By Conevery Bolton Valencius
6/19/08

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George Welles is rector of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, where he expanded a small, dying parish into a vibrant, multiethnic community. Knowing that Annie and George never want a big fuss, parishioners organized a mostly-surprise party and only announced the party to the couple two days before, when there was nothing they could do to prevent it.
The party featured a festive church service concelebrated by the Rev. Sam Rodman of St. Michael’s and the Rev. Clare Yarborough of Trinity Church in Weymouth, with singing, testimonials and moving tributes by colleagues and two of George and Annie’s children.
Town Administrator Kevin Mearn read a formal proclamation, and Sen. Brian Joyce enlisted the help of two of the couple’s grandsons to present a state testimonial. Afterwards 170 guests enjoyed jazz and refreshments in St. Michael’s parish hall.
Family and loved ones assembled from all corners of the United States—the friend who introduced the two of them at a swimming camp, parishioners and colleagues who’d worked with both Annie and George. The Welles family filled five pews. Through it all, young children explored the church inside and out as politicians spoke and babies babbled, adding their voices to the organ and church choir.
Family, friends, faith and community: just as Annie and George Welles like it.