
•I J'
Folklife Festival
w~•· . . _;.~. ;,~
-~•ti.~ ~ ·~;.:-~":, "'
~·: ~ ~ ,; t· i, ~- . ~- ' . ..
I
""~-.;~~
....~
• ;.t. . ~- lf. . ft..
. ~ . -
•'.:"
\.,, :. ~,,; ,.~ if!-:-,, .!.....' ';. /.~ .,. ;,i,t .
~
1-·
I
155
,,,.
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�ST. GEORGE LEBANESE DAN CERS
ST. GEORGE LEBANESE DANCERS
By Ann Karam
At St. George, dancing has long been one of the ways in which the Lebanese culture has been expressed and
enjoyed. From very young ages, children learn to dabkie, and everyone looks forward to an evening Hafli.
When Texas Folklife Festival began in 1971, the young parishioners who had been part of the glamorous show
for Magic Is The Night took their act "on the road" and performed at the outdoor festival. But it quickly became
apparent that the demands of performing in this setting were quite different from those of a one-time, indoor performance.
Slowly, over several years, the St. George Lebanese Dancers emerged. The "Ambassadors of Lebanon" attracted men and women, and later children, for wh om the venue of the Texas Folklife Festival was challenging and attractive. During the early years of Folklife, the troop performed as many as 30 shows in a weekend. The heat, the multiple performances, the 4-day commitment were not obstacles to this hearty band.
ST GEORGE LEBANESE D ANCERS
~ebbie Mery Fernandez, Director
Today, the troupe consists of nearly 80 men, women and children who attend practices during the spring to
perform at the June festival. Children may join when they start school, and girls may join the belly-dancing troop, The
Exquisites, after their freshman year of high school. All dancers must be St. George parishioners.
The group's director and choreographer is Deborah Mery Fernandez, who began dancing with Karen Karam
Baines as a "Magic Is The Night" Dancer. Currently, Deborah locates the music, designs the dances and teaches the
dancers. With the assistance of Miriam Mery Wells, another member whose involvement dates back to the very first
Festival, they also research and design all costumes.
_The s~mmer of 2001 will mark the 30th appearance of the dance troop at the Texas Folklife Festival. With its
dyna~c m_us1c and colorful costumes, the St. George Lebanese Dancers will perform with energy, grace and charm,
showing with every performance how closely Lebanese culture, dance and music are intertwined.
157
156
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�•
MAHRAJAN
St. George's Lebanese Festival 1982 -1986
By Fernando Fernandez
The idea for a Lebanese festival was born after several very successful years of participation at the TexasFolklife
Festival by the Ameleb Club, w hich at that time represented St. Geo~ge Maronit~ Lebanese community at the festival.
The Lebanese dancers were the most popular entertainment attraction at Folklife and the Lebanese food booth was
one of the most successful in sales. The idea was born from a discussion between Fr. Jim Khoury, Pastor of St. George,
Fernando Fernandez, Lebanese Booth Chairman and Deborah Mery Fernandez, Director of the Lebanese Dance Troupe
about how we could bring this experience to our church community. We felt we had the experience within the
community to put on a Lebanese Festival.
.
aders led b Yazmeen Fernandez asked it if they could man the ki~'s game b?oths._
Sunday, a group of first gr
~ouched b y this enthusiasm that h e worked it out and said yes. With a httle
festival Fernando ~emandezk':ast~o coupons as children their age came up to their five booths to play the games.
..
the children too m e
superv1s100,
.
·ct
through to make the event a success. The sense of ownership and pride that these
C0 rnmuruty pn e came
.
d ·111 our community is priceless.
festivals create
At the time the community of St. George was yearning for a yearly cultural event. The lack of a cultural event
for the community was putting a strain on our one yearly fund raiser, Magic is the Night, in which the entertainment
had traditionally been Middle Eastern in style. At the time those responsible for making that event a success felt they
needed the freedom to change the style of the event and type of entertainment. After a meeting between Fr. Jim and
the Texas Folklife Festival's Jo Ann Andera, it was concluded that we could and should develop a Lebanese Festival.
At that meeting, Fr. Jim suggested that we call it "Mahrajan" after a similar event held by his Maronite Lebanese
community in New England.
After determining that the event was feasible, Mahrajan was incorporated into the following year's church
council fund raising calendar of events. Solom on Karam was president of the council and Fernando was the council
trustee responsible for making it happen. The first annual Mahrajan was held Labor Day weekend in September 1982
and was a success both financia lly and socially. It was well attended by the general public and surrounding Maronite
communities from Austin, Corpus Christi and the Valley. One of the reasons for its success was that this event was put
on by involving the whole St. George community and the many knowledgeable people within it.
Fernando Fernandez was festival chairman for the first three years and made sure that all factions of the St.
George community were involved in putting on the Mahrajan. In charge of publicity and very important to the events
success, was Linda Karam. Linda was regularly on radio and TV shows promoting the festival by bringing Lebanese
pastry samples or booking the Lebanese dancers for TV coverage on the morning shows. In charge of construction was
Frank Van Delden and Alton Wells. Responsible for coordinating the various food booths was Pony and Larry Karam.
One of Folklife's best selling food items, grilled lemon chicken breast, was developed at the Mahrajan under their direction. The Lebanese food booth was handled by the Ladies Altar Society with Judy Karam and Jenny Canavati coordinating the preparation and sale of food items. They developed the 11 kibbee burger", a popular selling food item. The
Saleh family introduced festival-goers to other Lebanese foods life falafel, kafta and other unique Lebanese delights.
Peggy Karam Saleh coordinated the cultural exhibits and the "names in Arabic" booth. Sylvia Karam coordinated the
courtyard shops and gave festival-goers a unique shopping experience. The shis-ka-bob booth was handled by the
Ameleb Club. Corn-on-the-cob booth was handled by Frank A. Mery and his family along with then Bexar County
Sheriff Harlan Copeland. Entertainment was coordinated by Deborah Mery Fernandez with the Lebanese dancers
were the main ent~rt~in~ent attraction. In between sh ows were scheduled alternating American and Arabic band~.
Coke and Crane Distributing (Budweiser) were granted a brand exclusive commitment in exchange for being the fesll·
val's main corporate underwriting sponsors. Many others did their part to make the festival a success. The 4th and 5th
annual Mah.rajans were co-chaired by Ernest Karam and Ralphie Karam. "Spuds" McKenzie and the courtyard art sale
were a big hit during their tenure. The final Mahrajan was chaired by Gerald Karam and his extended family.
Mahrajan 1988
Mery Lanie Karam
Debbie Mer)'. FernTandlez,a::~:ra K~am
Nicole ay or
T~e festival afforded everyone in the community an opportunity to help make the festival a success by taking
ownership of the many booths that were needed to make the festival a fun and a bonafide cultural event.
The best exai:nple of this pride in ownership occurred on a Sunday when our festival would start right after
mass. The comrnuruty would take their posts at the various booths and the gates would open at 12 noon. On this
158
75th Anniversary
159
75th Anniversary
�Mahrajan
Mahrajan
161
160
~
~,
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�.
decided to move the Bingo games off premises to allow the Church Hall to be used for necesh f
t·
Randy's Ballroom at Bandera Road was found and secured for the games.
.
d Churc unc ions.
p • h·
salj' community an
St George obtained a license as a Bingo lessor as well as a Bingo operator. ans ioner
1norder to increase reve:~:, o~sibilities for the Bingo games at that time. Nabil Antoun and Tony A~toun have also
Sa]ah Diab assumed the ~ .
.
f B" go At Randy's St. George not only operated Bingo games, but
.
ervismg the operations o m •
,
.
k
_
al
been instrument in sup
...
h
lif. d charities These measures brought Bingo revenues bac to pre
1.i d the Randy's facilities toot er qua 1e
·
also suv- ease
vious levels for the Church.
.
.
t Geor e Bin o entered a new phase with its Bingo activities. The
At the beginning of the new ~lle~urn, ~al ra!il an! Robert Karam, have taken over the manage_m ent of
Stewardship Committee, under the_dir~c::n of!chase of Randy's Ballroom for St. George, in hopes of instituting new
the Bingo activities and have negotiate . e pu
11 . to the future.
improvements
to
secure
Bingo
revenues
we
m
measures and
ln 1990, it was
BINGO
By Richard J. Karam and Morris D. Karam
St. George Maronite Church conducted it's first Bingo games in 1954 at the parish hall on Frio anJ
Morales Streets. The charge to play was 10 cents a game and the prizes were one-half of the collections for each
game, which at times would amount to $2. Morris Karam and Phillip Yamin headed the initial Bingo effort
for the Church. Morris was the "Bingo Caller" for the games which would attract around 20 to 40 playersases,.
sion. Bingo was discontinued after a year or so becau se of lack of profitability.
In 1977, having just comple ted the construction of the new Hall at 6070 Babcock Road the previous year
and lookin g for ways to raise money to reduce the debt, pastor Father Bernard Khachan approached Morris
Karam to consider starting Bingo again for the Church. Although Bingo was still classified as gambling and
unlawful at the time, the authorities turned their heads to allow Catholic churches and schools the ability to
conduct games if they wished to do so.
A
Hence, Morris Karam headed up the newly established Bingo Committee at St. George, this time to
operate in a facility that could seat over 800 players. With seed money donated by Morris for prize money, the
games started in 1977. Played two days a week, Bingo required a large number of regular volunteers which
Morris recruited from among the parishioners. At least four p eople were needed to handle the door and to sell
the Bingo cards; at least 6 floor walkers were needed to sell Bingo specials and to confirm and pass out Bingo
prizes; and the Ladies Altar Society, staffed with 3 to 4 individuals, took charge of the food and beverage con·
cessions. All unpaid volunteers worked together as a team w hile Morris called out the Bingo numbersonstateof-the-art equipment which he purchased out of his personal funds. Backup callers during Morris' tenure were
Robert A. Karam, Solomon J. Karam Jr., Ronnie Mery, Alton Wells, and David Saliba. When the evening was
done, all volunteers helped to clean the Hall and stack the Bingo cards for the next game. These tasks were
repeated by a cast of volunteers, twice a week for 13 consecutive years.
1979
.
Committee
Morris Karam and th e Bmgo
In addition to the weekly Bingo sessions, St. George held "Super Bingo" games periodically over the
years. This was a super 10-game session played on one evening with total prizes amounting to $35,000. The
tickets cost $100 each and only 800 tickets were sold for the session. The volunteer "floor walkers" from the
Church would arrive for work in tuxedos to exemplify the importance of the event. These Super Bingos would
raise as much as $40,000 in one evening for the Church.
However, on December 10, 1981, the State of Texas enacted legislation to legalize and regulate the con·
duct of Bingo. Although restricted to qualified charities, prize money was reduced and strict rules were
imposed so that the games conducted a t St. George were no longer as profitable as in the past. Bingo revenue
trickled to a ha lt in the late 1980's. Nonetheless, because of the dedication of the volunteers and the initial success of the games, St. George was able to retire the Hall note during Father James Khoury's tenure (1977-1985).
In 1984, Morris Karam, Genevieve Karam and Father Jim had the honor of ceremoniously burning the Westside
Bank note marked "Paid In Full" before a crowd of jubilant parishioners at a 11note-burning party".
In 1984, Morris retired and the chairmanship for Bingo was assumed by Robert A. Karam, who with his
back up callers Larry Karam, Jimmy Mery, Ronnie Mery and Solomon J. Karam Jr., continued to operate the
game: In 1987, the B~go was chaired by Alton Wells who was assisted by back up callers JoAnn Andera,
Ronrue Mery, Salah Diab, and Emilio Garcia.
Bingo - 1988
. .
. M
Fr Hector Doue1h1,
Jimmy Mery, FKran1<1e an~1alp.hie Karam
Ernest aram
163
162
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�CHURCH BINGO
164
75th Anniversary
�MISCELLANEOUS CHURCH EVENTS
Children's Christmas Parties
Easter Picnic
I
I
166
75th Anniversary
I
75th Anniversary
167
�PAPAL VISIT
WELCOME TO SAN ANTONIO POPE JOHN PAUL II!!
By Cecilia Mery
We at St. George Maronite Church were not going to allow the historic Papal visit of Pope John Paul II to
happen on September 13, 1987 without the Maronites of Texas being involved and represented. To ensure this, Fr.
