Mentoring In Faith Through Ceremony By Katherine and Michael Blachly
"I thank God for the countless ways in which Tony has made a difference in his parish, in the Diocese of Dallas, in The Episcopal Church, and in the global Anglican communion.” – The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church
By Katherine and Michael Blachly
Arguably the most recognized face at Saint Michael is Tony Briggle, most often seen in a white alb, standing at the center of the services keeping a sharp eye on communion and the working of the services. For 50 years he continues influencing so many people just by being at services almost every Sunday.
Shaping Generations of Acolytes
What began as a small children's acolyte corps at Saint Michael, is now, thanks to Tony’s visionary leadership, one of the largest such acolyte programs in the worldwide Episcopal/Anglican Communion.
When Father Clarence Westapher first recruited Tony in the 1970s to serve as Master of Ceremonies, then a one-year commitment, the acolyte group was a humble team of children serving with one cross, two torches, and clergy handling communion. But Tony had bigger ideas, suggesting small tweaks Father Westapher cautiously embraced. But it wasn’t until the late 1990s that the program saw significant changes, largely becoming the program we see today.
After Father Robert Ratelle retired as Rector, Tony approached Father Bill Power, who was serving as the Interim Rector, to discuss an idea he was pondering. Tony presented a vision for reimagining worship in Saint Michael’s expansive sanctuary, aiming to involve more volunteers and participants in the services. His vision included orchestrating a spiritual spectacle with multiple crosses, banners, and additional lay participants, providing adults with new opportunities to volunteer at Saint Michael. To bring this vision to fruition, he raised funds for new ceremonial pieces for the expanded acolyte procession such as the Dealey crosses and torches.
“Robert Greenleaf, author of Servant Leadership, wrote about the guiding principle of ‘ it is in giving that one will receive.’ Tono, as I am fond of calling Tony, has lived this principle to the utmost. We have been the beneficiaries of the rich sense of community he has created and so faithfully maintained. Let us now and always rejoice in what he has given us in his good humor, attention to detail, faithfulness, creativity, candor, Texas expansiveness and, above all, his deep and abiding devotion to the ministry of our Risen Lord. May we all say with one rousing voice, ‘well done, good and faithful servant.’ ” – The Reverend Dr. Mark S. Anschutz, Sixth Rector of Saint Michael
By the time Father Mark Anschutz became the Rector, the reimagined acolyte program was already making significant progress. Under his guidance, the program continued to develop and had a ripple effect on all aspects of worship and liturgy at Saint Michael. Subsequent rectors, all collaborating with Tony, further contributed to the ongoing evolution of the acolyte corps.
Serving Beyond the Acolyte Ministry
Tony’s selfless impact extends well beyond the acolyte corps. He has volunteered in countless ministries over the years at Saint Michael, including serving on the vestry, helping raise funds for the capital campaign, serving as a current trustee on the All Angels Foundation, and teaching Sunday School and Confirmation Classes.
Recognized beyond the halls of Saint Michael, Tony has served as an Episcopal Church General Convention Ambassador, chaired the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas Convention for nine years, and today, serves as Chairman for the American Friends of the Anglican Centre in Rome and supports the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, just to name a few. As an Executive Producer of the Grace-Based Films documentary A Case for Love, he is instrumental in spreading the Most Reverend Michael Curry’s inspiring message of Love is the Way around the world.
In 2023, he received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Virginia Theological Seminary for his inspiring ministry and incredible legacy. In 2017, he was awarded the Order of Garrett (a lay canon order) by the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas for his dedicated service to not only Saint Michael, but also the Diocese and Episcopal church as a whole.
