THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 12, 1995 TAG: 9510100057
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: VICKI LEWIS
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
As a child, Alexander P. Grice III served as an acolyte for his church, lighting the candles that illuminated the altar of Christ and St. Luke's Church during worship services.
As an adult, Grice devoted 40 years to keeping those flames burning as acolyte director for that same church.
But in September, Grice retired as acolyte director.
During his four decades working with the acolytes, Grice has served as a mentor, guide and friend to hundreds of children and young adults whom he taught not only how to carry the cross and light the candles during worship services but also the meanings behind the rituals.
``What I have tried to do is to teach them why we do it, not just how to do it,'' Grice said. ``So that they will have a better understanding - because we don't do anything in a worship service that doesn't have meaning.''
Grice, a real estate appraiser and consultant with A.P. Grice & Son Inc., has been a member of the church since 1935, when his church, St. Luke's, merged with Christ Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Barbara, are also very involved in the diocese.
``What I have tried to do and what makes the position so special is I have gotten to know them personally,'' Grice said of the acolytes.
If an acolyte was ill, he would visit them. He also would keep tabs on how his acolytes were doing at school. When the acolytes reached college age, his influence wouldn't end, either.
``I'd call them up to make sure that when they were home for Thanksgiving or vacations that they would be here on Sundays,'' he said.
Although Grice has stepped down as acolyte director, he will be taking over a new position at the church, that as verger.
``It's a very ancient position that goes back many years,'' Grice said, adding that in more contemporary times it can be likened to the position of ``master of ceremonies'' for services and special occasions, such as ordinations.
He'll be installed in that position during a special service Sunday.
Name: Alexander Pinkham Grice III.
Nickname: Alex (pronounced Eleck).
What brought you to Norfolk: Birth.
Birthplace: Norfolk.
Birthdate: Jan. 17, 1925.
Occupation: Real estate appraiser.
Marital status: Married for 48 years.
Children: Three adult sons.
Last Book Read: ``The Heritage of Virginia'' by James Hagemann.
Favorite movies: ``Shadowlands,'' ``Driving Miss Daisy,'' ``Fried Green Tomatoes.''
Favorite magazine: Yachting or Sail.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? The Archbishop of Canterbury - to be at the END of the procession.
Most embarrassing moment: Having a drop of perspiration on the end of my nose at the precise moment of the wedding vow: ``I will . . .''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To weigh a little less.
Perfect way to spend the day: Sailing with my family on ``Panacea.''
Favorite vacation spot: Bermuda (in the '40s).
Pet peeve: Rude drivers.
First job: Paper boy for The Virginian-Pilot/The Ledger Star.
Worst job: Stock boy in a grocery store at age 13.
Hobbies: Sailing, woodworking, boat maintenance.
Favorite restaurants: Elliot's, Tandom's Madison Grill, The Diner.
What do you like most about Norfolk? The improvement of the waterfront and restoration of historic areas.
What do you like least about Norfolk? Inadequate provision for the homeless. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by HUY NGUYEN
by CNB