Men’s Day at Historic St. James Episcopal Church
God’s Higher Standard
October 25, 2026
Keynote Sermon:
Answering the Call to God’s Higher Standard
Delivered by The Rev. Charles L. Fischer III
Vice President, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
We were honored to welcome The Rev. Charles L. Fischer III to the pulpit of Historic St. James. Preaching from Matthew 22:36–40 on the Great Commandment—to love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself—Rev. Fischer unpacked “God’s Higher Standard” as a universal invitation to the kingdom of heaven. In a moving sermon, he called our community to embrace authentic spiritual righteousness, challenging us to look beyond superficial observance and live out an active, disciplined faith rooted in love.
Here is the full powerful sermon.
The 2026 St. James Man of the Year: Calvin Butler
The Honor:
Recognizing Poise, Posture, and Integrity Over Title
Rooted in the legacy of Fr. William Levington, Fr. George Bragg, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, St. James presented the 2026 Man of the Year Award to Mr. Calvin Butler.
While his professional footprint is vast—serving as President and CEO of Exelon, chairing the Board of Regents at Morgan State University, and directing billions toward economic inclusion—St. James did not honor him for the title on his office door.
We honored him for his character, his posture, and his poise. Grounded in First Timothy, his leadership demonstrates to our young men and our community that real strength does not require a raised voice; it requires a grounded spirit and unshakeable integrity.
Watch the award announcement and Calvin Butler’s acceptance remarks.
Rooted in Heritage. Committed to Growth.
Founded in 1824, St. James Episcopal Church stands as an enduring beacon of faith, civic leadership, and cultural strength in Baltimore. As we reflect on God’s Higher Standard, we are actively expanding our outreach, welcoming new families, and building the foundation for our next century of ministry.