Episcopal Press and News

European Convocation Convenes

Diocesan Press Service. June 5, 1963 [XI-6]

The annual convention of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe met at the Pro-Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Paris, April 23-25. Delegates were present from parishes in Paris, Nice, Geneva, Florence, Rome, Munich and Frankfurt, as well as Episcopal chaplains in Europe.

The Rt. Rev. Stephen F. Bayne, Jr., executive officer of the Anglican Communion and the Presiding Bishop's representative as Bishop-in-charge of the Convocation, presided. Hosts to the convention were the Very Rev. Sturgis Lee Riddle, Dean of the Pro-Cathedral and Tupper Barrett, senior warden.

The convention was opened with a Service of Choral Evensong, followed the next day by a Celebration of the Holy Communion, a quiet morning conducted by the Bishop, and business sessions, with reports from the parishes, and on the work of the chaplains, led by Dr. Robert Plumb of the Armed Forces Division of the National Council and by the Rev. Frederick E. McDonald, Canon Chaplain of the Cathedral. A budget of $8,900 was adopted, including a grant to the National Council of $4,000, and grants of aid to the parishes in Florence, Munich, and Nice, and to the expenses of the Bishop-in-charge. Dean Riddle and the Rev. Donald Wiseman were elected president and secretary of the Council of Advice, Dean Riddle and George Snyder of Munich, clerical and lay delegates to the General Convention, the Rev. Perry Williams of Geneva, and Thomas Quackenboss of Rome, alternates. The American Ambassador to France, Charles E. Bohlen and Mrs. Bohlen received the convention at the Embassy Residence.