Bernard Khachan appointed a St. George Papal Visit Committee comprised of Judy Karam, Chairman, Cecilia Mery
and Ralphie Karam.
·
' ~BANESE 7
TEXANS
( MARONITE RITE )
L
-
I
Ralphie Karam and Cecilia Mery worked with the Texas Catholic Conierence on Community Ethnic Affairs
Committee, which was in charge of arranging part of the program. Since Texas and San Antonio are comprised of manv
ethnic groups, there were 26 ethnic groups, dressed in their native costumes, which were represented at the Pa~I
Mass. The Lebanese representatives were Paul Mery, Sr., Loraine Karam Taylor, Ralphie Karam, Zarie Jowdy Aboud,
Damon Mimari and Cecilia Mery.
His Holiness' schedule for his San Antonio visit was very full and started with the Papal Mass right after his
arrival at Kelly Air Force Base. For the Papal Mass, we were fortunate to be placed very close to the altar and to be
introduced by Archbishop Patrick Flores as the celebration of th e Eucharist began.
Without a doubt, the Papal Mass, the Pop e's h omily, the music...the entire experience will remain with us
always. It was all very exciting! It was beautiful!!
169
168
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
��THE AMESYR FRATERNITY OF SAN ANTONIO
By Morris Karam and Richard Karam
TheAmesyr Frat~rnity of S~ Antoni~, a contract~on of the proper nouns "American" and "Syrian", was organized March 21, 1935 by fn:st generation 1;-mencans of Synan and Lebanese descent. The Fraternity was the successor
of an earlier club formed m the late 1920 s known as the S. 0. S. Club, or the Sons of Syria.
It was the intention of the founding members to build a fraternal organization that would enable its members
to take their rightful place in the civic, social, educational and athletic life of the City of San Antonio and the State of
Texas. The Fraternity was able to assemble among its members a very talented softball and basketball team and commenced competition on a local and regional level. That same year, in 1935, the Amesyr Fraternity became affiliated
with the Southern Federation of Syrian-Lebanon American Clubs.
In 1936, the first state-wide softball tournament was held with other Syrian Lebanese clubs in Texas fielding
teams from Victoria, Houston, Waco, Port Arthur, Austin, and Corpus Christi. Port Arthur's L'Monar Club won the
first tournament. The tournament became an annual event in conjunction with the Federation's yearly conventions.
The Amesyr Fraternity would eventu ally win the state title three years in a row in 1939, 1940 and 1941.
1n 1938, the Amesyr Fraternity and its sister organization, the Bey Aleph Club, sponsored the 7th Annual
Convention of the Southern Federation of Syrian-Lebanon Clubs in San Antonio, with the Gunter Hotel serving as
Convention Headquarters. The state champion ship softball tournament was, of course, one of the main attractions,
and it was won by the L'Monar Club of Port Arthur.
On the last day of the convention, Sunday, September 4, 1938, the Amesyr Fraternity and guests of the Southern
Federation celebrated mass at St. George Maronite Church with Father Nagem officiating.
The Amesyr Fraternity temporarily disbanded during World War II from 1942 until 1946 and continu~d as a
social club until 1953 when it disbanded for good. The Amesyr was the forerunner of other clubs that formed m later
years such as The Cedars Club of San Antonio (1955) and then the Ameleb Club of San Antonio (1968). These clubs
would continue the tradition of brotherhood and heritage.
Amesyr Basketball Team 1939
.
l
Ha
shie
Edward
Cattan,
Herman
Nam1
Front Row: Solomon Casseb Jr., Joseph LaHood , So omon P
'
y Back Row: Emil Ablan, John Jowdy, Morris Karam, Paul Mery Sr., 5am arru 0
75th Anniversary
�THE AMELEB CLUB OF SAN ANTONIO
The Ameleb Club can proudly claim the following accomplishments:
By Bob Karam
The Ame!eb Club was formed in July 1968 by fourteen teenagers who had athered
Smokehouse restaurant, a regular hangout for St. George teenagers after the 10·00 a
d
one day at Epps
Maronite Church on Frio Street. Most of the fo d'
b
.
.·
.m. un ay mass at St. George
L
un mg mem ers were m theJI mid to late tee
ebanese descent. All of the members had a desire for the families t t
I
ns and all were of
w
1
1· .
o s ay c ose to one another Real' .
ere no onger ivmg close to each other attending different scho 1
d
.
.
izmg that thei
b
,
o s an operatmg on different s . I h
.
mem ers wanted to foster and preserve a feeling of brotherhood d t d. .
oc1a sc edules, the
an ra ition among themselves.
!
Within a few years the club had over SO members with boundles
.
homemade Mexican dinner held in the parking lot of the church
. s energy.. One o~ the first fund-raisers was a
wall of bricks which had to be removed th t
. h
on Fno Street. This event rncluded buildinga portable
a very ntg t to allow parking for h h
..
meals were served and the net profit fr
th
c urc services the next day. Over 300
om e event was around $150.
The first major venture of the club began in 1971 wh
Cultures to be a food and entertainment pa t·1 .
.
en the club was approached by the Institute of Texan
Th·
r c1pant a t their new sumrn
is event became a major fund-raiser fo th 1 b
er program named "The Texas Folklife Festiral .
· h
r e c u and the Ameleb ·
f l
m t e event for 30 straight years.
is one O on Y four vendors who have participated
Another venture the club undertook
. .
h
h
was an association w·th Th C d
ost t e 1972 Convention for The Southe F d
.
i
e e ars Club and The Bey Aleph Clubto coh
rn e eration of Syrian L b
osted two other very successful Southern F d
.
e anese American Clubs. The Club thereafter coe eration Conv f
•
en IOns wi th the Bey Aleph in 1987 and 1992.
•
•
•
It has donated over $400,000 to St. George Maronite Church in the last 30 years;
Built the baseball field on the church grounds;
Been a participant in Texas Folklife Festival for 30 years;
Supported many Southern Federation and NAM charity and scholarship programs;
Co-hosted four Southern Federation conventions: 1972, 1987, 1992, and a Labor Day
Convention in 1992;
Has had one Ameleb member serve as president of the Southern Federation and one
member serve as president of NAM;
Has been a major contributor to the MYO youth programs at St. George; and
Has sponsored a variety of speaker's programs and historical seminars for club members
as well as the St. George Community.
And through it all, the focus was not on just the fun and good times, nor the difficult times. Whether it was
working at Mahrajan, our four-day church festival, selling specials at Bingo, singing in the choir, mowing the baseball
field for weekly games, or skewering thousands of shish-ka-bob for Folklife Festival and dancing until our blisters had
blisters, the focus and commitment remained strong: to perpetuate our faith and culture.
In the 33 stormy years of existence, one thing about the Ameleb has n ever changed: the feeling of friendship,
brotherhood, and fun that bonds the members of this club through its good times and bad and the overall spirit we
have, that somehow, we are better off when we meet, argue and laugh with each other. Together, our goals and plans
are only limited by our own imagination.
The Ameleb Club is looking forward to the new millennium and its latest challenge: For the members who
joined the dub in the late 60's and early 70's as single individuals and then married and had families, how do they
recruit their own children to be the new members and continue the spirit that helped form and make the "Ameleb Club"?
. In the club's 33-year history, there have been 6 resi
.
presidents, 16 presidents of Lebanese desce t
f M _P
dents wi th multiple terms, 14 male presidents, 4 female
the
h
n' 1 0
ex1can-Ame ·
d
years, t ere have been over 700 member hi
ncan escent and 1 of German descent. Throughout
times. The · · al
. .
s P names on the roster Th
. .
.
ongm constitution has been a
d d
.
·
e age 1nrut for members has been changed s1,
men e twice but the
bl
pream e has always remained the same:
"The purpose for which this club is organ. d .
J ·
ize is for cult [
P iyszca/ and social environment in h. h
ura purposes, specifically to provide a
· I1 s
. ..
w ic to strengthe · ·
.
rig t , respo11S1b1hties a11 d comm
.
n m lts members the realization o' their
A
.
'
on interests with th L b
'I
11tonio, Texas, and the United St t ,~
.
e e anese American community o' San
a es 01 America."
'J
Adapting to modem times after 27
chartered non-profit J;
, .
years, the Ameleb Club ch
d
.
. .
exas corporation in 1996 A
ange from an uruncorporated association to a
annually on a bo d Of d"
· s such, the club b
..
ar
irectors who then annuaU
.
ecame a non-profit entity and the members vote
positions for the last five years.
y appomt the executive board. The present officers have held their
The Ameleb Club 1992
d·
Meladdie Mery. Shiela Mery, Nancy Nasif,Yvette Mery. Kathy Andera
'
Mi h I M
Roxanne Mery Alton Wells
Second Row: Suzanne Mery, Laura Mery.R, b c aKe ery.M,1·r1·am Wells Ralphie Karam
·
dd' M
S l ·a Karam o ert aram,
,
Third Row:
E 1e ery, Y vi
' F dd LaHood Julie Mery. Edward Karam, Nabil Antoun,
Fourth Row: George Mery, Deborah ~d Femand? Feman~ez~,1ere ~da and Sharbel Saadeh, Richard and Peggy Karam
Lanie Karam, Soumaya Diab, SalahE _D1Mab, Ro~~ie ~ery. Kevin Kearns, Bruce and Lori Mery
Last Row: Dwayne Mery, nc ery,
'
Sea t e ·
174
75th Annivers.uy
75th Anniversary
�The Ameleb Club 1998
The Ameleb Club 1972
F ther Hector Doue1·h·,, Eddie Mery,
",r· . ...., Wells Mike Daly, Kathy Andera, a
F andez, .1v. i1.nau,
'
Seated: Deborah Mery ern
J lie Mery, Me\addie Mery
.
. George Mery, Edward l(aram
Suzanne Mery, u
Diana Mery, Emilo Garcia,
ells Mi,d,ael and Laura Mery,
.
S l h Diab
Fernando Fernandez, Alton W , Andera, Sylvia Karam, Soumaya Diab~ a \ancey, Freddy Lal-lood, Lanie
Third Row: Jo Ann
N bil Antoun, Andrea ery
Kearns Bobby Karam, a
. and Sheila Mery
Fourth Row: Bruce Mery, Roxanne
' Ken Haase, Cathy Mery, Ronrue
d Cheryl Smith, Dwayne Mery,
Karam, Yvette Mery Haase,
. M
Ra\phie Karam, Johnny an
W ne Yancey, Enc ery,
Fifth Row: Kevin Kearns, ay
JimmY Mery, Ernest Karam
Seated: Lanie Karam, Jennifer Mery and Loraine Karam
Standing: Larry Karam, Miriam Mery, Ronnie Mery, Jo Ann Andera, Paul Mery, Jr.,
Deborah Mery and Paul Andry, Jr.
