The old and the new came together in a spectacular way on a picture perfect June day as recently ordained Bishop, the Right Reverend Melissa Skelton visited what is both the Diocese’s and the Lower Mainland’s oldest church, St John the Divine in Maple Ridge.
St. John recently celebrated its 155th anniversary and possesses a colourful history that harkens back to the gold rush days when it was established in the territory’s first capital of Derby (Old Fort Langley). Amazingly the church was relocated to Maple Ridge in 1882 by floating the building down the Fraser River to its new location.However, it is fair to say that the initial visit of Bishop Melissa was a seminal event in the long and storied heritage of the church. The anticipation and buzz about Bishop Melissa’s arrival was heightened by a feature article in our local paper and extensive promotion in the local media, social media and through the Diocesan website and Facebook page.
Those who attended were not disappointed. The Bishop preached and presided (click the link to access the text of the EASTER VII SERMON) at both the 8:30 and 10:30am Celebrations of the Eucharist, as well as spending the coffee hour between services visiting and greeting members of the St. John worshipping community and visitors. A luncheon was offered after the later service in her honour. Following the meal, Bishop Melissa answered questions and gave extensive background about her own story, experience and journey that has led her to her new position leading Anglicans in the Diocese of New Westminster.
She stressed that she has become a specialist in congregational development, having being able to triple the congregation in her former parish of St. Paul’s Episcopal in Seattle through the process of ‘inclusion’.
There were many truly moving moments during her visit, particularly her excellent homilies presented at both services regarding Jesus’ Ascension and the upcoming celebration of the Day of Pentecost. However, perhaps the most moving and appropriate moment came when our oldest congregant and Honorary Priest Associate the Reverend Dick Hunt (who recently celebrated 57 years of ordination), delivered a special blessing over Bishop Melissa at the end of the 10:30 service drawn from scripture, Numbers 6:24-26.
In closing I just want to add that the ‘Bishop Melissa’ effect is real. I believe as a person of faith that God raises up the right person at the right time and for Anglicans in British Columbia Melissa Skelton is that person. It is not an exaggeration to state that she completely captivated and charmed our parish on Sunday and that anticipation is already building about when we will be honoured with her presence again.
Images: Top and homepage, Bishop Melissa with parishioners following the 8:30am. Upper right, Bishop Melissa receives a framed painting of the St. John the Divine building, a gift from resident artist, Lawrence Ogrodnick. Middle left, The Reverend Charles Balfour, rector of St. John’s (PHOTO by Bishop Melissa Skelton). Lower right, Bishop Melissa with the Reverend Richard Hunt. Photos: Phil Kershaw