The Diocese of New Jersey closed a turbulent chapter from its past on Oct. 18 with the consecration of the Rt. Rev. George Edward Councell as its 11th bishop.

An estimated 1,400 worshipers filled Trinity Cathedral beyond capacity on the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. Bishop Councell was surrounded by family, friends, members of his last parish, the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, Ill., and a diocesan family eager to embrace him as their spiritual leader. The diocese has been without a full-time bishop since the Rt. Rev. Joe Morris Doss was forced to resign in 1999 after five turbulent years.

The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop, was the chief consecrator. Co-Consecrators were the Rt. Rev. Andrew F. Wissemann, retired Bishop of Western Massachusetts, the Rt. Rev. David B. Joslin, Assisting Bishop of New Jersey, the Rt. Rev. Gordon P. Scruton, Bishop of Western Massachusetts, and the Rt. Rev. G.P. Mellick Belshaw, retired Bishop of New Jersey.