Members not pictured
Geri Mery, Janie Mery, Edward Karam, Kathy Andera, Donald Karam and Yvette Mery
The Ameleb Club 1976
Richard Karam, Paul Karam, Yvette Mery, Fernando Fernandez, Debbie Fernandez, Brenda Karam, Suzanne
Majors, Donald Karam, Loraine Karam, Peggy Karam, Edward Karam, Lanie Karam, Bill Morgan, Jo Ann
Andera, Jeanette Morgan, Steven Karam, Patricia Mery, Bruce Mery, Connie Andry, Larry Karam, Paul
Andry, Philip Andry
Members Not pictured: Cathy Andera, Geri Mery, Janis Mery, Jennifer Mery, Paul Mery, George Mery, Eddie
Mery, Marcella Karam, Margaret Wood, Michael Wood, Albert Karam, Nancy Karam, Susie Markey, Randy
Flowers, Rosemary Flowers
75th Anniversal)
75th Anniversary
�\
BEY ALEPH SORORITY
AMELEB CLUB PAST PRESIDENTS
By Judy Karam
LARRY
PAUL ANDRY,
KARAMJR. . . . . • . . . • . . . . .......... . ..... · • · · · · · · 1968 ROBERT KARAM ................... . .. .. ... . " .... · · · · .1969 PAUL ANDRY JR ••.••.•••.••...•••.•.••.•.•....•...• · •l970 PAUL ANDRY' JR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · · · .l971 LARRY KA~ . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . • · · · · · · .1972 -
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
.1973 · · .1974 • • .1975 · · .1976 · · .1977 -
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
.1978 NEHMAN ANDRY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . .• · · · · · · · · · .1979 LANIE KARAM
. • . . . . . . . • . . .. . . • . • • . · · · • · • · · · · · · • · · .1980 GEORGE MERY . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . • . . . • . • . . • .. · · · · • · • • • .1981 GEORGE MERY . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . • . • . • • . . . . . . • · · · • • · · · .1982 GEORGE MERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . . • . . . . . • . · · · · • • · · • · · .1983 ERNEST KARAM....... . ........ . . ... . · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · .1984 SYLVIA KARAM . . . . . • . . . . . . . • •. . . .•. · · · · • • · · · · · · · • · •. 1985 SYLVIA KARAM .............. . ......... · · · · · · · · · · • · .. 1986 EDWARD N. ME~; . • . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . .•. . • · · · · · · · · · · · · .1987 BRUCE MERY . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . • . . . · · • · · · · · · · · · .1988 SYLVIA KARAM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ... 1989 ROBERT KARAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · · · · · · · · · · · · . . .1990 -
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
FRED lAHOOD . : .. . . . . . . . • . . . . . . • • . . • . . . . . . . . . • • • • · ·
PAUL KARAM
..... . ..•... .... .•...• . .... . · · • · · ·
JO ANN AND~ . • . • . • . . . • • . . . • • • • . • • • • . • • · • • · · · · • ·
DONALD
KARAM ... ... ......... . .......... · · · · · · · · ·
BILL MORGAN
FERNANDO
. . . . . . . . . . . •. . . • . . . • . . . . . • · · · · · · · · ·
FE~~~~; . . . . . . . . . . .
•.••...•.... · • · · · · · · ·
unchanged for over 67 years.
The Bey Aleph was formed when Emma Ablan, Inez Rahaim, Josephine Melfi, Afife Rashed, and other young
girls from the San Antonio Lebanese community gathered together to organize a club for young single girls with the
goal of preserving their common Lebanese culture and heritage. Their goal was attained and in 1933 the Bey Aleph
Oub was officially organized with stated objectives: to foster good will and friendship among its members and the
community; to distribute charity; to disseminate knowledge; to perpe tuate the Lebanese culture and heritage; and, to
provide wholesome recreation and sociability. Their motto is "In Unity There is Strength", their colors are black and
gold and their flower is the chrysanthemum. That same year the members designed and decorated a parade float that
was entered in San Antonio's Annual Battle of Flowers Parade. The float was awarded a ribbon for "Honorary
Mention".
Monthly meetings took place in the homes of its members for a relaxed and social atmosphere and this practice
continues today. The club has met regularly and faithfully from its inception except for a five-year period during
World Wro: Jl (1941- 1946) w hen it temporarily disbanded. When the War was over and the young men of the com·
munity returned home from the Armed Forces, the lley Aleph sponsored a dinner-dance in their honor, and in the
process relaunched the Bey Aleph into a fully active organization once again.
The Bey Aleph has sponsored annual Lebanese dinner-dances with many civic officials and friends attending.
Food was prepared for these special functions at Lebanese-owned restaurants such as Karam's, Don Jose and Mexican
Manhattan. Many of these events were held at the Colonies North Party House, and the 60th Anniversary celebration
MIRIAM MERY w"E~~~ . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . • • . . · · · · • · · · · · · . . 1991
was held at the Oak Hills Country Club.
MICHAEL MERY
The Bey Aleph co-spon sored several Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Oubs Conventions: in
1938 h
.
F
·t . · 1987 and in 1992 they co-sponsored with the
t ey co-sponsored the convention with the Amesyr raterm Y, m
. ..
.
.
Amcleb Club of San Antonio. The Bey Aleph has undertaken many functions and act1v11Ies over its 67:year history,
. . . . . . . • . . . .. . .• . .. . . · · · • ·
FERNANDO FERN~~~~; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • · • · • ·
.........
........ .. .· · · ·· · ·
·······
- 1992
· • · · · · .. 1992 - 1993
· · · • · • .. 1993 - 1994
· · · . . . . . 1994 - 1995
· · · · · • • .1995 - 1996*
*The club beca~e· a.~; ... ; .. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
b
n-pro it corporation April 1996 Th
oard of directors who then ann
.
·
e members vote annually on a
11
Directors has named Rob utaKy appomt the executive board. The Board of
er aram as President for the past 5 years.
ROBERT KARAM
ROBERT KARAM
ROBERT KARAM
ROBERT KARAM
ROBERT KARAM
178
Since 1933 the President of the Bey Aleph Sorority has opened the monthly meetings with the words "ln tlie
,ome offriendship, knowledge and charity, I naw declare this meeting open. Will the Secretary please lead us in prayer.• This
nwalconHnues today. What began as an effort to preserve the Lebanese heritage, has survived intact and relatively
including· participation in the Institute of Texan· Culture's
year, ChriSlm~s
chanty
h Folklife
fund ·Festival
andeach
donations
educational
field funcbons,
trips, and
scholarship fund raisers and donations, Maromte Churc
raisers
events where dignitaries and well - known individuals would speak to the members.
d
· The Bey Aleph Sorority has grown over· ·the years an
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 -
1997"'
1998
1999
2000
2001
·
to enhance friendship, knowledge and
1
continues
ti
The flame of its love o f heI1tage
.
and fam1. y
chanty. At present there are 40 members comprising three genera ons.
continues to glow.
75th Anniversal')
75th Anniversary
'
�•
.,
Bey Aleph Sorority - 2000
Battle of Flowers Parade -1937
Josephlne Sada Melfi, Can-ie Karam, Affifi Rashld Wassif, Emma Ablan and Janie Karam And,y
. Aboud and Patricia Karam
Josephine Karam,t Zth:1:ey Aleph Banner
presen
Bey Aleph Sorority - 1993
fast Row;
Dean,
Gloria
Yamin Benson, Za,ie Jowdy Aboud, Janie Karam And,y, Josephine
Curry Karam,
JudyAmira
Karam,Me,y
Sophie
Abdo
Karam
Second Row: Stacy Signaigo Sandoval, Miriam Mery Wells, Susie Andry Botello, Mary Mery Karam,
Patricia Ka,am, Samira Me,y, Regina Lal-!ood Raba, Elizabeth LaHood Aboud,
f r the Southern Federation Convention
Bey Aleph performs o
. . Karam, Elvira Mery Dean,
Sandra Karam
Thrrd Row:
White,Pah"icia
Genevieve
Benson,
Karam
Ka,en
Niemeyer
Karam Baines, Margaret Abdo Karam, Elvira Me,y, Azizi Me,y Karam,
Fou,th Row: Pony Traugott Karam, Ma,y Ann Trad Karam, Katny Andera, Jo Ann Ande,a Sylvia Karam
Karam,White,
Patnc1
a
.
Karam Niemeyer
. LaHood Raba, Mary
MeryKaram
Genevieve
Reggie
Sandra
Josephine Curry Karam,
180
75t11 Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�I
elm
1lli!!
elm
c!/cl
c!/cl
rl/1l
rll1l
em
BEY ALEPH MEMBERS
CEDARS CLUB OF SAN ANTONIO
(Past and Present)
By George Yamin
Liz Aboud
Zarie Aboud
Jo Ann Andera
Kathy Andera
Janie Andn;
Eva Andry
Karen Karam Baines
Gloria Benson
Patricia Benson
Suzanne Botello
Salwa Oudie Bunker
Linda Karam Chavez
Amira Mery Dean
Yvette Mery Haase
Ann Daly Karam
Azizi Karam
Judy Karam
Josephine Karam
Marcella Karam
Margaret Abdo Karam
Margaret Andry Karam
Mary Mery Karam
Mary Ann Trad Karam
Patricia Karam
Peggy Anawaty Karam
Pony Traugott Karam
Sophie Karam
Sylvia Karam
Cecilia Mery
Elvira Mery
Emilia Mery
Samira Oudie Mery
Vickie Mery
Waddell Nasif
G~nevieve Karam Niemeyer
Cmder Signaigo Obeid
Reggie LaHood Raba
Kendra Signaigo Recio
Jo Ann Reed
Staci; Signaigo Sandoval
Jeanette Karam Van Delden
Gene Estefan Viola
Miriam Mery Wells
Sandy Karam White
182
clm/1!
The Cedars Club of San Antonio, originally named the Al-Arz Club, was organized by Fred Yamin and James
Khoury on February 3, 1955 for the purpose of promoting close social relationships of the Syrian and Lebanese community in San Antonio. On August 25, 1955 the Club's name was officially changed from the Al-Arz Club to The
Cedars Club of San Antonio. Fred Yamin was elected as the club's first president, followed in 1956 by James Khoury,
andthen in 1957 by Philip Yamin who was re-elected for several years thereafter.
Honorary Members:
Inez Rahaim Ashmore
Janie Mery Ashmore
Sharon Benson
Rose Ann Andry Cowan
Pamela Karam
Rose Mary Gillette Karam
Edwina Karam Saba
Kendra Signaigo Recio
Afifi Rashed Wassiff
1
One of the first accomplishments of the young club was to sponsor the 30th Annual Convention of The
Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanon-American Clubs on July 1-4, 1961. The convention, only the second held in
SanAntonio at the time, brought the whole community together, and by all accounts, was a tremendous success. The
accompanying photograph of the club members was taken for the occasion in 1961.
The Cedars Club met periodically for social gatherings and dinners. The club ventured out like no other club
insponsoring trips to Las Vegas where the members regularly stayed at the Riviera Hotel. In the late 1950's, the club
brought Danny Thomas to San Antonio when he was on tour to raise money for the St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital. In civic circles, th e club would sponsor Christmas parties and visit old age and nursing homes to sing
Christmas carols and take gifts. Being strong on amateur talent, the members would regularly organize talent shows,
skits and plays. The club eventually disbanded in the 1980's.
Deceased Members:
Emma Ab/an
Judy Ab/an
Waddell Battros Buhidar
Hope Marroun Estefan
Angela Curry Hajj
Carrie Karam
Genevieve Karam
Josephine Melfi
Louise Battros Nasif
Marie Rashid
Cedars Club - 1961
First Row: Edmond Karam, Albert Andry, Eddie Sacre, Joe Harfoush, Andy Anderson
elm
elm
elm
=
and Philip Yamin
Id s
Gl · Benson
Second Row: Eva Andry, Margie Sacre, Rose Ann Daw~on, . a acre, S~r~ie Kar~
Gene Karam Rosanne Anderson, Father John Trad, Annie FernS, Jarue Andry, P
'
Connie Cass~b Joan Slyman, Elizabeth Yamin, Billie Yamin
B
y • Carrie
'
.
y · L
Benson San Sacre etty arrun,
1
Third Row: Caesar Ferns, A ex arrun, ynn
'
C ' b George Yamin
Karam, Ruth Sacre, Dave Slyman, Emil Sacre, Paul Andry, George asse ' '
emm
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
�THE CONTINENTAL CLUB OF SAN ANTONIO
By Philip Yamin
The Continental Club of San Antonio was founded in 1998 b
.
.
Karam. The main purpose of the club ·st b .
.
.
y Phil and Michele Yamin and Richard
'."alized that good foends do not see e~ou;i, :;a~~ng-~m:friends together purely on a social basis. Th:;:uP~ggy
mg cluldren, and_ paying bills. This left little time to b:tw7th ;::u';" of their busy schedules, long hours at work~ra:
The Continental Club is relaxed and informal I h
p ~ you grew_ up with and cared about.
club where friends who have a wonderful .
. t as no officers, no mmutes, no dues, no rules It is.
restaurants. The Club is affiliated with the S his~ry meet every few months to share love and great dinne Just a fun
Club motto is "Life is friends, Life is historv
em Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs. The Crsat·t great
J'
e 1s as good as we make it."
on mental
~~
K&MCLUB
By Edward K. Mery and Morris D. Karam
In 1951, there were six marriages in the Mery families.
