William Donald Schaefer, who as a Baltimore mayor and Maryland governor was known as a man of action, was honored yesterday as a man of faith.
Mr. Schaefer, a longtime member of Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church, was named a vestryman emeritus during an evening service in his honor at the downtown church, where he served as a member of the vestry -- or governing board -- from 1972 to 1974 and from 1977 to 1981.
"I will never have a more joyous, wonderful, happy occasion than today," a visibly moved Mr. Schaefer told several hundred friends and worshipers who filled the Charles Street church's sanctuary.
"Each of you have played a part in my life, what successes we've had and shared, what sorrows we've had and shared," he said. "Today will be one of my most memorable days, when I was made vestryman emeritus of this great church."
Mr. Schaefer recalled one instance when his religious beliefs had a concrete impact on state policy: As governor, he pushed for a ban on assault pistols last year. He admitted that he took a lot of criticism, but said that it was the right thing to do.
"The bishop asked me to do it. The members of the vestry asked me to take action," he said.
Mr. Schaefer received tributes from several people, including Nancy S. Grasmick, the state superintendent of schools, and retired Bishop David K. Leighton Sr., former head of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.
Mrs. Grasmick spoke of the empathy for the disadvantaged, the suffering and the young that Mr. Schaefer -- known for his "do it now" attitude and his monuments of brick and mortar -- brought to his work.
"We think of the Inner Harbor, we think of Camden Yards and all of the major projects of bricks and mortar," she said. "But when I think of him, I think of the elderly. I think of the disabled. I think of the education of our children."
Mr. Schaefer, she said, often was touched by the problems of individuals and would try to see what could be done to help them. Once, as they visited a hospital, he was moved by a disabled boy who had been abandoned by his parents. She remembers him saying, "We must help this child. I want to know how."
"Governor Schaefer left these monuments for all of us. He has made us proud to be Marylanders, and he has made us proud to be public servants. He truly cared."
Bishop Leighton said Mr. Schaefer was the "perfect example of what lay ministry really means."
"When your days are done, I hope that you will be remembered the way you have told me many times you would like to be remembered. By three words: 'One who cared,' " Bishop Leighton said. "That's how I think of you.
"And we expect when you go into real retirement of eternal life, that you will hear the Lord say, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.' "
The Rev. Phebe Coe, rector of the Church of the Epiphany in Odenton, pointed out to Mr. Schaefer a living example of his compassion. Sitting two pews behind him was Linda Sue Glazier, who had been sentenced 20 years ago to two consecutive life terms for participating in the murders of her adoptive parents and was pardoned by Mr. Schaefer last year.
"Just after Christmas you made it possible for her to have freedom and new life," said Ms. Coe, whose congregation worked for the woman's release. "And that's what we wish for you, freedom and new life."
Mr. Schaefer stood up, turned around and grasped Ms. Glazier's hand.