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Harry McKay has grappled with serious emotional and physical pain over his 66-year existence, the latest example being the task of recovering from a broken neck suffered in July. No matter the amount of anguish heaped upon him, he has preached the power of God’s love, encouraging other Grays Ferry dwellers to see sobriety as a key means to realize that gift.
“Many setbacks have tested and tried to conquer him,” Joan McCarron said of her cousin-in-law, whose recuperation necessitated his refraining from giving an interview. “He’s been able to lead so many to new lives, and when he’s at full strength again, he’ll guide even more.”
The resident of the 1600 block of South Newkirk Street met McKay, who served in Vietnam following his graduation from St. John Neumann High School, formerly 2600 Moore St., now Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., in 1979, with the male figure having already tasted the personal consequences of alcohol abuse. With the loss of a sibling to the affliction and a daughter to a brain aneurysm, McKay summoned his resolve and united with brother Rev. Douglas McKay in ’99 to form Our House Ministries, 1439 S. 29th St.
Splitting time between the address and Northeast Philly, he has stressed his creator’s compassion and care while motivating individuals to choose substance over substances. That mentality resonates through inclusion in a number of organizations, notably Al-Anon; Alcoholics Anonymous; the Matt Talbot Society; the Schuylkill Vietnam Veterans Association; the Third Order of St. Francis; the Grays Ferry Community Council, 1501 S. 29th St.; and the Calix Society, which calls for alcoholics to substitute “the cup that stupefies for the one that sanctifies.”
“Many people talk the talk,” McCarron said of her relative, who recently received a commendation from his wartime peers. “Harry walks the walk and, after having dealt with all that you can imagine, has not let his spirit diminish. He’s a trooper.”
McKay and his brother two years ago celebrated the opening of the St. Raphael’s Addiction Resource Center in conjunction with Our House Ministries. Through the space, the siblings and their colleagues advocate for control over temptation, knowing the Lord will help them to resist.
“Robert Kennedy said ‘There are those who look at things the way they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not,’” McCarron said. “That makes me think of Harry because he’s always thinking about our potential.”
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Difference Makers
/ Bruce Baldwin / Anthony Benedetto Sr. / Lou Berman / Beth Coleman /
/ Diane DellaVella / Phyllis DiLemmo /
/ Roe and Jim Gallo / Tyrique Glasgow / Ali Hackett / Deborah Holmes /
/ Kat Kendon / Harry McKay / Jaime Pannone / Juanita Perkins-Qui /
/ Gaetano Piccirilli / Megan Rosenbach / Ted Scairato Sr /
/ Rich Sisman / Dan Stevenson / Paula Terreri / Lynn Oakes West / Lawrence Whitaker / Robert Wilbowe / Ilene Wilder /
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