Aziz K Mery and Vickie Allem
George K. Mery and Salua Oudie
Edward K. Mery and Samira Oudie
Francis A. Mery and Billie Dujardin
Anthony K. Mery and Pauline Chemali
John A. Mery and Emilia Tueme
Six new families in on e year! It was at this time the thought of having a social club amongst the growing family should be considered. The first meeting took place at Kalil J. Mery's home on March 2, 1952. The dub was named
the Karam & Mery Men's Club (K&M).
There were 13 members present at that first meeting: Solomon Karam, Sr., Chairman; Amin Mery, President;
Edward Mery, Secretary-Treasurer; Kalil Mery; Paul Mery; Tony Karam; Ralph Karam;; Aziz Mery; Joe Mery; John
Mery; Frank Mery; George Mery; and Joe Karam.
Many socials were held, such as picnics, parties, celebrations, card games, etc., however, there were serious
decisions made also, such as:
On March 1, 1953, a motion was made and passed to have an annual mass said for all the deceased relatives of
the families.
On June 7, 1953, a motion was made and passed to buy an altar at the Demazenod Scholasticate Seminary. The
Continental Club - 2000
club would be remembered every time mass was offered on the altar.
CONTINENTAL CLUB MEMBERS
Past and Present
Philip
.
. h and Michele y arrun
Diana Mery
Ric ard and Peggy Karam
and Deb orah Mery Fernandez
sFernando
.
Larry and Reggie Raba
y1via
Karam
and Manny lATat
. .
vv, ers
Edward Kand Samira Mery
P a tr ic1a Benson
Edward Mery
Michael and Norma LaHood
G~orge and Maureen Mimari
Michel and Hala Laham
Bobby and Patricia Karam
Joe and BeckY Joseph, Austm,
. Texas
Jeanette Karam VanDeld
Sh
aron
Benson
M.
.
.
Fa
' issoun City, Texas
Carlie Estefan
en
a:}~ne Thomas, Miami, Florida
Gloria BuhidarTaylor
Dr
J
k
J . e~ Katool, Jackson, Mississippi
Yvette Mery Haase
B
·
b
a
e
onshie, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nabil Antoun
ar ara Shaheen, Warner Robins, Georgia
On May 2, 1954, a motion was made and passed that all members should attend an annual rerreat at the St.
Joseph's Retreat House.
On February 6, 1955, a motion was made and passed that all families attend mass on Passion Sunday as OUI
annual remembrance of the deceased.
The club stopped meeting active!y in the rnid-1980' s, but the annual mass is still held and the deceased are still remem-
bered at a Thanksgiving mass held every year at the home of Jeanette Van Delden.
Alir:~
184
75th Anniversary
Lf6
75th Anniversary
�....
11
~
Karam and Mery Club
(K & M Club)
Easter Picnic 1954
u1
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Karam and Mery Club
(K &M Club)
Easter
Picnic 1954
-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Joseph Mery
Janice Mery
Anthony Karam
Azizi Mery Karam
Patrick Karam
Rose Ann Andry
Suzanne Andry
Jean Mery
Christine Karam
Edmond Karam
Josephine Domingues
Miriam Mery
Cheryl Mery
Joanie Mery
Lawrence Karam
Donald Karam
Carrie Karam
Edna Karam
Harry Karam
Maria Mery
20.
Kalil Mery
21.
Cecilia Mery
22.
Jamil Karam
23.
Edmond "Butchie" Karam
24.
Richard Karam
25.
Paul Andry, Jr.
26.
Afifi Andry
27.
Paul Karam
28.
Amin Mery
29.
Gerious Mery
30.
Thomas Karam
31.
David Karam
32.
Fred Mery
33.
Eugene Karam
34.
Morris Karam
35.
Mike A. Karam
36.
Pauline Mery
37.
Albert Karam
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
so.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
Solomon Karam, Jr.
Phillip Karam
Danny Karam
Mary Ann Karam
Sandra Karam
Mary Karam
Paul Mery, Sr.
Anthony Mery
Ralph Karam
Deborah Mery
George K. Mery, Sr.
Salua Mery Bunker
Georgiana Mery
___..
Samira Mery
Karen Karam
Pamela Karam
Robert A. Karam
Jeanette Karam
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
Ronald J. Mery
---
Janie Karam Andry
Josephine Karam
Edward K Mery
Virginia Curry
Solomon Karam, Sr.
Esperanza Mata Mery
Francis A. Mery
Sada Karam Mery
Genevieve Karam
Rose Oudie Karam
Emilia Tueme Mery
Billie Oujardin Mery
John A. Mery
Cathie Mery Stewart
Julian Dujardin
Renee M. Mery
David N. Mery
Thomas Benton
•
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March 9, 1963
ShikraJla Mery, Frank Mery, George Mery, Gerious Mery, Edward Mery, John Mery, Tony Karam,
Seen in the background: Carrie Karam, KaJil Mery, and Morris Karam
188
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
...
Ct'}
N
�N
.....
�FIRST GENERATION AMERICANS FIGHT FOR THEIR COUNTRY
0
mber 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II. The sons of the fam-
e,, .-:;, Maron;te commun;ty, Urst genecaUon Ame,;cans, we,e eHg;ble fm the draft. Howeve, ;nstead ot wamng to be draft,,~~ llie serv;ce, they enHsted ;n dmves ;nto an bmnches ot the a,med fmces to defend the;, count,y aga;nst ;is enemies.
~';; folk,w;ng pages a,e photogmphs of some of the many young men of the St. Geo,ge Mamn;ie commun;ty who sen,ed
their country.
Joe Abdo
Sam Abdo
World War II Veterans
John Andry
Albert Buckley
Solomon Casseb, Jr.
Joe Battros
George Casseb
193
�Sam Dick
Willie Dick
Mitchell Fadal
Joseph D. Karam
Morris D. Karam
Ralph N. Karam
Kouri
Tony A. Karam
Moses Hapshie
Solomon Hapshie
Anthony K. "Chicrallah" Mery
Abraham K. Mery
Tony "Tonche" Jitani
Phillip John
Francis A. Mery
George "Nairn" Mery
Frank Jowdy
194
fu
Edmond D. Karam
George Karam
Aziz K. Mery
195
�P\T.
JOUI\
M. \R
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""'-
JO)l"C '\\II
~
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o< •~ ''"' w""' "" ""<>. >< "' ,.,.. - • c,o. ,-. o - - M• ••' " " <>•• """"" ,_ O "=· - • ., ••• ••
... ,,.. " " " ,.,,,._.. .....,.•-"' " """"""' " ·~ "'""' , _ ., ·~ ·-·~· ,, •• """' ., 0 • ,.,~. '"" " · ...
• - • '"' ,~,. ,aey ., "" " """' " ' S>•
. . , • - " " • ~;C • <'>' ~"•~•. M S,m E"• '"'"• -
•
1&1-.:C 1' \!!II
. . ~ - - • "" , • .,,. . . . . •
,,. <> &aT.< ,_.
0 , ' " ' " • ,._ . , _ '
S
-
lln J, Korain, ond Pvt. Shtben Mtk< )\aml, 10n ol Mr. and Mn. J. Karam,
John A. Mery
Paul K. Mery, Sr
Curtis Reed
Michael Rizik
Anees Semaan
I
Ernest K. Yamin
196
Philip K. Yamin
Sam K. Yamin
197
�■
�Congratu[ations and (jod 'Bless
St. (jeorge for 75 Wonderfu[')ears
1925-2000
In 'Menwry of a[[ our Lovecf Ones
who have gone before us 'Mag 'T/ie,y 2{,est In Peace
'Mify, ancf 'Minnie S acfa
Joe ancfJosephine 'Melfi
Joseph ancf He/en Sacfa
Joseph ancf 2?.psie <J{ 'Vicfa[
Caesar ancf .9Lnnie <J{ !Ferris
Joseph ancf 'Barbara 'J{esham
(jeorge S acfa
Love,
Jo .9Lnn, Curtis ancf Curtis 'Micliae[ 'l(eecf
201
�To The Beautiful
Maronite Community
of St. George
in San Antonio,
Congratulations and God's Blessings
on Your 7 5th Diamond Jubilee!
Sincerely,
St. Sharbel Maronite Parish
Warren, Michigan
Msgr. K~nneth A. Michael, Pastor
Fr. Pierre Bassil' Associate
In Thanksgiving to God for his blessings,
and may He give us the grace to carry on
and grow in our rich Maronite heritage
and tradition £or many years to come.
George and Julie Mery
Nichole, Nicholas, Teryn and Keith
202
�Congratulations
to the Past and Present
Community of
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CHURCH
for a Job Well Done
Compliments
of
The Law Offices of
Joseph E. Ashmore, Jr. P.C.
3636 Maple
Dallas, Texas 75219
214/559-7202
Fax 214/520-1550
~
~ ~i!a~~s~;;;;;;;:::;:,.,,~~~/
~:r~
~
· ·1 \v
'!'fie Lac£ies Yl_(tar Society Joins
'Jatlier Jolin 57L[-'J.la/ia[
57Lncf ·
St. (jeorge Maronite Catfwfic Cfiurcfi
In Ce[e6ration Of
Our 75tli 57Lnniversary Ju6ifee
Yls we 'Enter crlie
9'&w Mi[fenium
We 'Unite In Joyfuf Ce{ebration Of
Our Priests and Parishioners,
'Both Past 5lnd Present crliose Individuafs 5lnd groups
Wfw :Have So Loving(y (jiven of'I'fieir
crime, crarent 5tnd CJ'reasure
In oder 'To 'Ensure Perpetuation of
'!'fie Maronite cufture, 'I'rac£ition
5lnd Spirituafity
Judge Joseph E. Ashmore, Jr.
205
204
�OUR PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES
FOR A HAPPY 75TH JUBILEE
In Commemoration Of CJ'fze Lives
Of Our 'Bewved Parents
~...,_,.._...,__
TO OUR PASTOR, FR. JOHN AL-NAHAL, M.L.M.
and to us all.
The year 2000 marks a new era for St. George
which calls for the growth of meaningful activities
and the expansion offacilities to accommodate the needs
of all parishioners and particularly, the younger parishioners
and children who are the future of St. George.
With God's help and the cooperation of all,
we will strive to accomplish these goals.
JAMAL and GHAYDA TAWIL
FREDERICK and MICHAEL
JOSEPHINE D. and EDWARD KARAM, SR.
51-nd In gratitude :for
'Ifieir Legacy of Love Jttuf I deafs.
EDWARD KARAM, JR.
PATRICIA KARAM
GENEVIEVE KARAM NIEMEYER
EDWINA KARAM SABA
MARY ELAINE KARAM
207
206
�In Memory of
ANGELA J. MIMARI
"NAJLA"
You will remain in our hearts forever!
The Mimari family
208
�. ~~;t :, .·
'
'a
Solomon J. Karam
In memory of our beloved husband,
father, and grandfather
Azizi Mery Karam
Mary Ann Karam and Family
Solomon and Ann Karam and Family
Robert and Patricia Karam and Family
Jeanette Karam Van Delden and Family
Patrick and Ann Marie Karam
Ralph Karam
Josephine Rodriguez and Family
(Houston Texas)
�WE DON'T KNOW
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS...
BUTWEKNOW
WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE.
