The Church remembers William Reed Huntington on the calendar today. As noted by James Kiefer in his hagiography of Huntington, "although never a bishop, had more influence on the Episcopal Church than most bishops. He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1838, the son of a physician, studied at Harvard, and was ordained a priest in 1862. In each of the thirteen General Conventions (held every three years, in years that have a remainder of 2 when divided by 3) of the Episcopal Church that met between 1870 and his death, he was a member, and indeed the most prominent member, of the House of Deputies. In 1871 he moved for the restoration of the ancient Order of Deaconesses, which was finally officially authorized in 1889. His parish became a center for the training of deaconesses. Huntington's was the chief voice calling for a revision of the Book of Common Prayer (completed in 1892), and his the greatest single influence on the process of revision."
Today also marks the 15th anniversary of my Life Profession of Vows in BSG, taken at the Society of the Atonement (Graymoor) Friary in New York on July 27, 1996. Yes, there have been stumbles along the way, but I have never regretted making the decision to apply to this community and to be in this form of religious life. There have been a lot of changes through the years, but I am proud to call my confreres my brother, regardless of whether they are lay or ordained.One thing I'm very proud of is that all of our brothers are known as Brother - Not "Father," or "Deacon," but Brother. And for this I give thanks to God.
My brothers Richard John and Maurice John were life professed with me. Rick is the Director of Pastoral Care at White Plains (NY) Hospital. Maurice claims to be retired, but stays busy running a hotel in the Philippines. My brother Karekin Madteos in San Francisco also observes his 15th anniversary in vows today, and his 10th year of Life Profession tomorrow. Congratulations, brother !
+Soli Deo Gloria+
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