At a festive service at the Cathedral of Saint Luke and Saint Paul in Charleston today, Mark Joseph Lawrence was consecrated the 14th Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina. “We thank you and Allison for your strength and perseverance,” said Alden Hathaway, retired Bishop of Pittsburgh and preacher for the service, “you inspire us and give us hope.” Joined by their five children and six grandchildren, the Lawrences were greeted with a thunderous and lengthy standing ovation by the diocese who had elected Mark twice over the last two years.
Asked what most struck him by the service today, the Rev. Dow Sanderson, rector of Church of the Holy Communion in Charleston, said: “I was most encouraged by the joyful optimism of the people who were there, the belief that there is a glorious gospel to proclaim and that we have a faithful bishop who is going to stand fast in spite of the circumstances in order to enable us to proclaim it word and deed.”
Update: There is now a picture of the newly consecrated bishop here.
If I were to be given the power to make an award for Patience and Perserverance, Bishop Lawrence would have a medal hanging around his neck. Although I disagree with him on several issues, may God bless him, his wife, his family, that diocese, and his ministry. My prayer is that he also remain in TEC as opposed to going elsewhere.
Thanks, Smuggs in #1. I would also like to add that an award needs to go to Saint Paul’s, Bakersfield, California who were so steadfast also in the midst of all the toing and froing.
May God bless the ministry of the new Bishop and his patient wife! And may Ed & Louise enjoy their retirement…FINALLY!!
Congrats to all in SC. May the Lord pour out his grace on +Lawrence.
I hope the text of Bishop Hathaway’s remarkable sermon will be made available. It could signal the beginning of revival and self confidence among mere Anglicans in this country.
Smuggs has expressed my sentiments exactly. My heartfelt prayers for Bishop Lawrence as he enters into this new order and new vineyard. May both prosper.
Beautiful service with wonderful music – you can certainly put on a good show. Inspiring to see +Lawrence’s stated task of taking out the Good News.
Congratulations +Lawrence! In the words of the Grateful Dead What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been
I wish that I could have been at the service. I am thankful to God for bringing such a wonderful Pastor to the people of the Diocese of South Carolina.
Good form, Smuggs (1), Bob (6), Brian (8).
I’m not implying that you wouldn’t offer congrats. But to do so heartily, and immediately says a lot.
RGEaton