Bishop’s Diary for 1989-1990

February 1989

1- At 611. Celebrate noon Eucharist. Leave for Valdosta after lunch with Louise driving. At 7 p.m. at St. Barnabas’ Church I institute Fr. J.R. Bullion as Vicar, Fr. John Jenkins delivering a splendid sermon on the ministry today. Dinner out with a group from the occasion. We are guests of Mr. & Mrs. William Eager, Jr., for our Valdosta visit.
2- At Christ Church, Valdosta, I chair the meeting of the Diocesan Council beginning at 10 a.m. In the evening the Diocesan Convention opens with Evensong, at which time I give my Bishop’s Address. Dinner out.
3 – Convention legislative sessions begin in local auditorium at 9 a.m. and run most of the day. At 6:30 p.m. I celebrate the convention Eucharist and Dean Robert Giannini preaches. A wonderful corporate celebration! To dinner with the Gianninis and to Christ Church Parish Hall for grand desserts!
4- Convention concludes with much flourish! Diocesan Council meets briefly at noon. After lunch with the Eagers we return to Savannah. Much unpacking and readying for Sunday.
5- LAST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPIHANY. Visitation at St. Paul’s, Savannah begins with the 8 a.m. Eucharist and sermon. Speak to adult class about Diocesan Convention. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm, assisted by Fr. Wm. Willoughby III. Reception follows, after which I speak on the Lambeth Conference. We enjoy dinner at the rectory. In the evening I attend a meeting of the Sewanee Club of Savannah at Isle of Hope.
6 – Monday at home. A day reorganizing following convention.
7 – A day at the office. I interview a young man interested in Holy Orders.
8- ASH WEDNESDAY. A day at the office. Mass at noon.
9. At 611. Interview young man interested in Holy Orders. Conference with a parish priest. A good meeting with the Commission on Higher Education.
10- At office. Conference with a seminarian. Conference with an ordinand.
11- At St. Paul’s Church with Fr. R. Carter, I lead our first Wardens’ Conference (very productive). I visit with Fr. John Jenkins, recovering from flu, and Mrs. Jenkins. Louise and I drive to the Mears’ home in Americus, where, joined by others, we enjoy dinner together in town. Overnight at the Mears’.
12- LENT I. Visitation at Calvary, Americus, begins with 8 a.m. Eucharist. I teach the adult class and visit with the baptismal parties. At 10:45 a.m. I celebrate, preach and baptize. Parish luncheon follows. In the evening I participate in the convocation parish campaign kick-off dinner in St. Paul’s. We head for Savannah, planning to stop off en route. We don’t, arriving in the wee hours and clocking a 600 mile weekend.
13 – Re-establishing life at home.
14- At Diocesan House. Conference with architect Murray Barnard. Conference with building committee from Trinity, Statesboro. Conference with Fr. John Ford.
15- At 611. Visit with Mr. Tom Coffey. Conference with Fr. Thomas Schultz, OHC. Celebrate Eucharist at noon. Fr. Schultz and I enjoy lunch together. Visit Fr. Manning in hospital.
16- At Diocesan House. Conference with a gentleman from Albany interested in Holy Orders. Conference with a priest interested in coming to our diocese. Visit with a local rector. Sermon preparation in evening.
17- Finish up in office. Mid-afternoon Louise and I drive to Augusta where I participate in the convocation campaign kick-off dinner in St. Paul’s parish hall. Overnight at the convent.
18- At the convent I celebrate the 8 a.m. Mass then meet with the vestry of Our Savior’s until 11 a.m. I have conferences with local people at the convent for the balance of the day. In the evening I participate in an area campaign dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the convent.
19 – LENT II. Visitation at St. Augustine’s, Augusta. Early Eucharist and sermon. Meet confirmands. Teach the adult class. At 11 a.m. Solemn Eucharist and sermon with confirmation. I am assisted by Fr. Phelps, Dcn. Aton and Dcn. Pattison. A reception follows, then dinner out. At 3:30 p.m. I begin my visitation at the Church of the Atonement. Meet with mission council, with vicar, and with confirmation class. At 5:30 p.m., with over a hundred of us in the “double-wide”, I celebrate a solemn Eucharist, preach and confirm, assisted by Fr. I.S. Williams, Vicar, and Den. L. Adams. Reception follows. Leave for Savannah, arriving late evening
20 – A Monday re-ordering my life!
21- Off very early, by plane, to Asheville, NC, and Kanuga for a meeting of the bishops of Province IV.
22- Bishops meet with Commission on Ministry chairmen. In the afternoon I hitch a ride home with Fr. Carter and Jan.
23 – A morning in the office and to Jacksonville in the afternoon. I am the Lenten speaker after Evening Prayer and supper, at St. John’s Cathedral. Louise and I overnight at the deanery.
24 – To Savannah. Lunch and meeting with a visiting group of churchmen. Time in the office.
25 – Our second Wardens’ Conference convenes at Christ Church Parish Hall, Savannah. A most productive day with a large group. In the evening I dine and then meet with the vestry of St. Thomas’ Church, Savannah, at the rectory.
26 – LENT III. Visitation at St. Thomas’ begins with the early Eucharist. I address the adult class on Lambeth, then speak with the confirmands. At 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. R. Gunn and Den. J. Parker. A reception follows. Clergy and wives enjoy dinner out. Den Parker and I then leave for a meeting at Honey Creek. At 7 p.m. we are in Darien, where I institute Fr. Jerry Otwell as first rector of St. Andrew’s Church. I preach and am assisted by the dean and several clergy. Supper follows. Return to Savannah late.
27 – At home. I meet Bishop A.D. Dickson at airport. He is our house guest.
28 – Off to Dublin, where, at Christ Church parish house, sixty clergy meet for a Clergy Day to discuss issues related to the Episcopal Church. Bishop Dickson is the moderator. Return to Savannah via the airport in the afternoon.

