Harris Consecrated During Four-day Event in Alaska
Episcopal News Service. July 9, 1981 [81192]
The Rev. Jean Dementi, Editor of Alaskan Epiphany
FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- The consecration and installation of the Rt. Rev. George C. Harris as the fifth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska marked the culmination of the diocesan convention which was set in the context of the Eucharist. The theme text for the four-day event was Isaiah 40:31, "They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...."
"Gathering in the Lord's name" took place in St. Matthew's Church here, with the opening of convention and a meditation by the Rt. Rev. Wesley Frensdorff, Bishop of Nevada. The following day and evening were times of listening and responding to "The Word of God," in sessions led by Jean Haldane of the Diocese of Olympia.
Convention business took up half the next day, the remainder of which featured an address, "Issues and Needs in the World," by Presiding Bishop John M. Allin, together with the showing of the World Hunger film.
"The Offering of Ourselves" took place that evening at the fairgrounds. Hundreds of people enjoyed a picnic supper, followed by a celebration of the Church's life in Alaska through song, dance and the spoken word. The Rt. Rev. William J. Gordon, Jr., former Bishop of Alaska and now Assistant Bishop of Michigan, reminisced his way through the colorful history of the diocese. Retiring Bishop David Cochran brought cheers with two original humorous songs set to "stolen" music.
Sunday morning, the Day of Pentecost, the recital hall of the University of Alaska was filled with worshipers gathered for the celebration of the Eucharist and the consecration. Harris was consecrated by Allin, Cochran, and the Rt. Rev. Walter H. Jones, Bishop of South Dakota. Other visitors taking part in the service included the Most Rev. Robert L. Whelan, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks, litanist; Frensdorff, preacher; the Rt. Rev. R.C. Ferris, Bishop of the Yukon, Canada; Gordon; the Rt. Rev. Leigh A. Wallace, Bishop of Spokane; the Rt. Rev. Scott Field Bailey, Bishop of West Texas.
Also participating were the Rev. Canon Edward B. Geyer, Jr., of New York City; the Rev. Noah Broken Leg and the Rev. Lyle Noicy Hawk of South Dakota; and Sister Margaret Hawk and William Harris, also of South Dakota. Members of the new bishop's family were the bearers of the elements. Accompaniment for the singing was provided by two pianists and a string quartet from the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra.
Harris, 55, came to Alaska from the Dakota Leadership Program in Mobridge, S.D. He is a graduate of Rutgers and General Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Mary Jane, are the parents of six children. The Harris family served in New York City and Hazleton, Penn., as well as in the Philippines for 13 years.