Eucharist Celebrated on AMTRAK Train
Diocesan Press Service. April 4, 1974 [74100]
A celebration of the Holy Eucharist on an AMTRAK train headed for New York City on a Sunday morning. That was the experience of the Rev. Canon William A. Kolb, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis. Canon Kolb was on his way to attend a meeting of the National Conference of Christians and Jews in New York, March 18.
Knowing he would of necessity be travelling on Sunday Canon Kolb asked railroad officials if there would be objection to his holding a worship service in the dining car en route. Assured there would not be if the schedule could be arranged with train officials so no conflict would occur with meal times.
Canon Kolb then prepared simple handbills and placed them at the tables in the diner Saturday evening, with additional copies in the rest rooms and lounges. A number of passengers did not wait until Sunday morning; they sought him out Saturday evening and he reported that he sat up until 1 a. m. talking with six persons, mostly in their mid-twenties. One was a Jewish architect who later read the Old Testament lesson in the service in Hebrew and in English.
On Sunday morning at 10 a. m., the announced time, some passengers were still at breakfast as others arrived for the service. So, at 10:15 the Holy Eucharist, from the 1967 Trial Rite, was begun in one end of the car. One woman passenger began a hymn spontaneously, and many joined in. The sermon arose from the situation: "Getting there is not half the fun; it's the whole point! " This became the launch for several conversations later in the day.
Twenty-one persons attended; eighteen received Communion from Canon Kolb who used dining car bread, and a saucer and drinking glass for the chalice and paten. Among the attendants were three dining car waiters. Five of the attendants asked for and were given copies of the Liturgy.
Following the service Canon Kolb was sought out by passengers for conversation. Ten people stayed just to talk, and the togetherness, sense of community and conversation continued until the train reached its destination in New York. Two persons came to him with problems of a serious nature and personal counseling developed with them.
Canon Kolb says he has never enjoyed a trip more, or has had few times of such satisfying and productive work since his graduation from seminary last June. He said, "I am reminded once again that community and fellowship are present everywhere as a potential. It was a great experience to see and feel again it happen and to be a part of it. "
A full report has been made to AMTRAK officials with the hope it will be encouraged to make such services available frequently, and especially on Sunday.