Massachusetts Celebrates Bicentennial Anniversary
Episcopal News Service. [84181]
BOSTON (DPS, Sept. 13) -- On Sept. 8, an all-day event celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts filled the box pews at Old North Church here. The first of several events planned for this fall, the celebration featured a festive worship service, liturgical dance, choral and orchestral presentations, a halfhour bell ringing salute, and a historical exhibit depicting the life of the diocese.
The celebration here marked the official formation of the diocese two hundred years ago. On Sept. 8, 1784, representatives of seven Episcopal churches came together to make plans for the formation of a diocese. Their efforts laid the groundwork for what has become the largest Episcopal diocese (baptized members) in the country and the second largest denomination in the Commonwealth.
The officiant for the 2 p.m. worship service was the Rt. Rev. John B. Coburn, Bishop of Massachusetts, and the special guest and preacher was the Most Rev. Alastair I. M. Haggart, Primus of Scotland.
The relationship between the Scottish Episcopal Church and the American Episcopal Church dates to post-colonial days, when the first American bishop, Samuel Seabury, was consecrated in Aberdeen, Scotland, on Nov. 14, 1784. His Scottish consecration was the result of the English Church's inability to ordain a bishop who could not swear loyalty to the English crown. As a result of the Scottish bishops' action, their liturgical contributions continue to influence Episcopalian worship traditions to the present day. In recognition of this, Haggart told his listeners: "I bring you greetings from your mother."
Representatives from the 185 parishes of the diocese attended the event, along with leaders of other denominations.
On Sept. 9, parish services were held across the diocese commemorating the bicentennial. At St. Paul's Cathedral, Haggart preached at the 11:00 a.m. service.
Other bicentennial events include: Oct. 14 -- a birthday party on Boston Common hosted by St. Paul's Cathedral; Nov. 11 -- a service of witness and commitment to the urban mission of the Church sponsored by the Episcopal City Mission and held at St. Paul's Cathedral, with the retired bishop of Massachusetts, the Rt. Rev. John M. Burgess, as preacher; Nov. 16 -- a bicentennial forum at the cathedral focusing on the mission and role of the Church in the 21st century; Nov. 16 -- a concert at Boston's Symphony Hall featuring Leontyne Price, the Danny Sloan Dance Company, and the Empire Brass Quintet; Nov. 17 -- the 199th Annual Diocesan Convention.