March 1989

1- At Diocesan House. Conference with Mr. Perry Ruby, Conference Center Manager. Celebrate noon staff Eucharist. Conference with Mr. R. Daniell of Tifton. Conference with Fr. G. Maxwell. Louise and Ito the movies in the evening.
2 – At 611. Lunch with Bishop Raymond Lessard. Time with Fr. G. Powers, curate-elect of Christ Church, Savannah. Staff conference. In the evening Louise and I attend the Savannah Convocation campaign kick-off dinner at St. Thomas.
3- Morning in office. Conference with Mr. Alan George. At noon Louise and I drive to Bainbridge and visitation to St. Jonn’s Church. V sit with confirmands. At 6 p.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm, assisted by Father S. Clifton, Vicar. Parish supper follows. Overnight with daughter and son-in-law.
4- Local Bainbridge appointments in am. In evening I attend the Thomasville Convocation campaign kick-off dinner in St. Thomas’ Church. On to Moultrie for overnight with the Platters.
5 – LENT IV. At St. John’s, Moultrie. 8 am. mass and sermon. Visit with confirmands and then with adult class. 11 am. Solemn Eucharist, sermon and confirmations assisted by Father R. Cantrell, Rector. Parish dinner follows. On to Cordele. Meet with confirmands. At 6 p.m. in Christ Church I celebrate, Preach and confirm, assisted by Father C. Cantrell, Vicar. Dinner follows, after which I speak on Lambeth. Back to Savannah by midnight, clocking 600 miles.
6 – Monday at study desk on “Church In Georgia” material. A visit to the office in late afternoon.
7 – Leave early for Memphis, TN. At the West Tennessee Diocesan Conference Center fifteen bishops meet about mutual concerns.
8- Memphis – bishops’ meeting.
9 – Bishops’ meeting ends at lunch. Return to Savannah. Evening in my study.
10 – At 611. Meet with Ms. Sonia Sullivan and Father S. Clifton of Youth Commission. 12:30 p.m. meet with Executive Committee of Diocesan Council. At 2 p.m. in St. Francis’ of the Islands Church, I meet with Diocesan Council. At 5:30 p.m. I leave for the hospital to visit Father G. Salley, taken ill.
11 – Off early to Asheville, NC. Participate in the consecration of Robert Johnson as Bishop Coadjutor of Western North Carolina. Attend luncheon. Back to Savannah quite late.
12 – Off early for visitation to Trinity, Statesboro. 9 a.m. Eucharist and sermon. Speak with adult class on Lambeth. Meet with confirmands. At 11 a.m., at a Solemn Mass, I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Father R. Moore, Vicar. Meet with mission council, then lunch. Visit Father Michael Smith and at the vicarage. On to Christ Church, Dublin, for convocation campaign kick-off dinner. Home late.
13 – A Monday at home.
14 – A very full day in the office.
15 – At 611. Celebrate mass at noon (St. Patrick’s, Tr.). At 3 p.m. Father R. Carter and I drive to Baxley for visitation at the new mission, St. Thomas’ Aquinas. I bless the new home of the vicar, Deacon Carter Maddox, and his wife, Helen. At 6:30 p.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm in St. Christopher’s Roman Catholic Church, home for our mission. Supper and a mission council meeting follow at the Dunns’. Drive back to Savannah late.
16 – A day in the office. Conference with Mr. Steve Lee, Savannah Ultreya Rector.
17- St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah and our office is closed. Louise and I make several hospital calls. In mid-afternoon we leave for St. Mark’s, Brunswick, where we enjoy the convocation campaign kick-off dinner. Back to Savannah.
18- Louise & I off early to Cochran. At noon in Trinity Church with twenty clergy and a full church I ordain Joe Clift a deacon and Hallock Martin and Carter Maddox priests. A grand diocesan celebration. Reception in the First United Methodist Church . On to Albany. Supper at the rectory home of Father & Mrs. W. Dennis. Overnight at motel.
19- Visitation at St. Patrick’s, Albany. Celebrate and preach at S a.m. Meet with confirmands. At 9:30 a.m. in Solemn Mass I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Father Dennis, Rector, Reception follows. On to St. John’s Church, where, at noon, I celebrate, preach, and confirm, assisted by Father B. Rosser, Vicar. Reception follows. I meet with the mission council about a new mission location. Back to Savannah by early evening.
20 – Errands. Preparation for Chrism Mass. Some time in the office. Attend Monday in Holy Week mass at St. Michael & All Angels’ in the evening.
21- At 11 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church, Savannah, I celebrate the annual Mass of Chrism and Renewal of Ordination Vows with a dozen local clergy. Lunch follows in parish hall. The rest of the day in the diocesan office.
22- At 611. Celebrate noon mass.
23 – At Diocesan House. In the evening I officiate at the Maundy Thursday Liturgy of the Last Supper at St. Paul’s, Savannah.
24 – GOOD FRIDAY. In the evening I officiate at the Good Friday Liturgy at St. Michael & All Angels’, Savannah.
25 – Preparation for Easter. In the afternoon Louise and I drive to Augusta. Enjoy dinner at the Panton home. Meet with confirmands at St. Alban’s Parish. At 11 p.m. I begin the Easter Vigil, assisted by Father J. Way, Deacon K. Miller and Deacon M. Raymond. I baptize and confirm. By midnight we begin the first Eucharist of Easter. Festive breakfast follows. Overnight at the convent.
26- EASTER SUNDAY. At midmorning we celebrate the second Easter Solemn Mass at St. Alban’s, Reception follows. Lunch at the rectory. Home in early evening.
27- ‘Tis spring! How lovely to work in the yard.
28- A day at Diocesan House.
29- At 611. A mission conference with Father L. Van Keuren. At noon I celebrate the Eucharist and confirm one person for St. George’s Parish. Conference with Dr. & Mrs. Walter Warneck. Staff conference. At desk in evening.
30 – At Diocesan House. Mission conference with Father C. Maddox. Diaconal conference with Deacon M. Raymond. Diocesan Corporation conference with Mr. R. Williams, Secretary/Treasurer.
31 – To St. Simons Island with Mr. R. Williams and Mr. R. McHugh. Meet with Corporation of Diocese officers. After lunch check out new Christ Church Rectory. Home by 5 p.m. Children and grandchildren begin arriving for weekend visit.

April 1989

1 – All day with children and grandchildren visiting us in Savannah.
2- II of EASTER. Visitation at St. John’s Savannah, begins with 8 a.m. Eucharist and sermon. Meet with confirmands following breakfast. Al 10:00 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm, assisted by Fr. Patrick Bright, Curate (the rector is ill and in bed). Reception in parish house. Out to luncheon with family. Much celebration at home (old photos and stories plus a roving VCR camera). The house is a wreck!
3 – A Monday at home as the children begin their journeys back to their own homes. Louise and I attend a Savannah clergy and spouses dinner at the Glenn’s home.
4 – At diocesan office. Conference with the wardens of a parish. Clergy conferences in afternoon.
5 – At 611. Conference with a diocesan priest. Celebrate mass at noon. Interview a couple seeking a marital judgement. Dinner with friends in the evening.
6 – At diocesan office. Louise and I leave for Augusta and enjoy dinner with friends.
7 – In Augusta. After a party-breakfast we attend the second round of the Masters. The Augusta National is cold and windy. Return home in the evening. Fr. H.J. Hurst is our house guest.
S – At 10:30 a.m. in Christ Church, Savannah, I ordain Susan S. Dulany to the Order of Deacons. Reception and luncheon follow. Louise and I pack and drive to a reception for folks of St. Mark’s, Brunswick. I go on to Honey Creek, where I enjoy my bishop’s hour (really two) with the Spring Licensed Lay Ministers Conference. Overnight at Honey Creek.
9 – III of EASTER. At 7:30 a.m. I celebrate the Lay Ministers’ Eucharist and preach. Back to St. Mark’s, Brunswick. I address am adult class. At 11 am. I celebrate, preach and confirm and bid farewell to Fr. Jesse Yarborough, departing for Arkansas. Reception follows. Off to Jekyll Island (cold and rainy) and meet with Diocesan Ecumenical Commission.
10 – Ecumenical Commission meets till noon. I then convene a meeting of our six diocesan deans and their spouses, assisted by Fr. Carter.
11 – Meeting of the deans continues through lunch. Return to Savannah making a pastoral call en route. In the evening I make an address on ecumenism in the auditorium of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist.
12- At diocesan office. Much catching up after five days away. Visit with Seminarian Freeman Cross. Celebrate the noon Eucharist.
13 – Begin day at 611. End day at Honey Creek for meeting of Commission on Ministry.
14 – At Honey Creek. Meetings with Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee. Speak to the spring meeting for deacons in the evening.
15 – After mass Louise and I drive to Orlando, Florida, for the consecration of the Right Reverend John Howe, new coadjutor bishop (Central Florida). Through heavy rains we return to St. Simons Island for a late dinner with the Rector of Christ Church, Mrs. Fitzgerald and friends. Overnight in motel.
16- IV of EASTER. Begin visitation at Christ Church, SSI at 8 am. mass. Meet confirmands at 9 a.m. At 9:30 am. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by the three parish clergy. A reception follows. I preach at the 11 a.m. Eucharist. After time in the parish office I proceed to a home and confirm a person unable to attend the liturgy. Lunch with the rectory family follows. At 3:30 p.m. I begin my visitation at Holy Nativity, SSI. Meet the confirmands at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., assisted by the Rector, Fr. G. LeRoux, I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm. A parish supper follows at which I speak on the Lambeth Conference. A pastoral visit and I return to Savannah late.
17 – A Monday at home. IRS day!
18 – At Diocesan House. Conference with a parish’s wardens. Conference with Fr. D. Heil; with Mr. M. Barnard; with Mr. S. Dantin; with staff.
19- At 611. Conference with Den. J. Parker. Celebrate noon mass. Conference with a layperson; with a priest. Pack and prep for tomorrow.
90 – Off early to Dublin with Mr. S. Ulmer, Fr. Carter and Mrs. H. Marshall. Meet with the new Task Force on Stewardship and Diocesan Asking Program. A very promising beginning for this group. Return to Savannah. The Pattisons are our house guests.
21- Al 611. A conference with a lay person; with the wardens of a parish. Sermon work in evening.
22- Pack and leave for Albany. Meet with the Mission Council of St. John’s to view six parcels of land for the mission. Louise & I enjoy supper with Fr. & Mrs. J.L. Jenkins. Overnight at the hone of Mr. & Mrs. Flint Harding.
23 – V or EASTER. Visitation at St. Paul’s, Albany. 8 a.m. celebrate and preach. Visit confirmands. At 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. Jenkins, Fr. J. Hafer and Den. J. Clift. Teach adult class and then enjoy a parish picnic in church yard. On to Holy Spirit, Dawson. Meet confirmands. At 5 p.m., assisted by Fr. R. Cowling, Vicar, I celebrate, preach and confirm. Parish dinner follows. I meet with the mission council and return to Albany. With the Hardings tonight.
24 – Louise and I return to Savannah and have a quiet time at home.
25- At Diocesan House. Several calls and conferences. Louise and I join a visitor from the USSR for dinner with friends.
26- At 611. Training session for Diocesan House staff. Lunch with our USSR guest. Diocesan Council planning session. Dinner with our USSR guest and friends.
27 – At Diocesan House. Conference with Ms. J. Belcher concerning the meeting in NYC of B.E.S.T. (Bishops’ Executive Secretaries Together). Pack and in the afternoon Louise and I drive to Augusta. Dinner at convent with Executive Board of Diocesan ECW. Motel overnight.
23- In Augusta. Annual Meeting of the Diocesan ECW begins at St. Augustine’s Church, after lunch. I speak and then introduce the guest speaker, the Rt. Rev’d Rogers Harris, Suffragan Bishop of Upper South Carolina. In the evening we all enjoy a cruise and dinner on the “Princess Augusta”, plying the Savannah River. Motel overnight.
29 – Annual Meeting continues and at noon I celebrate and Bishop Harris preaches at the closing Sung Eucharist, assisted by Fr. N. Phelps and Den. B. Pattison. (Bp. Harris is notified by phone that he was just elected Bishop of the Diocese of South West Florida.) Lunch with Daughter Ruth and children. We move to the home of St. Paul’s Senior Warden, Mrs. Frances Stevenson. Louise and I enjoy dinner out with Fr. and Mrs. J.B. Berlin. We attend the Augusta Opera presentation of “Madame Butterfly”. Overnight at the Stevensons.
30 – VI of EASTER. Visitation at St. Paul’s begins with the early Eucharist at which I celebrate and preach. Breakfast meeting with the vestry. Visit with the confirmands; with the “Little Church” service and then teach the adult class. Visit youth classes of Sunday School. At 11 a.m. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. J.B. Berlin. A parish picnic on the grounds follows. Louise and I walk on the levee and return to Savannah by late afternoon. Return many telephone calls in the evening (telephone answering/recording machine is great!).

