Phebe McPherson

The Rev. Dr. Phebe L. McPherson, the first woman to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in Maryland, died on February 6 due to complications from Pancreatic Cancer. She was 74 years old.

Phebe McPherson was born in Richmond, Virginia, raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey and in Sherwood Forest, Maryland. After graduating from Goucher College, she attended Union Theological Seminary in New York City and Seabury-Western Seminary in Chicago. She was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1977, the first woman so ordained.

After serving St. Bartholomew's in Ten Hills and Memorial Episcopal Church in Bolton Hill, Phebe became the Rector of Epiphany Episcopal Church in 1987. During more than 35 years at Epiphany, she oversaw major expansions in the buildings and grounds and in the worshiping community.

Throughout her ministry, her passion was racial justice. In 2006 she received a doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary. Her doctoral thesis concerned racial reconciliation in the church. In 2007, Governor Martin O'Malley named her a member of the Governor's Commission on the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland.

A theatre major in college, Phebe's Christmas pageants at Epiphany were legendary, and she authored a play called "Givin' It Up," which illustrates the way in which sincere and loving relationships overcome all racial and ethnic divisions.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, The Rev. W. Bruce McPherson, her son, Samuel Coe (Sarah Coe), two stepchildren, William McPherson (Rosemary McPherson) and Amy McPherson (Michael D. Curry), her sister, Jenny Corckran (James Corckran), beloved nieces and nephews, and seven grandchildren whom she adored: Will and Jack McPherson; Elizabeth and June Curry; and Eleanor, Arthur and Hazel Coe.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 17 at 11:00 AM at Epiphany Church, 1419 Odenton Road, Odenton, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the church.