After weeks of logistical problems that reached a climax with a public denunciation of the Presiding Bishop and the withdrawal of the invitation to use the original consecration location, the Diocese of Florida was blessed with near-perfect autumn sunshine for the Nov. 1 consecration of the Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard as Bishop Coadjutor at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville.

“This is a happy day for the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida,” said the Rt. Rev. Stephen H. Jecko, who retires as diocesan bishop Feb. 1. “Our common vision is to live and proclaim the gospel in community, Eucharist, and servanthood ministry. We believe Bishop Howard will be an asset to that vision, as we live aggressively in love and stand humbly for the truth.”

Bishop Howard’s consecration had long been planned at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Jacksonville. That invitation was withdrawn by the bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine over the scheduled participation of Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold, who personally voted at General Convention for the consent of the consecration of the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson as Bishop Coadjutor of New Hampshire and used his office to urge others to do so before the vote. After an acrimonious exchange of letters, Bishop Griswold withdrew, and named the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Jenkins III, Bishop of Louisiana and president of Province 4, to serve in his stead as chief consecrator.

The consecration was attended by more than 1,200 people, well beyond the seating capacity of the cathedral. The 21 bishops present included Roman Catholic Bishop Victor Galeone of the Diocese of St. Augustine, and Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Bishop Edward R. Benoway of the Florida-Bahamas Synod.

Bishop Howard, an assistant United States attorney and federal public defender before entering the priesthood, was formerly vicar at Trinity, Wall Street, and in the wake of the Sept. 11 crisis led the staff and congregation of Trinity and of St. Paul’s Chapel in worship, service and outreach to the lower Manhattan community. Prior to moving to New York, he had been rector of St. James’, Charleston, S.C., and before that was assistant at Holy Comforter, Charlotte, N.C.

Virginia Barrett Barker