CNN reported on Monday, September 15 that Texas Gov. Rick Perry has said that it could be "weeks" before residents can return to Galveston, the island city that Hurricane Ike devastated when it made landfall in the United States early Saturday. NAES was in contact with the Rev. David C. Dearman, headmaster of Trinity Episcopal School, Galveston, Texas on Friday, September 12, 2008, prior to the arrival of Hurricane Ike. He reported then that he and his family had evacuated to a relative’s home in Houston. Fr. Dearman was able to e-mail the following message to the Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly, Bishop of Texas, on Sunday, September 14, copying NAES on the message. Below is an edited version of that message with news of the school and church.
September 14, 2008
Bishop Wimberly,
[We have] evacuated to the home of Layne’s sister in Houston…. They are without power so we’re actually down the road a ways enjoying the electricity and wi-fi at another house. I am able to check my school email here and can get cell service…. Right now, I’m thankful for the safety of my family.
Some reports tell us that our school buildings are all intact, but took in water from 3 to 4 feet. The doors to our lower school are open, so I’m concerned about looting…. Of course there is mud everywhere. The real problem is trying to guess how long it will take to have basic services back. It could be weeks. Trinity parent and local contractor, Ed Rismiller, has visited the school, but I have not been able to contact him directly yet.
I have set up a blog for school families and staff to begin to check in and let us know where they are:
Father Pogue [the Rev. Ronald D. Pogue, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Galveston] is working to keep track of parishioners too.
Regards,
The Rev. David C. Dearman
Headmaster
Trinity Episcopal School, Galveston, TX