by David Potter

What a crowd! Seldom has Trinity Anglican Church in Morin Heights seen such a gathering of parishioners and visitors. The event was the induction of the Reverend Bryce Sangster as the Incumbent of the Parish of Morin Heights and St. Sauveur.

Bishop Barry Clarke led the clergy into the church during the Processional Hymn to the joyful sound of the church bell. The clergy included Acting Archdeacon Mary Gibson, Revend Deacon Merlyne Howard, Archdeacon Bennett, Reverend Audrey Morrison, Reverend Ralph Levitt, Reverend Mark Rogers, Reverend Garth Morrill and Irene Martin.

After the reading of the lessons and a sermon by the Bishop, the Covenant in Ministry for the parish was formally given to Reverend Sangster. The Bishop asked the clergy to support Bryce; the church wardens presented him with the keys of the church; the lay delegates presented the Canons and Constitution of the church, and also a Bible, a Book of Common Prayer, and Water, Bread, Wine and Holy Oil.

This ceremony, infused with tradition, simplicity and evident spirituality, drew a round of applause for the new priest. The demands on a priest often require the support of an understanding partner, and with some prompting, Bryce’s wife was encouraged to join him and the clergy at the altar. The service concluded with the celebration of Communion.

Following the service, a simple buffet of wine and cheeses gave an opportunity to meet the visitors: twenty-five parishioners from Bryce’s previous church, St. Lawrence in Lasalle, had braved the winter weather to help celebrate Bryce’s new incumbency. They even brought tasty snacks to share.

The congregations of Trinity Church and St. Francis of the Birds are growing closer in both worship and work as the churches face similar problems and opportunities. With the induction of the Reverend Sangster they have a new leader, and new strength.