The Diocese of Connecticut celebrated the investiture of the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith as its 14th bishop on Oct. 16. More than 800 people filled Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, with nearly 100 others watching a video feed projected onto a screen in the Cathedral House.

As retiring Bishop Clarence N. Coleridge handed over the crosier, which symbolized the authority of the diocesan bishop, Bishop Smith closed his eyes briefly, quickly taking a new breath. Then he swore an oath before God to observe and fulfill the responsibilities of the office.

"You suddenly realize that it's in your hands but you also realize when you look out in that congregation how many other people are there supporting and praying for you," said the Rt. Rev. Arthur E. Walmsley, Connecticut's 12th bishop, who participated in the service. "It's a common ministry."

Bishop Walmsley received the same crosier in October 1979.

Other guests and participants at the service included dozens of clergy from the diocese, ecumenical representatives, bishops from Province 1, the Bishop of Haiti and the Rev. Canon David Wightman, representing the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, and the Rt. Rev. E. Don Taylor, Assistant Bishop of New York.

The president of Province 1, the Rt. Rev. Douglas E. Theuner, Bishop of New Hampshire, presided at the service, which included elements from the liturgies of baptism and of new ministry.

Deacons read from the gospel in English, Creole and Spanish. The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Lee, Jr., Bishop of Western Michigan, delivered the sermon. Bishop Lee gave Bishop Smith the advice he'd received from the late Bishop Lyman C. Ogilby about the office: "It is [a] ministry of interruptions," said Bishop Ley. "I urge you to welcome it."