May 1989

1- Some time in the office. Midday I leave with Fr. R. Carter and Fr. G. Salley for Honey Creek. At 3 p.m. our Spring Priests’ Conference begins under the delightful leadership of the Rt. Rev’d Donald J. Parsons, retired Bishop of Quincy.
2- Priests’ Conference continues 3 – Priests’ Conference concludes at noon. Back to Savannah and to the office.
4 – Up very early and to airport for “early bird” flight to Atlanta and on to Chattanooga and Sewanee. Trustees meeting begins in All Saints’ Chapel at noon liturgy. Meeting and festive dinner. Motel overnight. (We Episcopalians have a wonderful university here!)
5- University of the South Trustees Meeting continues until noon. Drive back to Chattanooga, Private plane to Albany and then to Savannah (34 minutes!).
6- A Saturday at home sorting things out!
7- VII of EASTER. Visitation at St. Michael & All Angels’, Savannah begins with the 8 a.m. celebration. Visit with adult class, speaking on Lambeth and the Church. Meet youth class. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm, assisted by the Rector, Fr. G. Salley. At 3 p.m. I visit St. Bartholomew’s, Burroughs. I celebrate and preach, assisted by Fr. G. Clark, Vicar. Receptions follows in parish hall.
S – A Monday off. Much housepainting. Self liberally spotted with white paint. An evening in my study.
9 – A day at diocesan office – 1st day since 27 April! Conference with a deacon. A brief visit with my “painless” dentist.
10- At 611. A tele-conference with the leaders of the campaign for Vision for Mission and Ministry (14 of us at one time!). I celebrate the Eucharist at noon. Staff conference with Dr. Victor Varner. In the evening Louise and I enjoy a dinner on Tybee Island with the vestry of St. Michael & All Angels’.
11 – At 611. Conference with Mr. S. Lee, Savannah Ultreya Rector; with a deacon; with Dr. V. Varner. Prep for Diocesan Council.
12- Fr. Carter and I arc off for Tifton at 9 am. Meet with Executive Committee of Diocesan Council in St. Anne’s Parish Hall “Bride’s Room”. At 2 p.m. the Diocesan Council convenes in the “Great Hall”. We work till 5 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. a splendid banquet is provided, again in the Great Hall. Overnight with Mr. & Mrs. H. Dodson.
13 – At 8 a.m. I celebrate the council Eucharist at St. Anne’s, assisted by Fr. J. Hurst, Rector. We conclude a very productive and pleasant meeting of council at noon. Fr. Hurst, Fr. Carter and Mr. S. Ulmer tour Abraham Baldwin College as a possible site for the 1991 Diocesan Convention. Fr. Carter and I are given a very informative tour by Heck Dodson of his extensive plant growing farm near Omega, Georgia. On to Thomasville. Meet with Mr. A. George on the Decade of Evangelism. Meet with confirmands at St. Thomas’ Church. Dinner party honoring the ordinand [David Bowers] at the rectory. Overnight with Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Hines at Boxwood.
14 – PENTECOST. At 10 a.m. in St. Thomas’ Church, assisted by Fr. C. Bennett and Fr. R. Carter, I celebrate, preach, and ordain David Douglas Bowers a deacon and confirm a large class (1 hr, 50 mins)! A dinner reception follows in the parish hall. On to Albany. At 6 p.m. in St. Paul’s Church I officiate at the ordination of Dudley Hand Lippitt to the Order of Deacons. Fr. J. Jenkins preaches. We are assisted by a number of convocation clergy. A reception follows. Celebration with the family concludes quite a day. Overnight with Mr. & Mrs. Flint Harding.
15- Fr. Carter and I head back to Savannah reflecting on a grand three days (622 miles travelled). At home.
16 – In the office. Visit and conference with Fr. A. Cody. Fr. Carter and I confer with Fr. & Mrs. Wayne Knolls. Louise & I celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary with dinner out.
17 – Many letters, sermons and a speech worked on this morning. At 3 p.m. Fr. Carter and I leave for Americus. At 7:30 p.m. I institute Fr. F. Philputt as Rector of Calvary Church, Americus. Reception in the parish hall. Overnight at the rectory.
18 – Americus to Dublin. In Christ Church parish hall I meet with the Mission Development Commission. The Rev’d Art Going of the Lutheran Church is our special advisor. A productive meeting. Back to Savannah for supper.
19- A morning in planning and review with Fr. Carter. An afternoon at the office. An evening at my study desk.
20 – EMBER DAY. AL 11:30 a.m. in St. Francis’ of the Isles, I ordain the Rev’d Randall J. Keeney to the Sacred Priesthood, assisted by many priests and deacons. Reception in parish hall follows. I visit Fr. Hoornstra, very briefly hospitalized. In the evening I am the commencement speaker at the Benedictine Military School. Visit in the priory following. Visit Fr. R.H. Manning in hospital. Anoint and have prayers for the dying as his life ebbs away. Deacon Dulany and others join with me.
21 – TRINITY SUNDAY. Begin visitation at Christ Church, Savannah, with preaching at 3:30 a.m. Eucharist. Teach adult class in parish hall on Lambeth. Receive word that Fr. Manning has died. At 10:30 I celebrate, preach, and confirm, assisted by Fr. G. Maxwell, Rector, Den. S. Harrison and Dcn. S. Dulany. A reception follows in Johnson Square. Dinner with a parish group. On the telephone much of the evening.
22- Monday morning at my study desk. Today is National Maritime Day!
23 – At 611. A Vision for Mission and Ministry tele-conference call with a dozen clergy leaders. At noon I celebrate the Burial Mass or Fr. Robert H. Manning in St. George’s, Savannah, assisted by Fr. J. Way, Fr. G. Clark, and Dcn. S. Dulany and by a number of vested clergy present. Burial is to be in New Orleans. An afternoon of meeting with a concerned diocesan priest. At my study desk all evening.
24 – I meet with the Commission on Worship & the Arts most of the day at Diocesan House. Fr. H.I. Louttit, Chairman, architects and musicians participating. In the evening, Louise & I attend a farewell dinner party for Dr. Victor Varner.
25- At 611. Telephone conferences. Conference with Mr. Dave Thomas, soon to be ordained. A visit from Mr. & Mrs. Charles Jones of Albany. In the evening I celebrate the Solemn High Mass for the Feast of Corpus Christi at St. Paul’s, Savannah. Bishop Reeves preaches and Bishop Brady participates. Dinner follows in parish hall with officers of the National Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament speaking.
26 – At Diocesan House. Conference with Fr. J. Way; with Terry McGugan.
27 – In study: sermons and addresses.
28. PENTECOST II. Off early to Waycross. At 8 a.m. I celebrate and preach, assisted by Fr. D. Tonge. I met with the confirmands. At 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm. Reception follows, after which I speak to the adults on Lambeth and on being an Anglican. Out to dinner with wardens and rector and their spouses. I travel to Valdosta. At 6:30 p.m. in St. Barnabas’ Church I ordain Pamela Lightsey to the Order of Deacons, assisted by a number of vested clergy. A reception follows on the lawn. I return to Waycross where I stay overnight with Mr. & Mrs. T. Nolan.
29- MEMORIAL DAY. Up and back to Savannah. (Where are the flags this Memorial Day?) At home.
30 – A day in the office returning phone calls and writing letters. Louise and I enjoy birthday dinner with friends,
31 – A day in the office. Celebrate mass at noon. Office staff luncheon party in honor of Mrs. Blanche Henry who is now leaving her work with us (Vision for Mission and Ministry Campaign). Louise and I visit friends at Tybee Island (water warm).

