To Honor The Rev. Alice B. Snow 1973 - 1983

Publication

Church of the Red Rocks Historical Archives

Name/Title

To Honor The Rev. Alice B. Snow 1973 - 1983

Entry/Object ID

1983-001-A

Description

This document serves as a historical tribute to the Reverend Alice B. Snow, commemorating her first decade of ministry at the Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona. The narrative originates with the unexpected 1973 resignation of the church’s founding pastor, Dr. Perry D. Avery, which necessitated the formation of a Pastoral Selection Committee (PSC) to find a successor. Despite initial skepticism regarding the appointment of a single woman and concerns about her age, Snow was unanimously recommended and installed in late 1973. The cover art, featuring a cross and heart, was inspired by her "prelude to prayer," emphasizing that God listens to hearts rather than words. The narrative arc follows the church's transition from a period of uncertainty and "suspended judgment" to a decade of unprecedented stability and expansion. What was initially predicted to be a "three or four year" interim-style period blossomed into a "Decade of Snow" characterized by massive membership growth, national recognition, and community ecumenism. Under Snow's leadership, the church evolved from a congregation of 266 members to a thriving body of 665, securing its place as a "community presence" through both facility improvements and spiritual outreach.

Publication Details

Publication Type

Booklet

Editor

Matlock, Robert L.

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Snow, Rev. Alice B.

Notes

Pastor 1973 - 1983 "Provided the kind of Christian leadership which the Pastoral Selection Committee sought"

Person or Organization

Avery, Dr. Perry Dickinson

Notes

Retired May 1973

Person or Organization

Matlock, Robert L.

Notes

Moderator / Historian Rev. Snow "gave promise from the start of providing the kind of Christian leadership which the Pastoral Search Committee sought.”