PASSED - R5: Resolution in Celebr

Resolutions

Resolved, that this 192nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio extend its congratulations to St. James Church, Boardman, during its current, two-year bicentennial celebration of two centuries of faithful ministry to the glory of God in the Mahoning Valley and the Diocese of Ohio; and be it further

Resolved, that this Convention recognize St. James Parish of Boardman as the oldest established Episcopal Parish in the Diocese of Ohio, having been granted recognition and status as a Parish of the Episcopal Church on 20 July 1809 by the Rt. Rev. Samuel Provoost, Bishop of New York; and be it further

Resolved, that this Convention assure the congregation of St. James of its hopes and prayers for the future of the parish and its continuing vital ministry in the Mahoning Valley and the Diocese of Ohio; and be it further

Resolved, that the Convention encourage the people and parishes of the Diocese of Ohio to join in the celebratory events and activities scheduled by the people of St. James during 2009.

Rationale

In celebrating the work of St James for the last 200 years, we note that the parish has amply confirmed the trust placed in its members when Bp. Provoost and the Convention admitted it to the Episcopal Church.

We commend the activities planned by the parish in celebration of their anniversary, and encourage all members of the Diocese to join in. Activities planned at this time include:

1. A grand celebration with Bishop Hollingsworth in the fall of 2009;
2. The creation of a St. James Alcove near the narthex in memory of the Beard Family and to preserve parish artifacts and to honor 200 years of ministry in this community;
3. Several liturgies throughout the year at its historic 1829 building, Old St. James Meeting House in Boardman Park;
4. One or more concerts for the community;
5. An as-yet-to-be-identified outreach ministry in which all current members of the parish family can be involved.