June 1989

1- Take Louise to airport for trip. A day in Diocesan House. Dinner with friends. Sermon preparation.
2- At 611. Conference with Fr. B. Rosser. Pack and leave for Augusta in mid-afternoon. At 6:30 p.m. in the Church of the Good Shepherd [ am commencement speaker for the graduating class of Episcopal Day School. Dinner with a clergy group follows. Overnight in a nearly hotel.
3- At 10:30 a.m. in the Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury I ordain the Revd Benno Pattison to the priesthood and Mr. Jim Hines to the diaconate. The Rev’d Stewart Pattison is the preacher. Reception follows. I visit with a couple seeking a marital judgement. In the evening I attend a picnic/buffet with folks from the Church of the Good Shepherd. Hotel overnight.
4- PENTECOST III. At Good Shepherd, Augusta, I begin visitation with the 8 a.m. Eucharist. Parish breakfast follows. I meet confirmands. At 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. L. Downing, Fr. R. Fain and the Rev’d S. Hackett. Reception follows. Return to Savannah by suppertime. Desk work.
5 – This, Monday I hose the soot from the Diocesan House porch! I do errands and pick up Louise at the airport late at night.
6- At Diocesan House. Appointments with Mr. Robert Martin; Mr. Gordon Panton; Mr. Murray Barnard. Return phone calls.
7- At 611. Celebrate mass at noon. In the afternoon Louise and I leave for Charleston, SC. Supper and overnight with Fr. & Mrs. J.C. Ball.
8- This morning I meet with other bishops concerning about the state of the church. Dinner and overnight at the home of Bishop and Mrs. C.F. Allison.
9- Return to Savannah. I preside at a meeting of the Board of Officers of the Corporation of the diocese. Work in office and study follows.
10- At 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas’, Isle of Hope, I ordain David Thomas and Freeman Cross to the Order of Deacons. Fr. P. Hoornstra is the preacher. Reception follows. Louise and I are then off to Augusta. We have supper with the McGuire family; visit the Pattison family and the ,Munn family. We are overnight guests of Ms. Heim of Our Savior’s, Martinez.
11 – PENTECOST IV. At our Savior’s I celebrate and preach at the early Eucharist. A parish breakfast and adult forum follows. I speak on what it means to be an Anglican today. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. W.T. Deneke and Den. J. Hines. Reception follows. I have lunch with friends. Louise and I check into the OS1-I Convent and at 4 p.m. Fr. R. Carter and I begin a conference for our four ordinands and their spouses.
12 – Ordinands conference concludes with lunch. Return to Savannah.
13 – Tele-conference with diocesan campaign leaders to receive final word on our Vision for Mission and Ministry Campaign. Conference with Editor Fr. W. Daniels. Lunch with the Rev’d Mortimer Glover, retired, now of Augusta. Conference with a couple seeking a marital judgement.
14- At 611. Conference with Fr. G. Maxwell; with visiting seminarian, Julian Jones. Celebrate mass at noon.
15 – At Diocesan House. Conference with a concerned churchwoman; with a person seeking a marital judgement; with Dcn. M. Carreker.
16 – At 611. Conference with a group of vestry persons from a parish without a rector. Finish day all “caught up”.
17 – With Louise and a very full car I head north. Arrive in Fairfax, VA, and visit Louise’s brother and family overnight.
18 – Attend Eucharist in Fairfax’s famed Truro Parish. On to Baltimore (another visit) and to Barnegat Light, New Jersey.
19-23 With Louise at beach house.
24 – Return to Savannah.
25 – PENTECOST VI. Visitation at All Saints’, Tybee Island begins at 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach and baptize, assisted by Fr. P. Hoornstra, Vicar, and Den. Dave Thomas. Reception in “vicarage” followed by meeting and talk with the mission council. I enjoy dinner out with Fr. & Mrs. Hoornstra. I attend a dinner party in the evening.
26 – This Monday in the office catching up. Dinner with friends in evening.
27 – At diocesan office. Several conferences. A visit from Ms. Kay Kelly of Albany. Annual physical examination in afternoon (A+ shape!). Dinner out. Dcn. J. Parker and I attend the movies (“Batman” ! – ±).
28 – Off early for Honey Creek via Hinesville to bring Fr. J. Crook aboard. I am the guest teacher for the EYC camp, a role I enjoyed greatly. Following lunch I am taken on tour of the youth dormitories. Confer with Mr. P. Ruby, the Manager. Return to Hinesville and to Savannah.
29 – At 611. Confer with Seminarian-to-be Terry McGugan. Learn of the death of Fr. Harry Babbit in Thomasville. Dinner with friends in evening.
30 – At 611. Conference with a concerned layman. Confer with an applicant for a marital judgement. Attend a birthday luncheon. Much desk work at home in evening.

July 1989

1 – Off early with Fr. R. Carter in private plane from Savannah. In one hour we are in Thomasville. At 10 a.m. I celebrate the funeral mass for Fr. Harry Babbitt, assisted by Fr. C. Bennett, who was the preacher and Fr. R. Carter. A very large congregation fills the church. Burial in Jacksonville. Return to Savannah and home.
2- PENTECOST VII. I celebrate and preach the 8 am. mass at St. Michael & All Angels’, Savannah. A day at home.
3 – A Monday morning at home. Monday afternoon in the office. In the evening I join the vacationing Carters at their Tybee Island holiday house. Overnight on Tybee.
4 – An Independence Day holiday with the Carters and their guests on Tybee. Back to town in the evening late.
5 – A day at the office. Celebrate Mass at noon. Luncheon with Fr. Win. H. Ralston.
6 – At bank settling estate of Fr. R. H. Manning. At 611. Visit with a concerned churchman. Photo session. Dinner with friend in evening.
7- At 611. Conference with Den. D. Thomas. Attend Savannah Rotary East as a guest (good program on administrative planning). Supper at the home of Fr. & Mrs. R.R. Gunn, following which Fr. Gunn and I, joined by Den J. Parker, attend the Savannah Cardinals game.
8 – A day at my study desk. I complete my diocesan schedule from September 1989 through February 1991!
9 – I celebrate and preach at the 8 am. Mass at St. Michael & All Angels’, Savannah. Rest of day at home completing Louise’s check- off list.
10 – Many errands about town. It’s very hot! An afternoon in the office.
11 – Vote on local tax issue. At 611. Conference with Deacon-to-be Gay Rahn. Luncheon with Mr. R.P. McHugh. Conference with Fr. J.H. Harper.
12- At 611. Conference with Mr. Gordon Panton about several diocesan works. Visit with Den D. Thomas. Celebrate Mass at noon. Conference with a person seeking a marital judgement.
13 – To office. At Mid-morning drive to Waynesboro meeting Bishop C.J. Child. Lunch and conference till mid-afternoon. Return to Savannah and, joined by Den J. Parker, attend the movie, “Dead Poets’ Society” – a fine and moving film.
14- Bastille Day! Breakfast with Mrs. G. Penton, in town on Grand Jury duty. Office. Visit and lunch with Mr. S. Bowers, Headmaster, Episcopal Day School, Augusta. Conference with Fr. A. Sawyer, Rector of Christ Church, Jerusalem.
15 – Work in study. Meet with baptismal group for instruction and rehearsal. In evening, with Diocesan House staff, I attend the Marston wedding.
16 – I am vacation supply priest at St. Michael & All Angels’, Savannah. Celebrate and preach at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., baptizing at the latter liturgy with visitors from the Soviet Union. Luncheon with parishioners follows.
17- Pack and fly north to join Louise on vacation at Barnegat Light, New Jersey.
18- -August21 – Vacation