CONGRATULATIONS ON
THE 75th JUBILEE
OF OUR PARISH
In Memory of Our Beloved Mother
Evangelina 0. Kali/a
Leonel and Ninfa Kalifa
Elmosa and Fernando Herrera
Enrique and Janie Kalifa
Oralia and Mario Garcia
Eloisa and Carl Perez
Abdala and Alma Kalifa
Elias Kalifa
Evangelina and James Lopez
Yousef and Norma Kalifa
FRUITS OF THE TREE
EDMOND (BUTCHIE) and ROSEMARY KAR.AM
DAVID and KENDALL KARAM
Adriana and Toufic Khalife
EDNA K. and FRANK ASHMORE AM
SUZANNE and CLARK DURH
Clark, Pierce and Jack
M
STEPHANIE and MIKE INGRA
Michael and Elliot
FRANK and FARAH ASHMORE
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
DAVID KARAM
ER
MELISSA and MIKE SCHUL
Dylan and Julian
DOMINIC and EDDA KARAM
Adrian and Adrianna
Arturo and Alicia Kalifa
212
SOPHIE and EDMOND D. KARAM
EUGENE and SUZANNE T. KARAM
GINA and JEFF CHANDLER
Brittany
TODD KARAM
nd UL BROUSSARD
TIN A K. a
PAAH d JACQUELINE
JACOB, LE
an
EL:YSE E KARAM
ERNEST and ,o.oiE .EDMOND,
CELINE, IVIJ"U.' ,
s
GENEVIEVE and DOUGLA
�-
Six Generations of
Karam Texans
Five Generations of
Curry Texans
Nasre and Annie Karam
THE FAMILY OF RALPH and JOSEPHINE CURRY KARAM
CELEBRATE WITH LOVE OUR 75th JUBILEE
OF
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
.MAY WE CONTINUE TO HONOR AND LIVE OUR HERITAGE FOR
GENERATIONS TO COME
Karen , Sandra , and Pamela
214
�GOD BLESS ST. GEORGE
ON ITS
75TH ANNIVERSARY
Love,
Frank and Rosemarie LaMonica - Newton, Texas
Phillip and Loretta LaMonica and Family
In Loving Memory of Our Loved Ones
Filippo and Guiseppa LaMonica
Anthony LaMonica
Christopher LaMonica
Mary, David and Peter Alberti
Jean and Joseph Lhotan
Theodore and Edna Haiduk
�CO ngratu[atio ns
St. (jeorge
on gour
'Diamond Jubi[ee!
Congratulations and God bless you
on this happy occasion!
From your brothers and sisters of
ST. MARON PARISH
Our prayers are witli you.
♦
Youngstown, Ohio
Our Pastoral Staff prays for you
St. Elias Maronite Church
Birmingham, AL
Fr. Anthony J. Salim, Pastor
Fr. Gary George, CssR, Parochial Vicar
Deacon Joseph S. Nohra
Subdeacon Thomas R. Craven
Sister Samia Abou-Shakra, A,S., Dir- Religious Education
Antonine Sisters
219
218
�In Memory of
Our 'Bewvecf Parents
and
Other :Jami{y Members
In gratitude to God
for the joy of sharing in the
75th JUBILEE of ST. GEORGE
and in the memory of my beloved parents
AMIN J. MERY AND ESPERANZA M. MERY
Xarim Josepfi 'Jvf.ery am£ Zaizaff 'l(aram Mery
who are with us in spirit
(jeorge ('J..[fiim} aruf 'lvfinnie '1( Mery
Jtntfwny (Cfzicra[[afi.J aruf Pauune C. <Jvfery
Karim Joseph Mery
and Zaizaff Karam Mery
It is my fervent prayer that this milestone of our parish
will remind us of the love and perseverance of its
founders and clergy and be an inspiration to us all.
May it motivate us, our parish families, especially our
youth, to increase our knowledge and truly live our
Maronite tradition and heritage.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and our united efforts,
St. George will continue to grow spiritually and be an
even more beautiful Maronite Center.
.
dM"nnie K.Mery
George (N airn) an
1
Anthony (Chicrallah)
and Pauline C. Mery
h Anniversary of St. George
May the celebration of the 75t
Spirit-filled parish years.
.
f many more
be a continuation
.
M ry Faour
d Josephine e
Malake Mery an
°
Cecilia Mery
221
220
�Heartfelt Congratulations and
Prayerful Best Wishes
In Memory of My Beloved
To Father John AI-Nahal, M.L.M.
and
The Maronite Community of San Antonio
ABDALLAH and MARIAM JOWDY
FRED and MADELINE JOWDY
BILL JOWDY
At the Occasion of
St. George's
Diantond Jubilee
♦
MARGARET JOWDY NARCISO
ROSE JOWDY DAY
LOUIS TRABER, SR.
LOUIS TRABER, JR.
MADELINE TRABER
ALBERT ABOUD
May You Continue to Flourish
For Many Generations to Come
From
Bishop John Chedid, J.C.D
Chorbishop Gregory Mansour, S.T.L.
Father Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M.
Father lhab Chamoun. M.L.M.
Subdeacon Edward Coury
And the Cathedral Community
7 5TH JUBILEE
BEST WISHES ON THE
OF ST. GEORGE
ZARIE JOWDY ABOUD
Los Angeles, California
223
222
�In
Loving Memo'!}
WE ARE PROUD TO SAY
CONGRATULATIONS
of
and
Our Father
BEST WISHES
and
Brother,
ELIAS Y. DIAB
To the Community of
and
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
ElR. CESAR E. DIAB
of San Antonio
on its
75th ANNIVERSARY
and
♦
Our Grandparents
CELEBRATION
YESOUH and SAYDI DIAB
MICHAEL and TERFANDA ISSA
from
From
SEDA CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC
DR. SALAH E. DIAB, P.E., PRESIDENT
SALAH E. DIAB
and
SOUMAYA, DAVID and
HARRY DOENGES
225
224
�In Loving Memory of
CONGRATULATIONS
Aziz K. Mery
ST. G EORGE M ARONITE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON YOUR
75TH A NNIVERSARY
Virginia N . Oguejiofor
1917-1991
Our Best Wishes to you, St. George Community,
on your 75th Anniversary
May God continue to Bless you
in the years to come.
Vickie Allem Mery
Children and Grandchildren
In loving memory
er and grandmother
of our dear mOth
. •h
whose love and gentle spirit remain wit us.
Joseph Anikw u olum, Stepson
John Anikwu olum, Son
Josie O gbugbulu, Dau ghter
Victoria, Sister-in-Law
Yvette Mery Haase and Family
Grandchildren
Alexis, Gentry, and Devin
Darlene Mery and Joe Massad and Family
Jordan, Joshua, Jodain, Joslyn and Jolene and Rob Ernst
Aziz K. and Joyce Mery and Family
Sofia, Nadia, and Danni
Michael E. and Laura Mery
Monica, Christoph er, Victoria, and Marina
Rapheal I. Ogbu gbulu
Michael 0 . Ogbugbulu
Vivian N. Ogbu gbulu
Karenjo A. Ogbugbulu
Ifeoma E. Aru).<wUolum
Victor U . ,AnikwUolum
EvanstuscAni}<wuOluro
Evangelina C Anik\.-vuolum
Fidelis 1. Anikwuolum
Hilary O. Anikwuolum
Malachy U. An1kv, uolum
Jenifer C. Anikwuolum
21.7
_,
226
�In memory of our beloved parents
Kalil Joseph Mery and Sada Karam Mery
MICHAEL SAID KARAM
1916 - 1973
and MELADIE (CARRIE) KARAM
1912 - 1980
In memory of a beloved husband, father, grandfather,
great-grand/ather, and
a dear sister-in-law, aunt and great-aunt.
Their love and devotion remain with us.
Mary Karam
1889 -1988
1893 -1982
Their faith, love and heritage
lives on within their
Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren,
and Great-great-grandchildren.
A ziz K. Mery ,;a
A zizi M. Karam
Amira M . Dean
Elvira Mery
228
Maria M. Mery
Janie M. A shmore
George K. Mery
Edward K. Mery
Children
.. D
ld and Rosemary
Jamil, Anthony, Paul, Philip, ona
Michael
Yvonne
Mark
Nicholas
Katie
Christopher
Grandchildren
Kristine
Shelly
Natalie
Jason
Megan
Randy
Great-Grandchildren
.
Zach ary: and Dou glas
Christopher, Courtney, Brittany,
'
�Our Family
Is Proud to be a Part of
the Community of
St. George Maronite Catholic Church
In Loving Memory of
Tony Abdo Kararn
San Antonio, Texas
Con 6 tulations and Blessings
on our
75th Anniversary
Who loved and lived his faith and heritage
Congratulations to Fr. John, past pastors and parishioners of
St. George Maronite Church upon celebrating its 75th anniversary.
This success is due only to our ancestors foresight, perseverance
and labor of love.
May we continue to be blessed by our Lord
and never lose sight of :His greatness.
Julia Karam
Sylvia Karam and Manny Waters
THE FAMILY OF JOHN'1t AND EM ILIA MERY
Alton and Miriam Well s, BenJamm
. . Al
ruce
and
Lori
Mer
' ana and Justin
B
Guy and Janet Mery N th y, H~nnah and Aaron
Kevin and Roxanne Kea~nsa; .Mitchell, Ryan and Amanda
' nttany, Joseph and Chandler
Russell Mery'{}>
Larry and Pony Karam
Jerad, Khara, and Garrett
Loraine and Tom Taylor
Julia, Ryan and Stephanie
Steven Karam
Evelyn and Brian Schroder
Adrienne, Brandon, and Clayton
Kenneth and Tracy Karam
Anthony Tusa and Dylan
Jaclyn, Clifton, Olivia, and Laura
231
230
�In Memory of our 'Befovecf Parents
Congratufations
St. (jeorge Maronite
Catfio{ic Cfiurcfi
on your 75tfi 5lnniversary !!
George and Celia Joseph
S The First Wedding In the
t. George Maronite Church
1i
~
~
• ..
hank you for giving our children a
loving foundation of their heritage
through the Maronite liturgy. We
feel blessed and proud to be part of this
time in history. We pray that our children
and their children will never lose their
faith and always stay strong like the
Cedars of Lebanon.
Best wishes always on your continued success
Joseph and Diane (Mery) Palasota
JOE JOSEPH
GIL JOSEPH
And our children
TOM JOSEPH
Jason, Corey, Dana and Rach elle
CATHERINE HAMMER
233
232
�Congratulations on Your
75th Anniversary
Mrs. Frances M. Khoury
and
Family
May God Continue to Bless
Your Parish Abundantly
Patricia, Joan' Eileen, M sgr. 1·zm,
Sheila and Brian
Msgr. Jam.es T. Khoury
St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church
Lawrence, Massachusetts
23;
r
234
F~/
�In Memory of
Afy 'Befovecf Parents
Solomon and Julia Sfair
S tepnwtlier
♦
♦
Hasna Sfair
'Wife
Mary Lou Sfair
Thank you for raising us, teaching us, and
enriching our lives with many blessings.
May God bless this church with another 75
years of spiritual growth and happiness.
The Lineberger Family
Jeff and Samira
Storm
236
Fallon
Bryce
and 'Brothers
.
d M·ke Sf air
Fred Sf air an
1
Phillip S. Sfair
�r
n .
t· t and kind· it is never jealous.
,,LJve
is always pa ien
'
. never boastful or conceited; it is never
Love ts
rude or selfish.
ake offense and it is never resen tfu I.
Love does no t t
'JJ'
'
. other people's sins, but
Love takes no pleasure in
delights in the truth.
George Kalil Mery
1929 - 1973
to excuse to trust, to l,opc, and
Love is always ready
,
to endure whatever co1nes.
In tribute and memory of our beloved father
who instilled in u s his love of our Maronite tradition
and he ritage which w ill always remain with us.
Deborah and Fernando
Fernandez
Yazmeen
Saleem
Layla
Mark and Rose Mery
Mark, Jr.
Matthew
Pauline and Flint Bourgeois
Barbara and Raymond Buhidar
Nadine and Tamer Aly
Tanya and Tom Pruszkowski
Love does not come to an end.
George and Julie Mery
Nichole
Nicholas
Teryn
Keith
Ross and Sylvana Mery
Vincent Mery
Ross, Jr.
Genina
Martina
Dustin
Michella
Austin
B lake
1st Cori11tliint1s 13
♦
Georgiana and Jorge Yunes Said +
Loren Yunes
Juan Carlos Yunes +
Luis and Anel Yunes Silva
George Yunes
God's Blessings and Best Wishes Always on the
75th Anniversary of our parish, St. George, from
our dear mother SALUA and all our family.
238
Ann Andera
d
J
Kathy, Amira an o
�In Loving Memory of Najeeb and Susan Mery Rizik
and their children
Jimmie, Michael, a n d Ther esa
'Tlie nwst 6eautifu[ tfiings
in tfie worfr[ cannot 6e seen or toucliec£
6ut are f e[t in tlie fieart.
In memory of
SALIM AND ANASTACIA BATTROS
MURRAY AND CECELIA MONSOUR
SAM BATTROS
JOE BATTROS
Our family is proud and grateful to share in the 75th year celebration of
JOE AND WADDELL BUHIDAR
St. George Maronite Catholic Church. Congratulations!
St. George is rich in memories of our families-immigrants of deep faith whose dream of religious freedom
was the foundation of our church.
