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The
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to Celebrate 125 Years in
Maitland
By Jack Hitchcock and Judy Delsanter
The historic church at 331 Lake Avenue actually began in the
parlor of a spacious old home across the street from the present church.
It was the winter home of the first Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota, the
Rt. Rev. Henry Whipple. He conducted that service in 1879. The present
chapel was built in 1881, and in
March 17, 1883, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd was
officially consecrated.
On Palm Sunday, March 16, John W. Howe,
Bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, will be celebrant and preacher
at the 10:30 service and will also confirm
five people. Following the service, family, friends and guests will
celebrate Good Shepherd’s 125th anniversary with a festive
old-fashioned picnic on the grounds.
This significant milestone will be celebrated
by an especially grateful congregation. The church anniversary almost
didn’t happen. Late last year, under the advisement of the Rector, the
Vestry voted to disaffiliate from the Episcopal Church.
However, there were still a significant
number of members who wanted to preserve Good Shepherd in the Episcopal
tradition. In January, Bishop Howe determined there was a sufficient
number remaining to maintain it as an Episcopal church.
Those who chose to disaffiliate would
need to find a new place of worship. The former Rector and a significant
number of members left the Episcopal Church on Feb. 4th .
For many of the membership of this
125-year-old parish, it was a difficult time of discernment and choosing
whether to stay with Good Shepherd or leave. Uncharted territory, it
tested and tried souls as each ultimately chose which path to take. Part
of the “family” was moving on. Others, who remained, began to feel the
impact that the loss of friends and loved ones would make. And they now
faced the challenge of rebuilding the parish and much of its leadership.
Good Shepherd is known in
Central Florida
as a place where people who have been wounded by life’s many
vicissitudes may come to get well again.
Even the spirit of the place is that of
the wounded healer. Its sheltered walkways, its low-slung roof, its
gracious grounds, offer welcome respite. And the very essence of the old
chapel adjacent to the present sanctuary speaks to the 125 years of
prayers offered in that place.
Yet now, the parish is itself
admittedly wounded. The disaffiliation has delivered a severe blow.
However, the remaining members of Good Shepherd are of good cheer. Many
have been active participants for more than 40 years, and they and those
who have joined the parish since then are determined to rebuild.
Fr. Reid McCormick of Maitland has been
conducting Sunday services since Feb. 10th. Beginning April
1, Fr. Robbie Robison will be taking on the duties of Interim Rector, as
the parish begins its “restoration”.
Good Shepherd is looking forward to a
year-long celebration of this historic event, and hopes to welcome
visitors and newcomers, as well former members who feel a call to return
to be a part of the exciting re-formation of the parish.
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