August 1989

Vacation notes from the Jersey Shore. More rainy days than usual. I read “Sarum”, a book for Anglophiles by Edward Rutherford. Also “A Brief History of Time”, by Stephen W. Hawking, the great British physicist. A few days in New York with friends allowed for a show (“Me and My Girl”, a British musical comedy). We enjoyed occasional company at the shore, including visits with my sister and her family.
20- PENTECOST XIV. Louise and I, following vacation, en route to Savannah, attend 10 a.m. Eucharist at St. Asaph’s, Bowling Green, Virginia. Arrive in Savannah at 8:15 p.m. (an 817 mile trip). Open up & unpack.
21 – Many errands in the morning. Afternoon in the office. Evening in my study.
22- At 611. Meet with a group from Good Shepherd, Pennick. Join local clericus for lunch. Many calls and conferences.
23 – Renew my expired (1) auto driver’s license. Busy at Diocesan House. Celebrate the Eucharist at noon. Car to shop for maintenance. At 7 p.m. Louise and I receive the news that our fifth grandchild and second grandson was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. The 101b 6oz (1) fellow will be baptized Joshua Nathan Shipps Anderson, according to parents Susan and Daniel (I plan to officiate in their parish 15 October).
24- Diocesan House. Lunch with Pastor Robert Allen. Conference with Fr. W. Willoughby. Attend farewell party for Fr. & Mrs. R. Keeney.
25- At 611. Conference with a person seeking a marital judgement. Local errands. Dinner with friends celebrating Louise’s birthday.
26- At noon Louise and I leave for Augusta. At St. Paul’s I confer with Mrs. Barbara Marks, Christian Education Commission Chairwoman. At 4 p.m. I officiate, Fr. J. Berlin assisting, at the marriage of Angela W. Hall and F. Wayne Rogers. Attend reception following. Visit the Mansell Pattison family. Return to Savannah, arriving late.
27- PENTECOST XV. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate and preach at St. John’s, Savannah, assisted by the rector. Louise & I enjoy lunch at the rectory.
28- A day in Savannah and at home.
29- At diocesan office. Conference with Ms. Sonia Sullivan, Chair and Fr. S. Clifton, Co-Chair, Diocesan Youth Commission (finest in the SE!). Conference with a parish priest.
30 – At 611. Conference with a parish warden. Celebrate mass at noon. Visitors in afternoon.
31 – A day at the office. A pastoral call on Fr. Jeff Gill, ill at home in Savannah.

September 1989

1 – At 611. Conference with Fr. G. Paradise. Several visitors during the day. conference with a layman and his wife about the vocational diaconate. David arrives in Savannah from Atlanta for the holiday weekend.
2- A Saturday at hone and in town.
3 – PENTECOST XVI. I am supply priest at St. Paul’s, Savannah for the 10:30 a.m. Solemn Mass. Movies in the evening with family and friends.
4 – A quiet Labor Day at home. David returns to Atlanta and Emory after lunch.
5 – Off early with Den S. Harrison and Capt. H. Jennings for Dublin where I attend a meeting of the Task Force on the Companion Diocese. Back by 4 p.m. and to the office.
6 – At 611. Working on the budget planning for 1990. At noon I celebrate the Eucharist.
7 – At 611. Conference with Den. D. Thomas; with Mr. O. Panton; with Mr. K. Duffy; with Fr. W. Willoughby.
S – Leave by air for SL Petersburg, Florida. Attend dinner party honoring the new bishop of SW Florida, the Rt. Rev’d R.S. Harris. Overnight in local hotel.
9- Attend the investiture an enthronement of Bishop Harris in St. Peter’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg. Civic Center reception follows and I return to Savannah, arriving for a late supper. Answer many phone calls, learned of the death of Dr. E. Mansell Pattison in Augusta, also that of a former parishioner in Augusta and of Louise’s uncle in Pennsylvania.
10 – PENTECOST XVII. Off early to Darien. Visitation at St. Cyprian’s with Eucharist and sermon at 9 a.m. Reception and brief meeting with mission council. At 10:30 a.m. I meet with adults at St. Andrew’s. At 11:15 a.m. I celebrate and preach at St. Andrew’s, assisted by Fr. J. Otwell, Rector. Enjoy a parish luncheon and I speak to the assembled people, on to Honey Creek for a conference and a diocesan event. Home in mid-evening.
11 – A quiet Monday at home.
12- Off early to Augusta with Louise and Fr. R. Carter. At 10 a.m. I participate in the funeral mass for Dr. Pattison by preaching and otherwise assisting several other clergy at St. Augustine’s Church. Hurry back to Savannah in time for a meeting of the Diocesan Finance Committee. Visit later with other members of our diocesan family in Savannah for other meetings.
13 – At Diocesan House. I meet with a large group from the Church of the Atonement, Augusta, relative to their building program. Celebrate mass at noon. Staff photographs taken in afternoon. Sermon prep in evening.
14- Off to Darien with Treasurer R.P. McHugh. I preside at a meeting of the Board of Officers of the Corporation of the Diocese (managing trust investments). Luncheon follows. Back to 611. Work on Diocesan Council agenda.
15 – Off to Honey Creek with Fr. R. Carter. After lunch meet with Executive Committee. At 2 p.m. I convene the fall meeting of our Diocesan Council. Except for supper and Evening Prayer, we work on budget until 9:30 p.m. Overnight in Stuart Hall.
16 – I celebrate the Eucharist at S a.m. After breakfast council reconvenes. Finish our work by mid-morning – a session during which we hammered out a good proposed budget for 1990. Fr. Carter and I make a pastoral visit and then proceed to Albany, he to St. John’s and I to St. Mark’s. Enjoy a parish picnic and a conference with the vicar, Fr. R. Davidson. Overnight at home of Mrs. Dottie Johnston.
17 – PENTECOST XVIII. At 9 am. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm at St. Mark’s, assisted by the vicar. An adult forum follows a reception in the parish hall. I meet with the mission council. Lunch at the vicarage follows. Pastoral visits in afternoon. At 6 p.m. in St. Paul’s Church, Albany, assisted by the parish clergy, I ordain the Rev’d. J.W. Clift to the Sacred Priesthood. Reception follows in parish hall. At 9 p.m. Fr. Carter and I hit the road, arriving in Savannah at 1 am.
18 – A quiet Monday at home – getting many things in order.
19 – At 611. Conferences with Mrs. Jan Carter; Fr. Terrell Glynn; a Protestant minister interested in Holy Orders, and his wife; Mr. S. Dantin.
20 – At diocesan office. Celebrate mass at noon. Conference with the Rev. Don Leiter, Georgia Christian Council. Leave office caught up (mostly!). At 4:30 p.m. Fr. Carter, Fr. Willoughby and I leave for Christ Church, St. Simons Island. At 7 p.m., assisted by the parish clergy, I ordain the Rev’d Michael L. Carreker to the Sacred Priesthood. A reception follows in the parish hall. Return to Savannah, arriving late.
21 – Packed and ready to take off for the annual meeting of the House of Bishops in Philadelphia. Change of plans – HUGO, an uninvited visitor, is coming! Scrap Philadelphia, batten down the hatches and wait! By 2 a.m. Savannah is free from danger – to bed.
22 – Day spent in picking up after Hugo. Some time in office.
23 – Louise and I resume efforts to fly to Philadelphia. By mid- afternoon we are able to leave Savannah Airport. Arrive Saturday evening for House of Bishops in Philadelphia hotel.
24- 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Church in the USA – bishops attend Eucharist in Christ church, site of this beginning in 1789.
25- House of Bishops. Class of’84 dinner in evening.
26 – House of Bishops. Province IV dinner in evening.
27 – House of Bishops. Election of bishops for the Armed Forces and for the Navajoland at noon Eucharist. Free evening.
28- House of Bishops. Dinner honoring five retiring bishop in evening.
29- House of Bishops meeting ends. Back in Savannah by late afternoon.
30 – This morning at 10:30 a.m. in St. Thomas’ Church, Savannah, I ordain Gay Rahn to the Order of Deacons. Fr. J.L. Jenkins is the preacher. Sermon preparation and phone calls in afternoon.

