 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.”
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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]
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