Though some things have changed, the most important things have not.
Valued traditions and the bonds of faith, love, friendship and charity continue
to lead us into the 21st century.
Our church is not a building; it is our family.
St. George has been the:
Cradle of our joy in baptisms, the
Circle of love in weddings, and the
Source of our hope and comfort in the hours of our deaths.
EDDIE BATTROS
MURRAY AND ROSE MONSOUR
LOUISE NASIF
<Ifiey {ive in our fiearts Jorever.
G rge on Our
Congratulations St. eo
75th Anniversary
May it continue to thrive and grow in the blessings of our Father.
In Remembrance:
Sadie, S uzan ne, Mich ael, J acqueline, and Alex ander
BETH BATTROS
MITCHELL AND ELIZA NANCY NASIF
WADDELL, SANDY AND
2-n
240
�In Memory of
:7/s our parish celebrales ifs
SARAH "SADA" SHEEHAN
751..'fl/"' JZnn.1uersary,
c71
·
we remember our
January 15, 1910 - Au gu st 25, 2001
arah Saad Sheehan was born on Januar y 15, 1910, in Pedricena, Durango, Mexico, the only child of
Lebanese immigrants, Najib J. Saad (December 25, 1871 - June 11, 1933) and Eugena Aswad s.,ad
S
fo uiny parenls andyrandparenls
(February 20, 1892 - March 21, 1952).
Her father, Najib left his home town of Dier El Qamar, Lebanon in the 1890's with his father Khalil and scl\\l•d
in Troy, New York where Najib received U.S. Citizenship in 1900. When Najib's father died, ajib returned to
Lebanon for about 2 months, and then moved to Mexico where he established a dry goods store in a small vil-
:Xebma.n a.ncl:Jlfifa 7/nky
+
1Jieba.ncf!/Karsha JG.ram +
lage called Pedricena, outside of Torreon, Mexico.
Najib met h~ wife Eugena, in Mexico City w hile he was on a buying trip. Eugena Aswad and he, lathe, '-'""'
Aswad, step-mother, Emily, and brother George, had just arrived in Mexico City in 1907 from Beirut, Lebanon
They happened to be staying ,cross from the Hotel where Najib was staying and they met. She was 20
his younge<, but within 15 days they were manied in Mexico City. Najib and Eugena then mo,.-1 tn
Pedrirena with c;eo,ge to wo,k in the dry goods storn. In 1910 Sa,ah was bo,n and the Mexican Rc,nlut,oo
began. Because of mistaken identity by the government fo,ccs fighting Pancho Villa, Najib h,,d to lude in
Otuango, Mexico and he and his family stayed the,e 12 yea<S (until 1922) until the fanuly moved to Tom-,n,
Coahuila, Mexico. Geroge stayed in Ped,iccna and ,an the dry goods sto<C until 1922- On Apdl 29, 1"26,
Najib, Eugena and Sa,ah aossed the U.S. bo,de< at Laredo and moved to San Antonio Geo'lle "'""" to Nt••
'°'"
York.
On Ap,il 26, 1936, Sa,ah manied Louis Sheehan (1907 - 1951) hom San Mam,,, Te."- I oui""'' S,><oh """"'
lo Son Ma«os, Texas w ith Louis' family to, about 9 months before the couple ,etum ed to Son A ntonn>. A(te,
a short stay at 1515 W. Ma<tin Street (3 mo nths), they moved to 1911 W. Ma,lin St,._,•t. S.<>h ,md he< ,m,th•••
purchased their home at 2508 Buena Vista Street in 19-l7.
Louis Sheehan, from Gusta, Lebanon, came to the United States in 1914 thn>ugh t.,n,lo,
I.nu•;• l,tthe<
and his aunt died on the fateful day of Ap,il 14, 1912 while aossing the Atlantic to Amen co ''"•"'' tltt• ht,mn':
Reconls of passenge<S list him as Llyas (Elias?) Yusuf Shahin hom Kah M"hlu of R,,..hm •' ,,I-Wo.h I ou,
sIBte, Ma,y Estefan manied John listefan (DOD 1937) 01 Louis siblings (mdudmg Ab< and C.-»,w Sh<'•han),
"°'"
only one sister, Evelyn Urdiales of Houston, Texas survives today.
Yl(orris ancf2l(araa
J
reIXaram
7//£erl'
X anc_y,
Cf/7°
JL<.
. orr1s. , and!JJ(iL
/"' rr✓La.ram
r-J/'
11cne11
7Janief, <:Su z anne, 7)an1e· f c7r.
Cl , Jtnch--ew
<71
n /"'
, and!'}JT'
/L<...a11new
9erafcl., c5and1ra, r7\
uamon, ancfV1ncen
.
I
r-J/ '
✓La.ram
Eu gena,
r-J/ '
✓Laram
!Ric.hardancl%arceff
r7\
.
Ja uau1es
7/ri.hur andB ind<.a
242
G'inauez
/"'
Sarah S. Sheehan
�THE KARAM FAMILY
OF MAZRAAT EL TOUFAH, LEBANON
THE KARAM FAMILY
OF MAZRAAT EL TOUFAH, LEBANON
The Village
The Karam House
The Vi/Inge of Mnzrant El Toufnh was Co-Founded in
the 1700's by the Karam pntrinrchinl father, Anim ElSher, who came from Ejbeh, n small vi/Inge on top of f/,e
hill from Mnzrnnt El Toufali. The Village sits high in the
North Lebanese mountains n few miles from the Cedars.
The original Karam House, approximately 300 years
old, is still owned by the family today, one of the first
houses built in Mnzrant El Toufnh.
Elias Becos Karam Family
.
altfwuglrfirsl seltling in San Antonio
1
b where
.
11refiam, y,
Sam and Ann were bonr, moved lo Co/um us, 01uo.
p· tured witlr Elias and Tarooze are Sam and J_oseph,
;~,,, Marsha, Jenny, Flore11ce, Virginia, and Latiffie.
Dieb Becos Karam Family
Dieb & Adele settled i11 San A11tonio from 1908 1111til 1918
where sons Edmond a11d Joseph were born, the11 mcm.•d /(1 San
Marcos, Texas, where Morris, Judy & Eva were boru. Aftn
Adele died in 1929, the family moved bock to Sm1_A11tm110 m
1933. Pictured wit/1 Dieb nnd Iris sec~mt wife, Marsha
KJwury, are: Judy, Edmond, fosepl,, Moms anrl Et>n.
Dieb Becos Karam
Becos Elias Karam
8ecos £/ins Knrn111 mu/ wife Mnrrinelr in front of /Ire Knrn111
House, circa 1916. 8eco~ married tire dnuglrter of Rabil Khoury
Mo11ssn from EjlJCh. According lo C/111rc/1 records (St. Domil
Mnro11ite C/111rc/1), Becos' is the son of £/ins, wlro is tire son of
Knrnm, wlro is t/,c so11 ofTa1111ous, wlro is t/,e so11 ofAnim El-51,er,
Co-fo1111der of t/,e Vi/Inge n11d patriarch of tire Knrn111 Fnmily. The
you11g girl is Mn/,eb, dnugl,ter of Elias 8ecos Kamm wlro is still
~:====~livi11g today in tire Vi/Inge.
Dieb Becos Karam, son of Becos, and his wife Adele
Jacobs from Ejbeh, shortly after immigrating from
Lebanon to Mexico in 1907, then crossing the border at
Laredo, Texas 011 Nov. 19, 1908. Dieb is one of five
children of Becos and Marrnieh: Dieb Becos Karam,
Elias Becos Karam, Shaker Becos Karam, Lntifeh, and
Lamia Karam Saleh (grandmother of Peter Saleh).
Joseph Dieb Karam
Born Marci, 7, 1918, Died June 3, 198~
/n his memory we dedicate this Memorial
Joseph and Margaret Karam
Elias Becos Karam
Shaker Becos Karam
Shaker, the brother of Dieb and Elias, and l1is wife Adele
lived in the Karam House until Shaker's death in 1979.
They had no children. Shaker left Lebanon once to visit
his brother Elias in 1965.
244
Elias Becos Karam after arriving at Ellis Island,
September 29, 1913, on the French liner La Toumine
wit/, /Jis wife Tarrooze, the daughter of Elias' uncle,
Father Francis Karam.
Mnheb, their first born,
remained in Lebanon with Elias' parents.
. b Karam Family
J Knm1", and Haro/rt J.
Joseph Die
p t C Saleh, Brandon . . ·11 W. Karam, ,111d
I mas M. Karam, e er .
A Knra1", Prise, a .
Riclrard J. Karam, Joseph R. Karam, T ,o Peggy G. Saleh, Margaret d.Nickolns P. Saleh
. M. Karam, p eggy A · Karam,
Knrmn, Jessica
G
p Snlelt Nyla M · Sale/1 an
eorge
•
'
K
CourtnetJ E• aram,
�THE ABDO FAMILY OF BEIRUT, LEBANON
THE ABDO FAMILY
OF BEIRUT, LEBANON
G EORGE TOFIC A BDO FAMILY
GEORGE TOflC Asoo
('...o,vr,0
.
Geo
li ufic Abdo and Genevieve had 6 children. Sam Abdo, Sophie
rge o
a aret Abdo Karam, Mary Abdo, Elizabeth Abdo, and
Abdo Karam, M rg .
lso adopted a daughter Ninette ShoucaIr.
George J. Abdo. Genevieve a
·
Tofic Abdo mamed Gere,ieve
kl 1913, the eklest oon, ~::r.
· rantparentsfrom
Knn bln ri 100) ri ~
.Texas to mng .
Mrlt. Lelm:n 1te ~ was arargoo tJ-/ 1hei' parents.
ELIAS ABDO
Elias Abdo & wife, Helen Swia Abdo left Beirut, Lebanon
for America between 1885 and 1890, leaving behind their
two sons, Joe Abdo (approximately 11-15 years) and
Elias Abdo (approximately 1-5 years old), intending to
send for them once settled. Upon arriving in America,
Elias and Helen settled in Kenedy, Texas opening a dry
!JMds store. While in Kenedy they had a daughter, Mary
Eh. :; Abdo, born in 1893. Helen Abdo died from appendicitis in 1894 at the age of 44 years. Elias' daughter
Mary died in 1904 at the age of 11 years.
JOE ABDO AND SOPHIE TABET ABDO
In 1895, Elias' son, Joe Abdo (now at age 21) immigrated
to America with his bride Sophie Tabet Abdo, settling in
San Antonio.
lj
M ARGARET A BDO KARAM
h d four children Richard
Joseph and MarMgar~~el aHarold James, a'nd Peggy
Joseph, Thomas ic .
Gene Karam Saleh.
JOSEPH ANO
MARGARET ABDO
.
1920 .1 San Antonio, Texas,
Margaret Abdo, born Feb. 21 ,
~
in San
7 1918
married Joseph Oieb Karam, born . ar. .
aram from
Antonio, Texas, the second son of Dieb Becos K
Mazarrat Et Toufet, Lebanon.
CASSEBS
In 1901, Joe Abdo sent for his first cousin, Solomon
Casseb, Sr. and his aunt Jamilie Swia. Upon arrival from
Beirut, Solomon Casseb, Sr., age 16, moved to Kenedy,
Texas, for 1 year to assist his uncle Elias Abdo in the dry
goods store business, before moving to San Antonio.
JOE ABDO FAMILY
Joe and Sophie had 12 children: George ToficAbdo, born in San
Antonio on Dec. 12, 1896, John, Annie, Paul, Frieda, Solomon,
Elias, Angelina, John Joseph, Mary and Helen. Brother Elias
Abdo followed later and joined Joe in San Antonio. Their father
Elias still lived in Kenedy, Texas running the dry goods store at
the time.
The Abdo family photo
May 1990
�In Loving Memory of
BILL AND MARGRETTE ANAWATY
My Sincere Best Wishes
to
FR. JOHN AL-NAHAL, M.L.M.
and
THE PARISHIONERS OF
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CHURCH
ON YOUR
75TH DIAMOND JUBILEE
nLet today embrace the past with
remembrance and the future with longing"
May God Bles s All You r
Efforts and Inspire
Your Youth to Pe rservere
and Continue Our
Maronite Heritage
-Kahlil Gibran
Bill Anawaty, Jr.