October 1989

I – PENTECOST XX. Off early to Waynesboro. Visitation begins with adult class. Festive Eucharist at 11 a.m. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. G. Paradise, Rector, and Fr. Holland Clark and Fr. F.H. Ethridge, former Rectors, and Fr. Ron Davidson, who was ordained from St. Michael’s. Luncheon for out-of-town guests follows, later in the afternoon, a concert by the Signal Corps Band from Ft. Gordon dedicated the gazebo in the park given by St. Michael’s to the city as a thank offering. St. Michael’s centennial year has begun! Drive hone in a heavy rainstorm.
2- A Monday at home catching up on many things.
3 – At Diocesan House. Staff meeting. Conference with a priest. Mr. Paul Webb, Capt. H. Jennings and I confer about a grant from the Presiding Bishop’s Fund.
4. At 611. Interview a priest interested in coming to this diocese. Conference with a man relative his marital status. Celebrate the Eucharist at noon honoring St. Francis of Assisi. In the mid-afternoon, Louise and I leave for St. Simons Island. Attend 5 p.m. Evensong at Christ Church. Supper at the new rectory with Fr. & Mrs. Fitzgerald. At Christ Church Parish Hall I address the congregation on issues facing the church, the results of the recent meeting of the House of Bishops and the way forward. Drive home late.
5- At 611. Conference with a man seeking Holy Orders. Lunch with a friend downtown. Conference with Mr. Bill Emmons and Mr. S. Lee concerning diocesan ultreya. Desk work in evening.
6- Off to the Augusta convent. Meet with the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee and with representatives of “Youth Futures of Augusta, Inc.”. Join in the interviews of aspirants for Holy Orders. Return to Savannah in the a.m.
7 – A day at my study desk.
8- PENTECOST XXI. Off early to Vidalia, where I begin my visitation at the Church of the Annunciation. Address adult class and confirmands. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm, assisted by Fr. R. Southerland. Parish dinner follows and then a meeting with the vestry. Return to Savannah. Visit from Bishop Michael Marshall (at Christ Church for a mission) and Dr. Janet Stone. Supper with some clergy couples.
9- Columbus Day. A Monday catching up. Prepare our heater for winter! Work on sermons and copy for the “Church In Georgia’.
10 – Diocesan office. Ms. Kippy Hammon is our guest as she presents her portrait of the Bishop of Georgia to the Diocesan House. Enjoy lunch with our guests. In the evening at St. Michael and All Angels’ I celebrate the Eucharist to open our event for retired priests. A reception, supper and program follows.
11 – Retired clergy event continues at which I speak. To the office and appointment with Conference Center Commission members Fr. J. Crook and Ms. Anne Beebe. Pack in evening.
12- Louise and I off very early for New York City. Lunch with the secretariat of the Global Forum. We attend a Broadway show and enjoy the city.
13- A day of visiting around the city. In the evening we attend a reception for the new bishop of New York.
14- To the Cathedral of SL. John the Divine, one of the world’s largest. A procession bishops, priests and officials begins at 10:30 a.m. At a three-hour Solemn High Mass, at which the Archbishop Primate of Canada is the preacher, and before thousands of people, the XIV Bishop of New York, the Rt. Rev’d Richard Grein, is duly and properly enthroned. To the airport in the late afternoon and to Lynchburg, VA. We are greeted by middle daughter, Susan, and family. Overnight in local hotel.
15- PENTECOST XXII. At St. Paul’s Church, Lynchburg. At 8 a.m. I celebrate and preach. Teach the adult class at 9:15 a.m. At 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach and baptize my fifth grandchild and second grandson, Joshua Nathan Shipps Anderson, assisted by the Rector, Fr. John Arms. Family dinner and visiting time occurs in afternoon and evening.
16 – Tour Lynchburg, a lovely city with Episcopal churches, schools and retirement homes in high visibility. Return to Savannah in the evening.
17 – Off early for Vidalia with Fr. Carter and Mr. Ulmer. Attend meeting of Task Force on Stewardship and Askings. At 6 p.m., beginning with a Solemn Mass at St. Paul’s, Savannah, Louise and I attend a clericus supper reception for Fr. Tom Schultz (39 attending). We welcomed new clergy and spouses and said good-bye to the Brights.
18 – At 611. Conference with a deacon. At noon I celebrate the Eucharist and confirm for St. George’s, Savannah. Leave in the afternoon for Augusta with Fr. R. Carter. At 7 p.m. in St. Alban’s Church I ordain the Rev’d Michael Raymond to the Sacred Priesthood, assisted by local clergy. Dinner out with Bishop Child and Fr. Carter. Overnight at the OSH convent.
19 – Augusta to Dublin for a meeting of the Mission Development Commission. Back to Savannah and the office. Daughter Rebecca and husband, Gary Eidson, in town for an overnight visit.
20 – At 611. Conference with a deacon. Attend luncheon at Helenic Center during Greek Festival. Meet with a priest; a parishioner; and another deacon.
21 – Sermon prep. In mid-afternoon I leave for Honey Creek to join Licensed Lay Ministers Conference, at which I speak following supper. Overnight at Honey Creek.
22- PENTECOST XXIII. At 7:30 a.m. I celebrate and preach for the Licensed Lay Ministers Fall Conference. To St. Mark’s, Woodbine. Teach adult class at 10 a.m. At 11:15 am., assisted by the vicar, Fr. M. Butler, I celebrate, preach and baptize. I bless the lovely new parish hall. Parish dinner follows. I then meet with the mission council To Savannah. Fr. J. Robert Wright arrives. He joins Bishop Lessard, Bishop Child and others for dinner at “715”.
23 – Off to Fall Priests’ Conference at Honey Creek led by Dr. Wright.
24 – Fall Priests’ Conference continues – nearly 60 present. I celebrate a Solemn Requiem Mass for the departed clergy of the diocese.
25 – Priests’ Conference concludes mid-morning – most interesting and informative. Back to Savannah Airport to send Dr. Wright on his way. Bishop Child and I enjoy lunch at home. Work in study rest of day.
26 – At 611. Return phone calls. Conference with Fr. L. Van Keuren.
27 – A day in the office.
28- Leave for Fitzgerald mid-afternoon. Mission council meeting, reception and dinner at the vicarage. Overnight with the Cross’.
29- PENTECOST XXIV. Read the morning office in church. Teach the adult class, visit with confirmands. At 11 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm. I then bless St. Matthew’s House, the former vicarage, for parish and community outreach. The Rev’d Freeman Cross, Vicar, and I tour the area and I return home in time to go out for supper with Louise and friends.
30 – This Monday Louise and I are hosts for the Bishop of Pittsburgh and Mrs. Hathaway. We tour Savannah. The bishop and I confer on the state of the church.
31 – ALL SAINTS EVE. At Diocesan House. Conference with a layman; a priest; another priest. Much “trick or treating” in evening occurs on Washington Avenue.

