wfn.org | 97 year old elder celebrates birthday at

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6080 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

General Assembly
29-June-2000
GA00131

	97 year old elder celebrates birthday at 
General Assembly

	by Emett H. Barfield

LONG BEACH, June 29 - Elder Philip Watts celebrated his 97th birthday in a
most unusual way. As an elder, he served one of the elements at the Sunday,
June 25, worship service. A member of the Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church,
he  has been an active member of the denomination for almost 50 years.

	Born in Barbados, Watts moved to New York as a young man. When asked how he
came to be a Californian, he replied, "I came for two weeks and never went
home."  What was the most exciting thing he has done as an Assembly
volunteer? "Serving communion. I served the wine," he responded with an
impish smile. And to the question of what has been the most interesting, his
answer, "The election."

	Presbyterianism is truly a family affair with the Watts. Watts spouse,
Phyllis, is an elder of long standing. His daughter, N'Yisrela Watts -
Afriye serves with the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. She is a
candidate for the ministry of Word and Sacrament awaiting a call.

	She says of her father's General Assembly week, "For Philip Watts, who
usually spends his birthday in Barbados and St. Croix, celebrating his 97th
year at his first General Assembly has been a unique and exciting experience
in his life."

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