“Tony once told me how he experienced a strong call from God in his early thirties to give himself over to serve the church. As a young man, successful in his career, Tony could have ignored the call and gone on to all the things the world teaches us are most valuable. Instead, Tony responded to God’s call by turning toward generosity and love, and what an impact he’s made. I consider myself lucky to be just one of the countless people who have been changed by Tony’s faithful spirit. One by one, person by person, Tony's love has spread Christ’s love more than he can ever know, showing us all a true glimpse of heaven.” – The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Eighth Rector of Saint Michael
“The New Testament letters have lists of virtues, which my friend Tony Briggle has in abundance: kindness, hope, generosity, patience, etc. But they seem to have omitted other Briggleesque virtues- classy, humorous, loyal, energetic! I have been blessed to know him and pray for God’s richest blessing on his day of recognition.” – The Right Reverend George Sumner, Seventh Bishop of Dallas
Planting the Roots of His Faith and Service Born in Dallas, Tony was raised between Lakewood Presbyterian Church and Saint Michael by influential grandmothers who instilled in him the concept of service to others. He fondly remembers having an epiphany at the age of 15 that the girls were prettier at Saint Michael and in his life, he stands by this between marrying his late wife Evelyn Cary Briggle and his current wife, Marla Jacks Briggle—both from Saint Michael.
The Briggle-Jacks family, consisting of six daughters and 11 grandchildren, is closely connected. Notably, Tony's Dallas-based grandchildren are often seen participating in the acolyte procession on Sundays.
After joining Saint Michael with his wife Evelyn in 1965, Tony’s involvement deepened through Cursillo, a Christian movement that he credits with instilling the importance of parental guidance and being a strong example in faith.
Ironically, the seeds of his impactful ministry as Acolyte Master were planted in Tony’s unique corporate background. He drew upon skills honed in an unlikely place—working at the prestigious Neiman Marcus where he was Director of Public Relations and Special Events, including being involved in a rather infamous photo shoot of Elizabeth Taylor (click here to watch a 30-minute video on that story). There he learned the art of presence, marketing and most importantly, the subtle power of persuasion in getting "people who are in charge" to inspire and embrace new ideas. It’s a long-standing joke at Saint Michael that no one can tell Tony “no” when he asks you to do something.
“I join with the thousands of people who have been directly impacted by Tony Briggle’s extraordinary and faithful service to Saint Michael, the Diocese of Dallas, and the larger church in offering gratitude and tribute to Tony for his 50 years of ministry. Valerie and I extend our deep and abiding thanksgiving and love to Tony for his supportive leadership, friendship, and caring stewardship of many ministries within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Congratulations, Tony, and may God’s Spirit continue to guide and direct you.” – The Reverend Dr. Bob S. Dannals, Seventh Rector of Saint Michael
Creating an Enduring Legacy
His vision for the future is for Saint Michael to magnify its momentum as a dynamic spiritual beacon in the community. "Saint Michael is one of a kind," he reflects. "All churches have greatness in their DNA and history, but Saint Michael has amazing people that make it even greater."
Most certainly, Tony is one of those people. Over 50 years, he has built a transformative worship experience inviting all to discover their own gifts through service. This is exemplified by his favorite memory: "watching everyone do what they do from the sidelines" of the liturgy he helped create—a humble witness to the spiritual art he choreographed.
“Although your leadership locally, nationally, and internationally has been exceptional, your true gift to the Church has been your love. You live the life of a true disciple of Jesus— open-hearted, generous, and with an uncompromising work ethic. There are certainly many ways to honor a true servant leader, and even with today’s recognition the celebration of your work will never be complete in this life. For your inspiring ministry and incredible legacy, Virginia Theological Seminary is proud to convey upon you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.” – Virginia Theological Seminary Presentation for degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
Celebrating Tony Briggle and 50 Years of Ministry
About Saint Michael’s Acolyte Corps:
Saint Michael's acolyte corps stands as one of the largest in both the United States and the international Episcopal/Anglican Communion. With over 200 women, men, and youth acolytes participating in more than 1,200 services annually, it holds a significant presence.
Impressively, it hosts one of Saint Michael's longest-continuous youth programs. Moreover, the corps holds a distinctive position by encouraging families to serve together, with some families spanning three generations of involvement. This volunteer-led organization comprises one Master of Acolytes, seven Masters of Ceremonies, six Youth Vergers, and 27 Adult Vergers, including 12 Verger Fellows of the Verger Guild of the Episcopal Church.
To learn more about helping with our worship services, please contact Haley Dettra, Director of Worship Ministries, at [email protected].
**This article was written by Katherine and Michael Blachly and was featured in the 2024 Summer Archangel.
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