November 1989

I – ALL SAINTS’ DAY. In office. Celebrate Eucharist at noon in chapel. Visit with a deacon.
2- At 611. Appointments with several lay persons during the day. Attend All Souls’ Day mass at St. Paul’s in evening. Louise and I dine out.
3 – A day with a priest in need. Interview a priest interested in coming to the diocese. Augusta visitors call in the evening.
4 – Desk work. Following lunch Fr. Carter and I drive to Thomasville. Reception and dinner with leadership of All Saints at the rectory. Overnight at the McMullian’s.
5 – SUNDAY AFTER ALL SAINTS’. At All Saints’ I meet with the confirmands, then with the adult class. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm. Reception and lunch follow. We motor to Valdosta where I meet with Pastor Stan White of the Church of the King, then with that congregation’s lay leadership and then attend the congregation’s evening service. I speak to the congregation concerning their interest in becoming a part of the Episcopal Church. I am graciously received. Fr. Carter and I drive back to Savannah very late.
6 – A day with a priest and his wardens.
7 – A day in the office. An evening with the folks of St. Michael and All Angels’, Savannah at their annual stewardship dinner. I am the speaker.
8- A day at the office. Celebrate the Eucharist at noon. Appointments with parishioners and with a deacon.
9 – At 611. Appointments with a concerned layman. A visit from and lunch with Fr. Ted O. Atwood, recently retired from the USN. Appointments with a priest. In the evening I spend time with a parish vestry.
10- A day at Diocesan House. Evening and supper at St. Thomas’, Savannah. Dean Alan Jones is the guest for the weekend. Visit with Dean Jones at home.
11 – After lunch, Fr. Carter and I leave for Honey Creek and the Fall Deacons’ Conference. Several conferences. I speak in the evening to the deacons and those studying to be deacons, Overnight at Honey Creek.
12- PENTECOST XXVI. At 7:30 a.m. I celebrate the Eucharist and preach at the Deacons’ Conference. Then Fr. Carter and I drive to St. David’s, Brunswick for visitation. Meet confirmands. At 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm, assisted by Fr. M. Butler, Vicar. Refreshments and adult class follow. I then meet with the mission council. Dinner with friends in the afternoon and return to Savannah.
1.3 – A Monday at home. Enjoy a visit from Fr. Andrew Sloane of Wisconsin.
14- At 611. At noon I celebrate the funeral mass for Fr. Armand Eyler at St. John’s, Savannah. In afternoon interview a man seeking Holy Orders.
15 – At 611 interview a person interested in Holy Orders. Visit with friends downtown. Visit with a concerned warden.
16 – Take the morning off to play golf with old friends. Afternoon catching up in office.
17 – Leave early for Dublin. Lead the Diocesan Council in a productive all-day meeting. At my study desk in the evening.
18 – Participate in the Diocesan Cursillo Ultreya at St. Michael and All Angels’. Speak at 11:20 a.m. and celebrate the Eucharist at 2 p.m. Off to Jesup for visitation at St. Paul’s Church. Parish supper and discussions with vestry at the rectory. Where I spend the night.
19- At St. Paul’s, Jesup, I address the adult class. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate the Eucharist, assisted by Fr. C Hay, Rector, and preach and confirm. Following a reception I enjoy dinner out with Fr. S Mrs. Hay. On to Honey Creek, where, amongst other things, I dedicate a gathering deck given in thanksgiving for the Cursillo ministry of Fr. Charles Hay. Back to Savannah in mid-evening.
20- Monday morning at home; afternoon in the office. In the evening I confer with a parish vestry. Fr. H. T. Hurst is our house guest.
21 – At diocesan office. Morning with the Standing Committee; we lunch together. The afternoon with Fr. J.R. Bullion and Pastor Stan White of Valdosta. Confer with persons via telephone.
22- At 611. Appointment with Mr. Kit Traub. Celebrate the noon Eucharist in the chapel of St. George. Conclude desk work prior to holidays. David arrives from Atlanta in the evening.
23- THANKSGIVING DAY. Celebrate the Eucharist at St. Thomas’, Isle of Hope. Thanksgiving dinner out for the first lime! David and I get in 9 holes of golf-good for my humility!
24 – David returns to Atlanta. Louise and I go off for a Thanksgiving holiday in a friend’s vacation home.
25 – On holiday.
26 – LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Christ the King). Attend 8 a.m Eucharist as we continue on holiday.
27 – Return home.
28 – A day in diocesan office. Conference with a deacon.
29 – A day in the office. Conferences with a concerned vestry member; with a concerned couple. Celebrate the noon Eucharist. Lunch with persons interested in beginning a new mission. In the evening I induct Fr. P. Ingeman as Rector of St. Francis’ of the Islands, Savannah, assisted by a number of others. I deliver the homily.
30 – On the phone and in the office. Meet with wardens of a parish, In the evening I attend the St. Andrew’s Society banquet in Savannah.

December 1989

1 – A full day in the office,
2- Sermon preparation. Leave for Augusta. Begin visitation at St. Augustine’s with dinner for clergy, vestry & spouses, following which I speak concerning life in the church today. Overnight in local inn.
3 – ADVENT I. At St. Augustine’s I celebrate and preach at 8 a.m.; meet the confirmands and address the adult class. At 11 a.m. I celebrate at the Solemn Eucharist, preach and baptize and confirm, assisted by the three parish clergy. Reception follows. Enjoy dinner at the rectory. Later in the afternoon I attend a splendid program, “The Augusta Opera Presents Christmas at St. Paul’s”. Enjoy a later supper out with his Excellency, Bishop Judson Child. Overnight in a local inn.
4 – Morning visitation at Episcopal Day School. I take the Augusta clergy out to lunch at 12:30 p.m. In the afternoon I visit the sites of our upcoming diocesan convention before returning to Savannah.
5 – A day at the office. Conference with Fr. H. Huff. Lunch with Fr. G. Maxwell.
At 611. Conference with Fr. W. Knotts. At noon Mr. S. Ulmer, Administrator, and I leave for Valdosta. Enjoy supper with the Vicar of St. Barnabas’ and Mrs. Bullion. At 7 p.m. I celebrate the Eucharist at St. Barnabas’, followed by annual parish meeting. I speak to congregation and address future plans for the mission. We return late to Savannah.
7 – At diocesan office. Visit with a person seeking a marital judgement. Lunch with Mr. R. Williams of the Diocesan Corporation. Conference with a priest. In the evening Louise and I attend the dinner and program of the Counterpoint Madrigal Singers.
8 – At 611. Meeting of the Board of Officers of the Corporation of the Diocese. Luncheon together. Conference with Fr. L. Van Keuren.
9 – Sermon preparation. Housework for Louise. Leave for Dublin in afternoon. ‘Dinner at the rectory with clergy, vestry and spouses. Overnight in local inn.
10 – ADVENT II. At Christ Church, Dublin. Speak to adult class: At 10 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm, assisted by Fr. J. Hafer and Deacon Doster. Reception follows. The Hafers and I have lunch out. Return to Savannah.
11 – On holiday.
12- On holiday.
13 – At Diocesan House. Conference with two wardens. Celebrate the noon ‘Eucharist. Visit with, a person in distress. Bid farewell to Fr. John Ford ‘who, with his wife, is moving to the Gulf coast of Florida in his retirement.
14 – At Diocesan House. Lunch with Fr. Wm. Ralston. Dinner with the Carters (Louise being out of town!)
15 – At office. Lunch with friends. In afternoon I meet with a section of the Conference Center Commission. Consult with our consultant, Fr. J. Anderson of N.C.-Meet with Mr. S. Morris of Waycross. In the evening I attend an “Advent party”!
16 – Working at home. Louise arrives back late (cancelled flights!)
17 – ADVENT IN. Louise and I up early and off to Harlem. At 9 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm at Trinity Church. Later I celebrate and preach in Holy Cross, Thomson, assisted by Fr. F. Ethridge. Join both congregations for dinner at the “Old Depot”, Thomson. In the afternoon we enjoy Christmas exchanges with daughter Ruth and her husband and children. At 5 p.m. I have area confirmations at Our Savior’s, Martinez. Later in the evening we enjoy a dinner party with friends. Return to Savannah very late (sleet en route).
18 – A Monday at home recuperating. Is Christmas coming next weekend?
19- A day at Diocesan House.
20 – At 611 East Bay. Conference with Fr. R. Reese, new rector of St. Mark’s, Brunswick and his family. Celebrate mass at noon. Conference with a warden in the afternoon. Dinner with friends in the evening.
21- At 611. Conference with a Greek Orthodox priest. Conference with a concerned warden. The Anderson family (4) arrives at “715” for the holidays.
22- Some time in the office. Dinner with friends in the evening. We notice a little innocent snow falling. Still falling at 11 p.m.!
23 – The temperature is 17 degrees and the snow is still falling. Not so innocent now. David arrive with our granddaughter, Carol (“No snow in Atlanta!”) snow fall ends late evening leaving Savannah blanketed with 3.7 inches in 18 degrees.
24- ADVENT IV. A slippery trip to Holy Angels’, West Chatham County. Meet with confirmands. At 10:30 a.m., assisted by Fr. L. Van Keuren, I celebrate, preach, baptize and confirm. Luncheon follows in parish hall. I meet with the mission council. A slippery trip home during which I have an unfortunate incident (and I grew up with snow!). The Eidsons arrive from Bainbridge (carefully!). There are now 10 of us gathered. We all end our way to Isle of Hope (slowly!), where I celebrate the beautiful Midnight Mass with a full choir.
25 – CHRISTMAS DAY. A family “white” Christmas. We are greatly blessed.
26- Some time in the office. Attend St. Stephen’s Day Mass at St. Paul’s.
27- The last of our company leaves. In office. At noon I celebrate the St. John’s Day Mass.
28 – In office. Attend Holy Innocents’ Day Mass at St. Paul’s. Lunch with a vestry person. Attend a Christmas party in the evening.
29- A day in the office. Winding down the year 1989.
30- Work at my study desk. Louise and I leave for Douglas. At 4 p.m. I meet with the rector and vestry of St. Andrew’s. Leave at 6:15 p.m. for Valdosta. Have supper at home of Fr. & Mrs. J. Bullion. Overnight with the Bullions.
31 – At St. Barnabas’. I celebrate and preach. I baptize and lay on hands upon one adult presented by Fr. J. Bullion, Vicar, and Dan. P. Lightsey. Reception follows. Lunch with vicar and confirmand and families. Return to Savannah. In evening Louise and I go off to be with friends overnight to celebrate the arrival of the new decade. May it be a decade of grace.

