When Bertram Herlong was just a boy, the bishop of the Episcopal church in his native Florida laid his hands on him and predicted his future. “Boy, you’re going to go to seminary someday,” the wise bishop told the surprised and skeptical Mr. Herlong. The man was right. Not only did Mr. Herlong become a minister of the Episcopal church, he led Tennessee as the church’s bishop for 13 years before retiring in 2006.
Mr. Herlong died Friday evening at a local hospital after a six-year illness. He was 77.
A wonderful friend and bishop – I shall miss him.
Bishop Herlong was a friend and mentor to me. He was the one that counseled me to stay in the Episcopal Church and continue to fight rather than leave. He also gave me support when I to move forward with Holy Orders for the Vocational Diaconate, even though it was not something he felt strongly about while in his Episcopate. I will miss him as a friend, mentor and fellow soldier for Christ.
We are very sad to hear of this news. My wife immediately burst out, ‘oh no! I loved that man!’. Many of us who were the beneficiaries of his ministry will be always grateful for having been blessed! Memory Eternal! May he be raised in glory with all the Saints!
Bert was both my bishop and my best friend. For 12 years I served him as the Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Tennessee. Last Tuesday I was the preacher at his funeral. He was always faithful, steady, loyal, and loving. I will never know another in this life.
May he rest in peace and rise in Glory!
Bless you Bob for being there – All is well down here in Peru but I missed being able to come and your presence there makes a huge difference for me personally.