Corinne Farnham

Corinne Farnham is the ultimate extrovert. She burst into the world on July 4th, 1928.  Both she and her husband John were cradle Episcopalians and native Syracusans. But it wasn’t until the sixties, after they were married and two of their three children (John, Jeffrey and Ross) had been born, that they sought out.

At that time St. David’s was in its late formative stages as a mission church. The church had not achieved financial stability but was financially dependent on the Diocese. Both of their heritage parishes (St. Albans for Corinne; St. Marks for John) were well established, and inconveniently located for a young family with one car. Since John needed the car for his insurance business (Hills, Farnham & Hills), it was impossible for Corinne to participate in such activities as there were, such as altar guild.

The nascent St. David’s offered many opportunities for involvement; the Farnhams jumped right in. John was elected to the executive committee (the equivalent of the vestry for a church with mission status). Corinne participated in the altar guild, was a lector, and an usher. She recalls proudly that her rich booming voice and her clear enunciation made her very popular with congregation members such as Walter Clarke (Gretchen Stappenbeck’s father) because, when Corinne read aloud, everyone could hear.

In 1964, Father Wally Frey came to the congregation as Rector, along with his wife, Ginny, and moved St. David’s into a new era, particularly financially. John Farnham, along with others was able to assist St. David’s growth, as John became a director for Solvay Bank, and shared Father Frey’s knack at fund raising.  St. David’s “squeeze box” at the rear of the church was replaced with an organ, and Robert Grant – architect, musician, artist – was lured away from Pebble Hill Presbyterian to become organist and music director at St. David’s. Bob Grant and Wally Frey were highly creative individuals who, with creative and talented parishioners, began St. David’s legacy for musical excellence and support for the arts.

Another change, a revolution really, took place among Episcopal churches nationwide and received strong support from the rector at St. David’s - boosting the status and participation of women in the Church. Women had not held official positions in church life and were not allowed to serve on the vestry, and as wardens or delegates to the Conventions. Wally Frey appointed Corinne as the first woman delegate to attend the National Convention in New Orleans and promoted women’s roles at the parish, Diocesan and national levels. From the ordination of Betty Bone Schiess as an Episcopal priest, St. David’s provided ministry opportunities for a succession of female priests: Jackie Schmidt, Lauren Gough, and Nancy Chaffee. Nancy Chaffee provided the impetus for the building of St. David’s Court, offering accessible housing for persons with disabilities.

St. David’s also developed an active social life, which suited the Farnham’s absolutely. In addition to COTA, there was the annual “Lobster Fete”, parish picnic; youth bake sale, and other forgotten social activities.  On youth Sunday, there was an annual bake sale and auction when John Farnham was notorious for forcing outrageous bids on cakes, pies, and cookies at the price of $50, even $100.  It was riotous fun, and a successful way to raise money for youth activities at St. David’s.

Corinne and John Farnham continued as loyal supporters of St. David’s after the departure of Wally Frey, when financial circumstances turned tight, and the congregation began to shrink.

John Farnham died in 2006. Corinne has macular degeneration, severely restricting her eyesight, but her memory serves her well during the liturgy and many of the hymns. Corinne has commented in the past about her love for the rich liturgy of the Episcopal Church. Fortunately, Corinne’s hearing is still sharp enough to permit enjoyment of the music at St. David’s, which has always been an important part of her religious experience.