January 1990

1 – NEW YEAR’S DAY. A relaxing holiday in the country with friends. Home in the afternoon.
2- At Diocesan House. Conference with Fr. Rick Moore. In the evening Louise and I – entertain Bishop Judson Child and his mother, Alice, along with friends.
3 – In office. Conference with Bishop Child. Conference with an anxious layman. Celebrate mass at noon. Staff luncheon downtown (late Christmas – but still in season) with Bishop Child and Alice joining us. Conference with Fr. J.P. Crowther.
4. A hospital visit. At 10:30 a.m., in the home of Mrs. Dee Burke I celebrate the Eucharist for Board of The Episcopal Youth & Children’s services and conduct their annual meeting. Another hospital visit. Work at office.
5 – At 611. Conference with a warden and his rector. A visit with my dentist. Lunch with two New Yorkers, Fr. J. McReynolds and Fr. J. LaSage. Staff planning.
6 – In my study. At noon on this Feast of the Epiphany I celebrate the 6th anniversary of my consecration at St. Michael & All Angels’, Savannah, in company with a number of other clergy. A luncheon follows in parish hall. In the evening Louise and I enjoy a performance of the Savannah Symphony with friends.
7- EPIPHANY I. Up early and off to Sandersville for visitation to the Congregation of the Holy Trinity. At 11 a.m. I celebrate and preach, assisted by Fr. Wayne Knotts, Vicar. A parish dinner and an address by me follows. i meet with the mission council. I visit a homebound parishioner. Return to Savannah by 8 p.m.
8 – A busy day off at home. Louise and I to the movies in the evening.
9 – A day at the office. On the phone! In the late afternoon I meet with Mr. J. Kirven and with Ms. M. Grettinger, a consultant from Atlanta.
10 – At 611. I interview a man from South Carolina. I celebrate our weekly Eucharist at noon.
11 – At office. Meet with a deacon. Meet with another deacon.
12- See Louise and Susan Dulany off for the USSR. Fr. Carter and I leave for Honey Creek. I interview a man and visit with a Conference Center Commission committee. A pastoral conference. Leave for Valdosta visiting a friend in Waycross en route. Arrive at Christ Church for a parish supper following which I begin a teaching mission at Christ Church. Overnight with parishioners.
13 – Teaching mission continues with two morning presentations. Lunch with the Louttits. Pastoral appointments follow. In the evening I met with the confirmands and baptismal groups. I give a meditation at vespers. We all enjoy dinner at the home of Mr. & Mrs. C. Elkins.
14 – EPIPHANY II. At Christ Church I celebrate and preach at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. At the latter liturgies I also baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. H.I. Louttit, Rector. I teach and adult class at 10:50 a.m. A fine lunch at the Van Hams concludes a busy visitation. In the evening I officiate at services at the Church of the King, Valdosta. I receive the membership as baptized persons, confirm the pastor and preach. I was assisted at this exiting event by a number of priests and many, many of our own laity. A social gathering and then to bed!
15 – In Valdosta. Fr. Carter and I visit Dr. Albert Davis. Return to Savannah by midafternoon.
16- At diocesan office. Conference with Fr. R.R. Gunn. A crucial Finance Committee meeting lasts until mid-afternoon. A long conference with the wardens of St. Paul’s, Augusta, concludes the day.
17 – At office. At noon I celebrate the Eucharist, marking my 31st anniversary as a priest. Later in the day I meet with Ms. C.A. Beebe, Chairperson of the Conference Center Commission Search Commission.
18 – A full day at the office. A hospital call in the late afternoon.
19 – Off early to Augusta. Inspect the building progress at the new Church of the Atonement. To the OSH Convent and join the meeting of the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee. Return home in the evening.
20 – Sermon preparation. In the afternoon I leave for Hawkinsville. Enjoy a parish supper after which I speak to the congregation. I meet with the mission council and stay overnight with a parishioner.
21 – EPIPHANY III. At 9 a.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm at St. Luke’s, assisted by Fr. H. Martin, Vicar. We dedicate a new brick parking lot walk and wall. On to Trinity, Cochran, where I celebrate, preach and confirm. After a parish luncheon I speak and meet with the mission council. Return to Savannah. Dinner out with friends.
22 – On the telephone all morning. Some time in the office in afternoon. Fr. Carter and I drive to Honey Creek to participate in the annual Diocesan Priests’ Retreat. Sister Barbara Jean, SHN, is our leader.
23 – Blessed quiet. A larger than usual attendance. Perhaps retreats are coming “in” again!
24 – More blessed quiet.
25 – Retreat ends at noon with lunch. Return to Savannah and spend time in office. At 6 p.m. I celebrate, preach and confirm at St. Paul’s, Savannah, assisted by Fr. W. Willoughby III and Fr. R. Carter. Following reception I enjoy dinner at the rectory.
26 – At office. Conference with vicar and wardens of Holy Angels’, West Chatham County. Much time on telephone. Meet with a warden. Dinner out with friends.
27 – To Martinez. At the Church of Our Savior I officiate at the marriage of Deborah Silver and Fr. W.T. Deneke, assisted by several clergy. Fr. G.L. Downing is the preacher. Reception in parish hall. I go to visit and confer with Bishop C.J. Child in Augusta. To Savannah mid-evening.
28 – EPIPHANY IV. Drive to Hinesville and St. Philip’s Church. Meet with confirmands at 9 a.m. Address adult class at 9:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. I celebrate the Solemn Mass, preach, baptize and confirm, assisted by Fr. J. Crook, Rector. A reception follows wherein the folks honor me on my birthday. Dinner at the rectory concludes the visitation. On to Brunswick where at 6 p.m. I institute Fr. R. Reese as Rector of St. Mark’s Parish, assisted by a number of local clergy. A reception follows. Home by 10 p.m.
29 – A day at home – on the phone, meeting with a group of Episcopalians wanting a new mission and watering Louise’s plants. Dinner with friends worried about my health in Louise’s absence.
30- A hectic day in the office. Semi-annual visit with my physician (A-ok). Dinner with compassionate friends.
31- At 611. Conference with Dun J.N. Parker; with Budget makers; and with a diocesan priest. Celebrate noon Eucharist. Lunch with Treasurer Dick McHugh. Conference with a priest and his lay leaders. Often on the phone. Late this evening we have a joyful celebration for Louise and Susan Dulany, home from USSR!