Trinity Episcopal ordains Dr. Christopher Ben Simpson into the priesthood

 

[September 19, 2020] 

On Monday evening, September 14th, a solemn, reverent and quietly joyful event took place at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln. Dr. Christopher Ben Simpson, was ordained into the ministry and will now be the priest for the church.

Dr. Simpson is a deacon of the church and also a professor at Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln. He is a long time resident of Lincoln.

The service was particularly special because the newly ordained priest was blessed to have the members of his church participate in the solemn service with him.

The service was led the Bishop of the Springfield Diocese with retired Rev. Daniel Martins. The day began with the presentation of Simpson to Bishop Martins for ordination. Thus began a multi-faceted ceremony before members of his congregation that included presentations and charges to the new priest.

After his presentation, the Litany of Ordination was sung, followed by scripture reading from Isaiah 45: 21 - 25. Next came the Cantate Domino reading and readings from Philippians 2, and John 12.

The sermon was delivered by Reverend Martins, then came the reading of the Nicene Creed.

The Bishop then led the examination of Simpson and the consecration of the Priest.

Church members participated in the induction ceremony starting with Ellen Burbage, who presented Simpson with a Bible saying “Christopher, accept this Bible and be among us as one who proclaims the Word of God.”

The Bishop presented the vessel of water saying, “Take this water, and help me baptize in obedience to our Lord.”

Church member Stacie Wachtel presented the stole saying, “Receive this stole, and be among us as a pastor and priest.”

Bill Post presented the Book of Prayers saying, “Receive this book, and be among us as a man of prayer.”

Mary Strader presented the oil saying, “Use this oil, and be among us as a healer and reconciler.”

Parker Asplin presented the keys of the church saying, “Receive these keys, and let the doors of Trinity be open to all people.”

Canon Mark Evans delivered the Constitution and Canons of the Church to Simpson saying, “Obey these canons, and be among us to share in the councils of this diocese.

Jasmine Howe and Dalton Byers presented bread and wine and said, “Christopher, take this bread and wine, and be among us to break the bread and bless the cup.

The Bishop then concluded saying, “Christopher, let all these be signs of the ministry which is mine and yours at Trinity.”

Simpson then bowed before his congregation and prayed. “Oh Lord my God, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; yet you have called your servant to stand in your house, and to serve at your altar. To you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that I may faithfully administer your holy Sacraments, and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my ministry. In prayer, quicken my devotion in praises, heighten my love and gratitude; in preaching, give me readiness of thought and expressions; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your Holy Word, all the world may be drawn into your blessed kingdom.”

Following the prayer, Bishop Martins officially presented Simpson to the congregation.

Reverend Simpson then participated in Holy Communion with his congregation.

Following the solemn ceremony there was a reception held outdoors to celebrate the newly ordained Simpson. It was a happy and upbeat end of the day with all observing covid guidelines while enjoying moments with the new priest, finger foods, and fellowship with one another.

Christopher with his monther Deborah Clardy.

Christopher's sister and mom.

[Nila Smith/Karen Hargis]