Rocky and Denise Kaleel Anawaty
Michael William Anawaty
Richard and Peggy Anawaty Karam
Jessica Margrette and Joseph Richard W illiam Karam
CHORBISHOP
JOHN TRAD
248
249
!ti
L'.
�Prayers
and Best Wishes
from
St. Raymond Maronite Church
St. Louis, Missouri
Dear
Father Al-Nahal
and Parishioners of St. George Maronite
Catholic Church in San Antonio:
25 years ago I had the honor and privilege to share with
you the Parish's Golden Anniversary. 25 years later it
seems like it was yesterday.
The parishioners of St. Maron Church in Cleveland, Ohio,
and I would like to congratulate you on your 75th
Anniversary.
Because of your generosity and your love for your
Maronite heritage, you and I saw together the birth of the
new St. George parish. A beautiful church and complex
were born from a wooded area to the most beautiful
complex in the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon.
Chorbishop Robert J. Shaheen, Pastor
I can see from now your children having the 100 - year
celebration of the life of your parish with the same love
and enthusiasm.
May God bless you and keep you well.
Chorbishop Bernard C. Kha chan,
Former Pastor of St. George Maronite
Catholic Church
251
250
/
L J
�In Loving MenwT}J
~ey Yl[ep Ii Sorority
Congratulations to Fr. John and all the parishioners of St· George M arom·te Ch urch upon
celebrating its 75th anniversary. Much has been accomplished in these 75 years and
we pray for the continued success of our fellow parishioners.
We are proud to be part of this community.
Members
Elizabeth Aboud
AziziKaram
ZarieAboud
Julia Karam
Katherine Andera
Patricia Karam
Eva Andry
Peggy Karam
Kassandra Baines
Kristin Bengoechea
Pony Karam
Sylvia Karam
Gloria Benson
,-.
Salua Bunker
Linda Chavez
Marcella Davies
Sandy Karam White
Margaret Abdo Karam
Nikki Dowd
Margaret Andry Karam
Yvette Haase
SR.
Josephine Karam
Mary Ann Karam
Karen Karam Baines
Amira Dean
RONALD MARRUN ESTEFAN,
Sophie Karam
Elvira Mery
Emilia Mery
Samira Mery
Vickie Mery
Waddell Nasif
Gene Niemeyer
Cinder Obeid
ReginaRaba
Kendra Recio
Jo Ann Reed
Stacy Sandoval
Gene Viola
Miriam Wells
Jeanette Van Delden
Ann Karam
Our Charter Deceased Members
A man of wisdom , w1·t, character, honor and love
Marie Rashid
EmmaAblan
A devoted husband and wonderful father
Josephine Sada Melfi
Inez Rahaim Ashmore
Janie Karam Andry
Meladdie (Carrie) Karam
Genevieve Karam
Angela Curry Al-Haj
Waddell Battros Buhidar
Louise Battros Nasif
253
252
j_
�We Came .. .
CONGRATULATIONS
We Saw.. .
We Joined...
We Conquered ...
0
A BIT OF LEBANON
IN
TO THE PARISHIONERS OF
ST. GEORGE
MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
FOR
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF
DEDICATION AND HARD WORK
ST. GEORGE
THE RABA FAMILY
MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
LAURENCE • REGINA• KRISTINA• CHRISTOPHER
Our Family Away From Home
z
Our sincere best wishes for
God's continued blessings on
the clergy and parishioners
now and always, and especially
on its 75th Jubilee
Nabii and Tony
♦
RABA
DESIGN GROUP
ARCHITECTURE
ENGINEERING
PLANNING
INTERIOR DESIGN
255
�...
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR BELOVED
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
AND COMMUNITY
uYou have brought us together and kept us together"
♦
T'o our 'Befuvea J-fu.s6ana, Yatfie:r, aruf <,;ufo
w~ wi[[afways cfie:risfi Fi.is fiumor, syiritua[strengtli, iirufness, Cove, aruffrienaslii_p.
'Bilue X. 'Dujardi.n :Mery
'11iomas J-f. 'Benton
Catfie:rine L :Mery
Slianna
'I'om.my
Cfiery[ & Jofinny Smitfi
Natalie
~Z'c:::..-,~
YranR J\.. :Mery
J'll
'Peter 'B. :Mery
'Peter 'Brian II
The Kaisar and Asma Yamin Family
Jimmy & Sliaron :Mery
Ste_plien
T'ara
:M.iclielf.e
Congratufations St. <;;eor9e :for 75 -wcnukrfa[years of spiritualauufanu am£ <;;otf.s_peetf in tfu future.
256
'257
_jJ
�Our 75th J2Lnniversa'!J···
OUR THANKSGMNG TO THE GOD WE WORSHIP AND TO THE PAST
ANCESTORS AND PRIESTS WHOSE LOVE, DEVOTION, WORK AND
DEDICATION HELPED US TO REACH THIS POINT.
♦
♦
WE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS
ST. GEORGE MARONITE COMMUNITY AND INSPIRE OUR CHILDREN
YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAY!
THANKING GOD FOR THE BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS OF
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH'S
AND THEIR CHILDREN TO LIVE THEIR MARONITE TRADITION.
♦
75th ANNIVERSARY.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHURCH,
ITS PASTOR
AND THE COMMUNITY.
Edward and Samira Mery
MICHAEL, NORMA, NICO AND MARC LA HOOD
258
259
�•
Thank you
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
For 75 years of
Perserving Our Maronite Tradition.
THE SANDRA KAYE KARAM FAMILY
In Loving Memory
of My Husband
and Our Father
Frank Van Delden
CINDER and TONY OBEID
Tony, Tara, Megan and Sarina
STACY and CHRIS SANDOVAL
Ana and Allison
SAMANTHA and MOHSEN ELANDARY
Joseph and Hannah
KENDRA and BOB RECIO
Keith, Kyle, Samuel
ALEXANDRA and MICHAL SARAH WHITE
Jeanette K. Van Delden
Jeffrey K. Van Delden
PALETTA'S IMPORTED FOODS
202 Recoleta Road
San Antonio, Texas
Darren K. Van Delden
The Tradition Continues ...
Azizi J. Van Delden
Robert K. Van Delden
260
261
�"ARISE AND SHINE FORTH O HOLY CHURCH"
CONGRATULATIONS
on
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF A MARONITE PRESENCE
IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
THE SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OF YOUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY OF FAITH
HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO THE
MARONITE CHURCH OF THE USA
N ATIONAL A POSTOLATE OF M ARON ITES
NATIONAL APOSTOLATE OF MARONITES
MISSION STATEMENT
Maronite Youth
Organization
Keeping the Tradition Alive
The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM)
serves as a unifying force among the laity of
the Maronite Church in the USA and
as a common link between the clergy and the laity.
NAM helps preserve the Syriac-Maronite traditions. by .
making people aware of the rich heritage o~ the Marornte faith
and by fostering pride in the Marornte Church .
NAM P.O. BOX 280126 BROOKLYN, NY 11228
Phone: (718) 630-5868
F~x: (718) 630-5191
e-mail nam@msmy.com
website: www.namnews.org
262
263
�BEST WISHES ON OUR 75TH JUBILEE
FROM THE FAMILY OF
PAUL K. MERY, SR. and ADELINE T. MERY co,
GWENDOLYN (MOM) and BILL
The
!Family
RASA and BILL
Of
Judge 'Bi[[ 'White
Congratu[ates and Tfianlq
St. (jeorge Maronite Catfio[ic Cfiurcft
On
Tfie 75Tfi Ju6ifee!
JOAN MERY and BEN WALLIS
Michelle S. and Roy Butler
David J .D. Slyman, Jr.
Elaine S . and Jack Crea
Cody T. Crea
Kelly Crea
Christopher and Claire Slyman
Katherine E. Slyman
PAUL K. JR. and IRENE MERY
JENNIFER J. MERY
Kellie and Rick Orr
Paul K. Mery, III
J ordan M. Mery
JEAN MERY and HERCHELL M. JAMES
Stephen M. James
Matthew A. James
Rachel M. J a mes
Shelly J . and Joseph W. Wagner
Sydney N. James
Gregory P. and Deborah A. James
Ke nneth H . James
Kevin T. James
FRED J . and BETH MERY
Jeffery B. and Wendy N. Mery
Robert A. Mery
MICHAL, BILL, and ALEX
BILL and TONIA
IN REMEMBRANCE OF OUR BELOVED DECEASED
FAMILY MEMBERS
SHIKRI M. and ROSIE KARAM MERY
LOUIS S. MERY
ANTHONY and JASMINE M. MERY
264
265
�.3Jn '<!iribute 'tto
3/oe anb :.illlaria ;.illlerp
Congratulations
on 55 Years of Marriage!
We, your family, applaud your unyielding devotion to St.
George Maronite Catholic Church. We thank you for the
spirin1al inspiration and abundant faith that you continuously
share with your eleven children, daughter-in-law,
sons-in-law, and numerous grandchildren.
We 1Loue anb <!tberisb !)ou!
Your family
Ronnie and Sheila Mery and Family
Renee and Tony Rutledge and Family
D avid
Janice and John Gildersleeve and Family
Geri and John Reid and Family
Richard
Eric
Diane and Joe PaJasota and Family
Jackie and Chris Hull and Family
Meladdie and Steve Magaro and Family
Congratulations to the pastors and parishioners of St. George Church
for 75 years of dedication and hard work to make it what it is today.
And thanks to the generations before us for their hard work in laying
the foundation for this great parish.
D wayne
Tom Karam
Congratulations!
to the
Maronite Community of St. George
on the
75th Jubilee of Your Dedication
March 10, 1925
From Your Friends, Father Assaad El-Bacha,
and the Parishioners of
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church
Lewisville, Texas
OUR SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS TO
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON YOUR 75th ANNIVERSA RY
W e are happy and f eel priv ileged to be a part
of the
Maronite Community
May God continue to bless all of you
JOSIE and AL PEREZ
260
267
�CONGRRTULRTI ONS
MOST SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS
and
TO
BEST WISHES
TO OUR FR I ENDS OF
ST. GEORGE MRRONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON ITS
75TH RNN I UERSRRY
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON ITS
75TH JUBILEE
Mr. and Mrs. George Casseb
and
Family
May Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
continue blessing and guiding your
community of faith.
Peace,
Fr. Bill Bartoul
FROM
HRRRY, SOUMRYR AND DRUID
DOENGES
CONGRATULATIONS
AND
BEST WISHES
TO
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY
FROM
EL-NAKAT FAMILY:
CARLO, MARIE, AFAMIA, ANALY, AUGARITE
AND ABRAHAM
268
269
�CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
TO FATHER JOHN AL-NAHAL, PASTOR
THE MARON/TE LEBANESE MISSIONARIES
AND THE COMMUNITY OF sr GEORGE
MARON/TE CHURCH, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
FOR YOUR 75 YEARS OF SERVICE IN CHRIST
FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY
OF sr JOHN MARON CHURCH, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY:
AND THE REVEREND GEORGES Y. EL-KHALLI, Ph.D,
PASTOR
Blessings on Fr. John Al-Nahal, M.L.M., for continuing the sacred
work his brother priests started 75 years ago.
With God all things are possible.
- Matthew 13.26
and
Best Wishes from
Our Lady of Lebanon Church
Flint, Michigan
Congratulations
Best Wishes
and Prayers
In memory of our beloved parents and siblings:
Daoud and Mahiba Saliba and Robert and Frances Ramirez
Amy Saliba, Zaifer Jorkak, Helen Poole,
Georgia Thomas, Sam Saliba, Florence Shipe,
and Robert Ramirez
David and Gloria R. Saliba
Dr. David R. Saliba, son
Patricia J. Saliba, daughter
Our Lady of Lebanon Parish
Washington, DC
270
271
�..J
Remembering That. .....
"His life was an ideal,
His memory an inspiration."
MICHAEL T. LA HOOD JR.
Congratulations and Best Wishes on
§t. §/jar.ie(Jr)aronite Cat/jo/ic Cljurc/j .,:... -'
12 Reeve St. Somerset, New Jersey 08873-1918
Ph. (732) 828-2055
t
"We will give thanks .. for you all ...remembering.••
your work offaith, and labour of love, ~nd ,,
patience of hope in Our Lord, Jesus Christ...
