About the Award

St. Michael's Episcopal Church Compassion and Justice Award was established to acknowledge and encourage works of compassion and justice that directly serve the people of Trenton.

Each year, names of worthy groups or individuals are submitted to the Compassion and Justice Committee. The committee reviews the applications, makes a selection, and submits its recommendation to the vestry. Once confirmed by the vestry, the recipient is notified, and the award is presented during a regular Sunday worship service. The Award consists of a framed certificate and a check, generally $1,000, to be used in any way the recipient desires.

In 1988, the African-American artist and Episcopalian Allan Rohan Crite (1910-2007) was commissioned to develop artwork depicting Christ over the City of Trenton. He created 244 numbered, original, hand-colored, signed prints, which the church had framed. The prints were presented to those making contributions to the Award’s capital fund. A sample of Mr. Crite’s drawing is shown on the front cover. Additional funding for the award comes from donations and other fund-raising activities.

If you would like more information about the award process, or if you know an individual or group that expresses the ideals of compassion and justice through their work for the people of Trenton, please contact the church using the information on the back of this pamphlet. Contributions towards funding of future awards are most welcome, and may be sent to the church, with the notation “Compassion & Justice”.

About our 2007 Recipient

The Summer Day Camp Program at the Old Barracks Museum is designed for children ages 9-12, providing them an opportunity to experience 18^th century colonial living at the Old Barracks.

During each week-long summer camp program, campers are mustered in to General George Washington’s patriot army. Throughout the week, they participate in marching drills according to Baron von Steuben’s Manual of Arms, learn about cooking over open camp fires, assist in bread baking in the 18^th century oven, sing and dance to colonial music, and learn to sew a soldier’s knapsack. There are colonial era craft projects and tours of nearby historic sites. Each camper receives a t-shirt, designed to resemble a soldier’s uniform jacket, and a tri-corner hat. At the end of an educational and enjoyable week, campers are mustered out of the army at a ceremony open to parents and friends.

The Old Barracks Museum, a State and National landmark, is located in Trenton on Barrack Street, adjacent to the NJ State House. Constructed in 1758, British, Hessian and American soldiers once occupied the Old Barracks. Today it serves as a center of education for Colonial and American history. Interpreters dressed in period attire provide daily tours. A museum rich with artifacts and weapons from the colonial era, and a gift shop, are located in the building.

The Old Barracks Museum has offered full scholarships for the Summer Day Camp to disadvantaged inner city children, assuring them the opportunity to learn about a critical period in our nation’s history. We are pleased to present them with St. Michael’s 2007 Compassion and Justice Award (which was presented in January 2008).

For more information about the history of the Old Barracks Museum and its programs, contact their office at 609-396-1776, or visit their website, www.barracks.com