In a truly joyful service on Sunday, August 24, we celebrated the new ministry of St. John’s Church through the induction of our 16th Rector, the Rev. Charles E. Connelly. Bishop Dabney Smith presided and preached, and in attendance to witness the blessed event were a number of Episcopal priests from our deanery, including: Fr. Eric Kahl, Rector of St. Mary’s; Fr. John Reese, Rector of St. Andrew’s; Fr. George Burchill, St. John’s School’s longtime Headmaster; and our former Associate Rector Fr. Randy Hehr, returned from his new post in Clearwater for the day.
Symbolic gifts from the Altar Guild, the Youth Group, the School, and the Wardens, as well as very special music prepared for this day by our Choir highlighted the moving service. A standing ovation greeted the Bishop’s exhortation for us to welcome our new Rector, and following the service, a reception in the Parish Hall continued the festivities.
Congratulations to Fr. Chip, and to all of us on the start of a new era in the life of St. John’s Church!