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103rd Niobrara Convocation Held

Diocesan Press Service. August 15, 1975 [75278]

Jean Perry Farrell, Editor, South Dakota Churchman

KYLE, S.D. -- Highlight of the 103rd Niobrara Convocation, held here June 26-29 at Mediator Chapel, was the presence of the Presiding Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S.A., the Rt., Rev. John M. Allin.

Because of the death of the Bishop of Louisiana in a plane crash and funeral, Bishop Allin wasn't able to arrive until Saturday morning, but he quickly made friends with everyone, visited the meetings, and gave an inspiring talk at the Sunday morning service.

The 1975 Niobrara Convocation began with registration at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 26 at Mediator Chapel, Kyle, Corn Creek District of the Pine Ridge Mission. More than 2,000 people were in attendance and it was truly a wonderful meeting. As Mr. Alvin Zephier, chairman, promised, there was real faith, friendship and enthusiasm. Things did start on time -- the children's and youth programs were great -- and the meals were served ON TIME.

Officers elected for two-year terms are: The Rev. Francis Apple, Itancan* ; John Estes, Vice Itancan; Vivian Winter Chaser, Secretary.

The sanctuary under the canopy of pine boughs was made a site of beauty by colorful quilts made by the Indian women. Focal point was the beaded dossal of the Niobrara Cross. It was blessed by Fr. LaVerne LaPointe and given in memory of Leslie Estes, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Estes and Duke Estes, son of the Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Estes by the Estes families.

After a Wopila Supper on Saturday night and sunset prayers by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, an evangelistic service was conducted by the Church Army and Dakota Leadership Program. The guest speaker was the Rt. Rev. James Armstrong, Methodist Bishop of the Dakotas.

One of the most exciting times was the "give away" program supervised by the Rev. George Pierce and Sister Margaret Hawk. They were assisted by lovely young girls in native Indian costumes. The number of gifts which included hand-made quilts, medallions, quill necklaces, lunch baskets, pipes, waist bands, money, etc., was long and the recipients many.

Bishop Walter Jones was called forward and presented with one very muddy rubber. Everyone laughed because it was one he lost on Red Shirt Table which stuck in the snow last winter. Then he was presented beautiful beaded moccasins which he wore for the Sunday service.

There were many guests: some young people from Pennsylvania; Dr. Chris Cavender, executive secretary of the National Committee on Indian Work, who is on leave of absence from Macalester College; Mr. Larry Long from the New York office; Ms. Nancy Nicalo of Church World Service, New York City; the Rev. and Mrs. Wesley Hunter, executive secretary of the Association of Christian Churches in South Dakota; Bo and Yngve Glans from Sweden who were touring the U.S. by bus; and many more. The climax of the Sunday morning service was the ordination of Leslie Bobtail Bear to the priesthood and the ordination to the diaconate of Francis Cutt and Daniel Makes Good.

* Chairman