The Church of the Ascension in Rockville Centre recently welcomed Bishop-elect Adam Shoemaker for a service of Solemn Evensong and the blessing of his new traveling crozier.
Handcrafted by parishioner Arthur Snow from a retired church pew, the crozier carries a deep, sacred history. The Very Reverend Kevin L. Morris, Rector of the Church of the Ascension, preached and presided over the liturgy, sharing the significance of the wood:
“This crozier has already been blessed by all the prayer it has heard throughout its years as a pew... Let those prayers of the people in the pews lift you up as much as you seek to serve them. Never underestimate the power of the prayer warriors that inhabit the pews of this diocese. They are doing more work for the kingdom than many of us would ever imagine.”
The staff serves as a tangible symbol of the faithful who support their new shepherd as he travels across the geographic, liturgical, and cultural diversity of the Diocese of Long Island.
Following the service, guests gathered in the parish hall for a reception ahead of Bishop-elect Adam's official start on September 19th.
Service Photos & Media
View the photo gallery below from the Evensong, crozier blessing, and reception. A video from the service will also be published in the coming days—stay tuned for updates!
Photo Gallery
Photography by: Diana Gilday