Thes.12.3
From Fr. Maroun Asmar - Pastor
and
Parishioners and Friends
of St. Sharbel Church
in Somerset, New Jersey
The 75th Anniversary of
St. George Maronite Church.
IN
MEMORIAM
we rejoice with you
on this happy occasion of
your 75th Annivers_ary
and pray God's continued
blessings on you.
GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
WISHING ST. GEORGE MARONITE CHURCH
CONTINUED BLESSINGS AND SUCCESS
From
the Family of
St. Elias Church
Roanoke, Virginia
) )l
MUSIC LESSONS )
)l
Private, Personalized Instruction
in Guitar, Piano and Theory
Learn to Read, Write and Play
Classical to Conteri:1porary
Styles of Music
ZAITER ("Z") AND MARY LA HOOD
HAPPY 75TH ANNIVERSARY!
Congratulations
on your
75th Anniversary
received a gift,
employ it for
one another, as
: good stewards
·. ofGod's
varied grace.
st. Theresa of
Lisieux Church
343 North
Main Street
Brockton, MA
02305-2567
h Ids music composition
lnstreucwt~;h iver 20 years experience
degre
·t·
performing and wn mg
professionally.
. ced in teaching all ages.
Expenen
1 Ptter 4:10
Ted Schechter 735-9436
273
272
�CONGRATULATIONS
and
BEST WISHES
ON THE
75TH ANNIVERSARY
OF OUR PARISH
GERious AND EisA MERY
Praise the Lord
for
St. George Maronite Church's
75th Anniversary.
I am happy and proud
In Memory
of
Ed Cattan
to be a part of the family of
Congratulations
and
abundant blessings
on its
pastor and its people.
St. George Maronite
Catholic Church
and to share its
75th Jubilee!
and
AMIN, SABRINA AND GIBRAN
In Loving M emory
QI/fa 's c5candinauian
of
Rajoon LaHood
Patrick Nolan Kirkes
Emma and Judy Ablan
Best wishes
on your
Diamond
Anniversary!
.,.
>'°OJ-U'
.,,
. .,,.,
on behalf ofhis children
grandchildren,
great and great-great grandchildren.
Salwa LaHood Kirkes
St. Anthony's
Church
Glen Allen, VA
Gream
ormal,
\i\~•-\~Ot
founding member of St George
God's blessings on
St. George's 75th Jubilee
Y or mufa C r e ams
Sacre _ Jamall - Bucbley
Courtesy of the AI-Bahloty family
kin.
for soothing
ti red feet
Q,/ffa 's ~ool 2Jalm
Order from
Mike Ayoub
5800 Wurzbach Rd., St. 413 ,
San Antonio, TX 7 8 2 38
(2 I 0) 684-2056
274
275
L
�CONGRATULATIONS
In memory of our beloved
INMEMORIUM
OF OUR PARENTS
AND BEST WISHES
SAINT GEORGE
MARONITE
We Love You and Miss You
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
FOR MANY YEARS MORE OF SERVICE
The University of Texas
Health Science Center
at San Antonio
www.uthscsa.edu
Fadi G. Haddad, M.D.
Assistant ProfesS-Or
ABRAHAM CARIM MERY* ELSIE TALAMAS MERY*
WILLIAM ABRAHAM MERY * JOHN ABRAHAM MERY *
FRANCISCO E. DIECK
and
JEANNE T. DIECK
God Bless You Always
FRANK DIECK AND FAMILY
ROBERT DIECK
JEANNETTE D. PUIG AND FAMILY
Love,
MOTHER, Marilyn
SISTERS, Cynthia Ann and Amanda Marie
BROTHER, James Robert
Division of Gastroentero!ogy
Department of Pediatrics
(210} 567-5280 • Emergency (210) 524-6269
FAX: {210) 567-1751 • haddad@uthscsa.edu
Mail Code 7807 • 7703 Floyd Curl Drive • San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900
KERIM ABRAHAM MERY * DONNA ANNE MERY *
ANGELICA ZAIZAF MERY * ABRAHAM KERIM MERY
+ MSGR, LUCIAN R. BRASLEY
RET. USN. CAPT.
~
Antonine Sisters
SUSAN ELIZABETH HUGHLETTE
HALVERSTADT
1976-1999
YOUR CHILDREN,
Tobias and Sarah
And all who Loved you.
God 's continued blessings on the
community of St. George as it
celebrates the beginning of a second
7 5 years of existence.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on our
75th Anniversary
May our families continue
to grow in Love and Faith
for future years.
In Loving Memory
of
Our (jrancfparents
rnie& anti 'Jv[arslia 'l(aram
ancf
saitf antf 'Jv[a[vina 'l(JLram
Joe Albert Rivera
Attorney At Law
On Your 75th Anniversary
:for tfr.e.ir cfecfication ancf untiring
Tower LIie Building. Suite 2201
310 S. St Mary's Street
SanAntonio,Texas78205
(210) 527-9159
work_ over the. years towarcf the.
May God Bless
Your Parish Abundantly
preservati.on of the. Maronite faith.
You Are Remembered in Our Prayers
AMJPD ard JANEUE ltv1AD (EL-HASHEM)
and DESIRAE
£any 'J(aram
S!J[Via 'l(flram
Loraine 'Ta9for
'Eve[yn Scfiroaer
steven 'l(aram
'l(f,nnetfi 'l(aram
276
277
�Thank You for touching
our lives with your kind
and generous spirit
75 - BINGO!
'WitliLove
to Our !fami{y and !Frienis
St. George made it to
it's 75th Anniversary
of
Happy 75th Anniversary
St. George!!
St. (jeorge Mara ite.C tlio[ic Church
We Miss you and Love You
Congratulations
and a happy celebration
to the pastor and
parishioners of
St. George Maronite Catholic Church
Randy's Bingo
Lynn C. Benson
1928 - 1999
Tony Antoun - Manager
Carmen Urdiales
Jimmie Jones
Louis Hernandez, Ill
Denise Garcia
Alejandro Rodriguez
Monica Martinez
Louann Medina
Natalie Smith, "Aunt Ce" Mery, J.R. Smith ,
Peter Mery, Stephen Mery, Michelle Mery,
Cathie "Aunt Caco" Mery and Tara Mery
'R._id iard ant£ Peggy Jl.nawaty '1(.,aram
'Eaitors of tfze 75th .5lnniversary 'Book_
FASHION OUTLET
Name Brands For Less
4523 Blanco
San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone 210 375 7963
Fax 210 375 7867
'Ifr.e Love Of 'This
Church .9lna Community
Jiave 'J{purisfr.ea :Jvfy
Spirits Over 'Ifr.e 'Years .
ALEX YAMIN
ARTIST / OWNER
-Yn.tlialJree
9aflery
Eugene and Suzanne Karam
A rtist: A lana Reid
AT LOS PATIOS
279
278
/
�210-884-4400
Phil Yllmin
P hi l Y,irnin
210-!129-0600
The
Yam.in. & Co.
Finllncial Investments & Lendinc
SOLARIUM
Wedding Rcccp1ion, • Theme Panics • Banque!,
Corporale Funclio ns • L unch
& Sunday Bnmch
S,1n An1u1u,1.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC
CHURCH
FOR 75 YEARS
OF SERVICE AND DEDICATION
TO
THE CONGREGATION
rx 78217
GONZABA
MEDICAL
GROUP
LILIANE A. HAY, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Board Certified Pediatrician
(210) 509-2603
Fax (21 0) 647-4506
After Hours: 921-3800
7616 Culebra, Suite 130
San Antonio, Texas 78251
Phil and Wilma Clark
Phil Yamin
Phone: 21~829-1042
Fax: 21~829-8155
75TH JUBILEE
CONGRATULATIONS
FLASHPI C .COM, INC.
P HOTOGR APHY
AND
Your Pictures on the Internet
8626 Tesoro Dr.
San Antonio, TX
Website: flashpic.com
78217
solariumweddings@ yahoo.com
CONGRATULATIONS ON 75 YEARS OF
SERVICE TO THE PARISH. WE WISH YOU
MANY MORE TO COME.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Naji Kayruz, MD, FACS
general surgery, laparoscopy, endoscopy
7421 Callag han
San Anlonio 78229
(2 I0 ) 349-4040
Fax 349-23 11
Michele Yamin
Execu1ive Chef
CONTINUED BLESSINGS!
1303 McCullough, Suite 362
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 222-0337
Fax (210) 546-0125
JOE SADA
In memory of Dear Friends
IN MEMORY O F OUR DEAR FRIENDS,
SENIOR DAY CONNECTION
Adult Day Care a Health Service•
LYLE and BEATRICE MYERS
W HO WILL BE MISSED
Josie Ogbugbulu R.N., M.P.H.
MARIE and LUCILLE
RASHID
PR()QIWo\ DIRECTOR
BECHARA, KATIA, DANNY, SONIA,
CLAUDIA, & ANTHONY CHARBEL
from
3534 Ftedetlckaburg Rd.
San Antonio, Texaa 78201
(210) 737-2238
Fax (210) 737-6789
From
A Friend
CURTIS & JOANN REED
To My Favorite Person
'Best 'Wishes & (jorf's 'Bfessings
on our 75tfiJubifee!
Minnie Karam Mery
ANGELA
I sing praises to the Lord
for bringing us together
In Memory of My Beloved Mother
.Love,
Steve ana '.Mefaaaie '.M.
'.Magaro
ana
Je.ssif<:..a ana Cofton
Peace 'Be Witfi 'You!
Dr. Billie Jay Sahley
Dr. Kathy Birkner
Or. Billie Jay Sahley
Pain & Stress Center
281
280
/
�CARLOS MELO
G'fN'fRAL t,,IANAGE'R
WcSTA\le. 11203 SAN ANTONIO TX. 78213
TEL: (210) 3'1-4 -64 -H FAX: (210) 3 4 4 -20-25
AQUA_ 7 3@YAtlOO.COt,,I
GOD'S BLESSINGS
AND
BEST WISHES
ON
ST. GEORGE'S 75TH JUBILEE
Ramona Karam
GEORGE SFAIR
BARBARA KLAUR
GOD BLESS OUR
PARISH
GOD BLESS QUR
PARISH
GOD BLESS OUR
PARISH
GOD BLESS OUR
PARISH
282
/
�����
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
SFSLAC Records Series 4: Administrative Documents
Description
An account of the resource
This series contains the official bulletins sent out to all members and affiliated clubs of SFSLAC.
Special publications are also included in this series.
Materials in this series are arranged chronologically by year.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1933-1990
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
StGeorgeMaronite75
Title
A name given to the resource
Saint George Maronite Catholic Church 75th Anniversary, 1925-2000
Description
An account of the resource
Saint George Maronite Catholic Church of San Antonio, Texas 75th Anniversary book, 1925-2000.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2000
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs
Subject
The topic of the resource
Clubs
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Text/pdf
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
The donor retains full ownership of any copyright and rights currently controlled. Nonexclusive right to authorize uses of these materials for non-commercial research, scholarly, or other educational purposes are granted to Khayrallah Center pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. Usage of the materials for these purposes must be fully credited with the source. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials.
2000s
Programs
Texas
-
https://lebanesestudies.omeka.chass.ncsu.edu/files/original/e2b632be917f85810f8dc6a58c2acaee.pdf
53283865b81c4b1258e4fa19923fe0f3
PDF Text
Text
��
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Oussani and Fuleihan Family Papers Series 2: Photographs
Description
An account of the resource
This series contains family portraits and photographs. Included are photos from family events, trips, weddings, and funerals.
Materials in this series are arranged chronologically.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1880s-2000
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Oussani2018-0992
Title
A name given to the resource
Isabel Oussani Fuleihan in Wedding dress
Subject
The topic of the resource
Lebanese--United States
Photographs
Families
Description
An account of the resource
Color photograph of Isabel Oussani Fuleihan in a white dress.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2000
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Image
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image/pdf
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Oussani Fuleihan family
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
The donor retains full ownership of any copyright and rights currently controlled. Nonexclusive right to authorize uses of these materials for non-commercial research, scholarly, or other educational purposes are granted to Khayrallah Center pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. Usage of the materials for these purposes must be fully credited with the source. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials.
2000s