Griswald Elected Chicago Coadjutor
Episcopal News Service. November 8, 1984 [84219]
OAK PARK, Ill. (DPS, Nov. 8) -- On Oct. 20 in convention at Grace Church here, the more than 370 lay delegates and 230 clerical delegates elected the Rev. Frank T. Griswold, rector of the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Philadelphia, Pa., as bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of Chicago this day. Upon notification, Griswold indicated he would accept election.
Griswold was elected on the third ballot of the convention, running well ahead of the other candidates in a field of five. Twenty-one names were submitted on a nominating ballot, including those of three women priests. On the first ballot following, only the five men who had been screened as finalists by the search and nominating committee received a sufficient number of votes to keep them in the running. Other finalists included the Rev. James E. Carroll, San Diego, Calif; the Rev. William D. McLean, III, Barrington, Ill.; the Rev. Orris G. Walker, Detroit, Mich.; and the Rev. Gustave J. Weltsek, Birmingham, Mich.
McLean was the leader on the first ballot with Griswold running second. The other three candidates trailed with about half of the votes received by the leaders. The second ballot showed Griswold picking up lay and clerical votes which brought him approximately even with McLean. On the third and decisive ballot, a large swing of votes went to Griswold, giving him 120 clerical votes (necessary to win -- 115) and 189 lay votes (necessary to win -- 185). McLean tallied 85 clerical votes and 130 lay votes.
Upon announcement of the election, the congregation spontaneously rose and sang the Doxology.
Griswold, 47, received a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, and he also earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Oxford University. He was ordained priest in 1963, and has served parishes in the Diocese of Pennsylvania since that time. He has been a deputy to the General Convention, is chairman of the diocesan liturgical commission and is an instructor in Anglican liturgical prayer and spirituality at the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. He contributed to the writing of Eucharistic Prayer "B" in the Book of Common Prayer. A sought-after retreat and conference leader, he has been asked to conduct retreats for the clergy of the Diocese of Ohio, the General Theological Seminary, the Oratory of the Good Shepherd and the Society of St. John the Evangelist.
Griswold has worked with group and individual counseling and spiritual development, and has specialized in ministries of hospice programs and training counselors for the terminally ill. He has also been involved in the areas of racial minorities, poverty groups, youth and student affairs. He is the author of a number of published works including those for the National Committee on Family of the Episcopal Church, The Seabury Press, Trinity Institute and the Forward Movement Publications. He is married to Pheobe Wetzel Griswold and they have two children, 16 and 12 years old.