Author Archives: Philip E Jenks

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About Philip E Jenks

Philip, a synodical deacon in the ELCA Metropolitan New York synod, is a retired communicator for American Baptist Churches USA, the U.S. Conference for the World Council of Churches, the U.S. National Council of Churches, and two Philadelphia area daily newspapers. He and his spouse, the Rev. Dr. Martha M. Cruz, are the parents of six adults and are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rye Brook, N.Y. They live in Port Chester, N.Y.

The Bombs of August: “An Extremely Dangerous Precedent”

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

[Adapted from an article I wrote a few years ago for the National Council of Churches.] The way Harry Truman saw it in August 1945, there was a sickening possibility that the Second World War would end in a historic … Continue reading →

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Rockefeller Republicans

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

If you remember moderate Republicans, you also remember green stamps and dial telephones. In the sixties, some Republicans even leaned into the liberal column. They included Mark Hatfield of Oregon, Jacob Javits of New York, and – for a period … Continue reading →

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The Fog of Bygone Wars

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

June 28, 2014 – One hundred years ago today, the Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Bosnia Serb nationalist. In addition to causing consternation at the archduke convention (as reported by The Onion), the act is considered the … Continue reading →

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And they say we’ll have some fun if it stops raining

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

He only gave us 48 years (1924-1973), and his musical compositions peaked and all but disappeared after 1963. But as I was preparing supper tonight, I found myself humming again one of Allan Sherman’s memorable parodies: O, the moon is … Continue reading →

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Miss Butts, Meet Mr. Sitts

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

The Butts are long-time neighbors of my grandparents, Goldie and Addison Jenks, in the cemetery in Oneonta. I like to imagine the permanent residents sitting in rows of folding chairs, as if they were in a Thornton Wilder play. There’s … Continue reading →

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Band of Typists

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

See http://bit.ly/ChAssts    

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Remembering Martin

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

April 4, 2014 — Remembering the dreamer and his Daddy. From my January sermon celebrating MLK’s birthday. Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God … Continue reading →

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Lyndon, Curt & Me

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

April 1, 2014. This previously undisclosed letter from President Lyndon B. Johnson requires some explication. To make a long story short, I was the best Latrine Queen in the Air Force. Anyway, that’s what Curt LeMay said. Just ask him. … Continue reading →

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Jimmy Carter

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

Jimmy Carter was on the Colbert show this week, offering to become Roman Catholic if Pope Francis remained in office and the invitation was extended by a woman priest. That’s probably farther than most Baptists would go, but Carter has … Continue reading →

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Merrily and Eddie Flum Num, We Love You

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Philip E Jenks

I’ve posted this reminiscence of bygone Central New York television on another blog devoted to the Morrisville-Eaton Central School class of 1964 fiftieth reunion. I’m reposting it here for others who may have similar experiences growing up in various television markets. The Wonderful … Continue reading →

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