Sixty-five parishioners from St. Paul's Parish in Bakersfield made the trip to Charleston, S.C. Bakersfield residents Denise Irvin, Randal Messick, Fr. John Wilcox and Garrett Ming participated in the service. This attendance is a strong indication of the spiritual leadership of Lawrence and his adherence to Christian orthodoxy and biblical faithfulness.

The cathedral's capacity of 1,100 was quickly exceeded, so streaming video was provided at two nearby churches. Twenty-five bishops from the United States, England, Dominican Republic, Tanzania and Canada were present Saturday. Also present was Edward Little, the former rector of All Saints in Bakersfield, who is now Bishop of Northern Indiana.

Georgia Camp Bell, formerly of Bakersfield, was one of the presenters. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Camp of Bakersfield, she now lives in Charleston. Irvin, a long-time parishioner, presented Lawrence his gold bishop's ring.

"It was a very moving experience. It helps each of us say this is a new beginning for St. Paul's," she commented.

Messick, a professor in theatre at Bakersfield College, read the epistle. He, too, considered the experience to be very moving.

"Fr. Mark has had a major influence on my Christian faith," he said. "The strong responses today by those present in the liturgy and singing translates to a very strong commitment by the body of Christ and to its continuity."

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • TEC Bishops • * South Carolina

1. Br_er Rabbit wrote: Twenty-five bishops from the United States, England, Dominican Republic, Tanzania and Canada were present Saturday. 25! A great show of support from Anglicania Orthodoxiana. January 27, 7:56 am | [comment link]

2. seitz wrote: Tanzania was not represented, so far as I know, but Nigeria (+B Kwashi) was present. +Michael Scott-Joynt was a co-consecrator. +Tony Burton from Canada was present. +Ed Salmon was co-consecrator as well. January 27, 9:03 am | [comment link]

3. Crabby in MD wrote: Kendall:  Must feel good, huh?  Here’s to nice guys finishing FIRST! January 27, 2:22 pm | [comment link]

Registered members must log in to comment.