After several years as a Mission congregation, Resurrection achieves Parish status

Early in the morning, a bus full of excited Resurrection congregants left the Church parking lot in Jacksonville, and joined cars of others en route to the 166th Annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Florida. We sang, we cheered, passed out our new red Caps, and blew up the Red balloons. We were met by our members of the men's group who were on duty in the parking area.The morning was sunny & bright, the Stars and Stripes was flying in the cool breeze.

 

Fr. Gerry led us into the waiting area where we passed out balloons, and got into line for our procession. 

Our new Banner, made for this occasion,  stood tall along the wall with others from various Parishes.

 

Excitement grew as we waited our turn to be announced, and and join the hall, filled with delegates from all over the State

 

.

 

 

To the cheers of well-wishers, we paraded around the perimeter, through the throng, to our place in front of the stage where Bishops Howard and Keyser greeted us.

The hall was quiet as Bishop Howard spoke, relating how Fr. Gerry had been coaxed out of retirement to lead a small, but determined congregation to become the newest Parish in our Diocese of Florida. The comradeship, the leadership, the warmth, the caring, was evident.

He then asked the delegates if they agreed...should Resurrection become a full-fledged Parish?

A roar of cheers, clapping, ensued, and Bishop Howard asked God's grace in leading us in our new role, taking part in a worldwide communion. Smiles and laughter broke out as Fr. Gerry presented both Bishops Howard and Keyser with "Admiral" caps with braid to match our Red theme.

We continued to parade out, our heads held high, to the well wishes of the entire assembly.

 

Outside, Jo & Fr. Gerry's son Wayne Walston took formal pictures of our whole group.

 

We were then treated to a box lunch in the hall overlooking the beautiful grounds of Camp Weed. 

In this hall, there is a stone fireplace with a logo of the Diocese,