More Information Released About William Donald Schaefer's Funeral
BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) -- It will be a funeral fit for a king. More information has been released about the services for former Governor and Mayor William Donald Schaefer.
Mike Hellgren has more.
William Donald Schaefer defines modern politics in Maryland. He rebuilt Baltimore, defining the city that defined him. And now, a memorial on a scale as large as the man himself is being planned, including a final tour of the neighborhoods he served and services at Old Saint Paul's Church, where light from Tiffany glass will bathe his casket.
Friend Luther Starnes will give the sermon.
"I presided over funerals of many, many people and those who are closest to you are certainly the toughest," Starnes said.
The Morgan State Choir is busy rehearsing.
"Of all the choruses across the state---it's an honor for the choir and the university," said Morgan State University Choir Director Eric Conway.
The Colts' marching band will also play.
"`Would you like to have the Morgan State Choir?' I didn't say funeral. He said, `How much is it going to cost?' I said, `Nothing.' He said, `I'd love it.' I said, `Would you like to have a marching band?' He said, `How much is it going to cost?' I said, `Nothing.' He said, `Well, I'd love it,'" said his longtime friend and former aide, Lainy LeBow-Sachs.
Powerful politicians will eulogize the former governor, along with several close friends.
"Just a simple faith. He believed there was a God, a God who cared about people," said Starnes. "A God who loved him as much as he loved God and the people."
Baltimore officials have moved a scheduled furlough day to Tuesday to give city employees a chance to pay their respects to William Donald Schaefer.
His body will lie in repose at Baltimore's City Hall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
The furlough day was previously scheduled for Friday, May 27.
Ryan O'Doherty, a spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, says Tuesday will be the best chance for thousands of city employees to pay their respects because seats will be hard to come by at Schaefer's funeral on Wednesday.
Schaefer's body will lie in repose at the State House in Annapolis next Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Later that day, a procession will go through some of Schaefer's favorite spots in Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. His body will then be brought to Baltimore's City Hall, where he will lie in state from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
That will continue on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Schaefer's funeral service is next Wednesday at Old Saint Paul's Church at 11 a.m.
He will be buried at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.
