When it comes to events, I love pageantry and tradition. Few do it better than the churches of the Anglican Communion. So I was delighted when the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh contacted me to document the consecration of Reverend Dorsey McConnell as their new Bishop at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside.
Representatives from area churches lined up outside before processing into the church:
The Most Reverend Katherine Jefferts Schoir, 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States, acted as chief consecrator:
Bishops from across the United States participated in the ceremony:
Reverend McConnell prostrates himself in front of the altar:
The Reverend Hurmon Hamilton delivered a stirring sermon:
Reverend McConnell and the youth of the diocese put on a play, “The Bridge of the Angels: a Parable” during the service. It was lighthearted and a lot of fun:
The little girl who portrayed fire stole the show!
I was granted access to be just about anywhere I wanted to for the ceremony. It was great and I appreciated the trust that the diocese placed in me to document the event:
The Bishops laid hands on Reverend McConnell while saying a Prayer of Consecration:
The now-Bishop Dorsey Winter Marsden McConnell was presented with these vestments, a cross made of nails and a ring:
He was then presented with the Crozier by outgoing-Bishop Kenneth Price:
Bishop McConnell with his wife and son:
