150th Anniversary to be Observed
Diocesan Press Service. May 20, 1971 [93-6]
GREENWICH, Conn. -- The Rt. Rev. Walter Gray, retired Bishop of Connecticut. and chairman of the committee planning the 150th Anniversary of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church, told the Executive Council of plans to observe this event during 1971. Bishop Gray spoke during the May 18-20 Council meeting at Seabury House, Greenwich, Conn.
"This observance is expected to be nationwide," he said, "and not confined to any given location. " He told the Council that each bishop will be asked to arrange a local diocesan observance as well as to encourage congregations to do the same. The Rev. Massey H. Shepherd is preparing a special liturgy and the bishops are being asked to authorize the use of this service for a Sunday in the fall.
A brief history of the Episcopal Church -- emphasizing the role of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society -- is also being issued. Bishop Gray pointed out that every baptized member of the Episcopal Church is a member of the society and reminded the Council that every member is being asked to give $10 to the Society during 1971 as a "reaffirmation of his missionary witness." Money received through the $10 offering will be used for some specific item included in the church's faith budget.