Tom Cross

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with parishioner and volunteer Tom Cross.

How long have you worshipped at Saint Philip’s?
My wife Sue and I arrived in Tucson in 1981 and lived on the northwest side for 10 years. We worshipped at Christ the King Church and that’s where I converted from the Roman Catholic church and joined the Episcopal church. It’s also where our son Ian was baptized. We didn’t discover Saint Philip’s until 1991.

How did that happen?
In a bit of a roundabout way! The company that employed me went out of business—and although I had other opportunities in this country—we decided to “test the water” in New Zealand where there were some potential opportunities. We sold everything we owned, including our house, and moved across the world.

My optimism did not bear fruit. But three months after moving to New Zealand a Tucson-based company offered me a good position…back in Tucson. I’ll skip the hard conversations Sue and I had about that, but I will say I am eternally grateful to her and her parents for their support.

Two months after receiving the offer we were back in Tucson, and bought a home close to Saint Philip’s. Our first visit was at Easter, and we fell in love with the church. Here we are—32 years later.

What did you do professionally?
I am an engineer and worked initially in aerospace with a focus on engine control systems and aviation electronics. Subsequently, the company diversified into commercial activity, including environmental monitoring and control systems.

Given the worldwide emphasis on environmental issues, my job took me to different countries. I worked initially in England (my original home) and then moved to Paris. After that I moved to Connecticut and Arizona. I also consulted in Germany, Spain, China, India, Japan, Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand.

My international experience taught me the benefits of finding ways to communicate with people regardless of culture or language.

Which worship service do you typically attend?
Usually, the 9:00 am service.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
Hmmm. That is a bit of a long story which I’ll try to shorten.

My father was in the British military and was killed when I was four years old. My brother was 11 years older than I was so he served as a surrogate father and helped my mother raise a 4-year-old “terror.”

My mother was born in Dublin. She was an Irish Catholic so my brother and I were raised in the Roman Catholic Church—from baptism through first communion and confirmation. I can still remember some of the Roman Catholic prayers, liturgies, and moral teachings about right from wrong. I was definitely raised within traditional Roman Catholic doctrine.

Until I was about 12, I attended Catholic parochial schools where religious instruction was a large part of the curriculum. At 13, I entered a school that was predominantly Protestant. The day started with prayers and the reading of bible passages. Roman Catholics were in the minority in the United Kingdom and at that time Protestant children were pretty cruel to Catholic children so I kept my religion under wraps. (Although it was a challenge to cover up a catholic school uniform!)

As a young man I broke from religious tradition and didn’t participate in any faith community. It wasn’t until I began attending Episcopal services and became an Episcopalian that I found faith again.

What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
Overall, it’s the atmosphere—that the parish is about more than the formal worship services on Sundays. People come together and get involved in ministries to care for and help others. That’s what makes this parish a special place. My wife, Sue, and I have so many friends here.

The choice of music and hymns and their rendering by the music director and choirs is very special and complement the services. But it’s about more than the music. It’s also the meaningful sermons, the liturgy, and the atmosphere they create.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and personally thank the clergy, choir, staff, committee members, and sextons who quietly ensure that all runs smoothly.

How are you involved in the parish?
Since becoming a member in 1991, I have participated in the Parish Life Ministry, served on the Vestry, helped with Stewardship campaigns, and been active with the labyrinth and pet memorial initiatives. I also volunteered with the After-School Music and School Mentoring programs.

I still contribute time and energy to special efforts, especially Art Committee activities. Volunteers decide where art for the monthly exhibits should hang and I execute their vision.

The full moon labyrinth walks are very meaningful to me so I coordinate those. I also oversee the ordering and subsequent installation of commemorative bricks for the labyrinth and pet memorial.

How did the pet memorial come about?
Many people consider pets to be part of their family. Mtr Jean Rogers (one of Saint Philip’s affiliate clergy) shared her experience with pet memorials and offered ideas on how parishioners could honor their pets.

A small committee developed a plan, and after the Vestry approved it, fund raising work began. Parishioner Bob Couch worked with a local contractor on the design and construction of the pet memorial, and it was completed very quickly.

The majority of the commemorative bricks are for pets that have died but some of them honor those still alive.

How does your daily life reflect your faith?
Volunteering is about helping people and that’s an important part of faith. That’s what motivates me to help at church. That, and I enjoying working with other people. 

Do you have a favorite prayer?
I frequently say the “Lord’s Prayer” since it reflects the Old and New Testaments and is prayed universally.

Although not exactly a prayer, I am at ease when I hear or read the Beatitudes. My memory is intact as I can still recite the Hail Mary from my Roman Catholic days.

What’s one of your core values?
Patience is a virtue which I try to posses. It represents the emotional strength needed to continue trying something and overcoming difficulties.

You walked the Camino de Santiago. What was that like?
Physically, it was very difficult. Sue and I walked the entire 500 miles over the course of 37 days. And thanks to Sue, I continued at times when I thought I couldn’t. She was an incredible emotional (and physical) support. We had some moments but our love and faith in each other got us to the finish line.

Emotionally, the experience was amazing. We met so many people from all over the world and of different faiths, and learned about them while walking together.

One person in particular stands out for me. She was an opera singer and was with Sue and me when we entered a castle in Ponferrada. We were in a great room and this woman started to sing. It was a magical moment that I’ve never forgotten. We’ve kept in touch with her and even visited her in Seattle where she now lives.

What do you like to do for fun?
Planning trips is fun for me because I love anticipating the individual places in the itinerary. And then experiencing the travel is fun. I’ve also enjoyed working outdoors on landscaping projects but now I hire a professional.

Coming from England, I like to watch rugby, soccer and cricket. I also enjoy American football and basketball, particularly the University of Arizona’s team.

What’s one of your super powers?
I don’t force myself or my ideas on people. But that doesn’t mean I abandon my opinion or goal. I’m able to listen to what other people say and then tailor my response to arrive at a mutually agreeable result.

It’s an effective way to communicate.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I am proud of my family and their successes in their chosen careers.

What’s something you’d like to share that I haven’t asked?
I was 4 years old at the outbreak of World War 2, and 10 years old when peace came. Even though I was young, I remember seeing the terrible destruction caused by the bombs and rockets, evacuating to safer locations, and the peace celebration street parties. Even though I was quite young when all this happened, I believe that it had a big impact on who I am today—particularly when I see what is happening in Gaza and Ukraine.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I became an American citizen in 1976—the bicentennial year—and received a special bicentennial passport.

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.