Reporter Jane Banning offers her first-hand account of the day’s proceedings.

By Jane Banning

On Saturday, July 26, the 40th anniversary celebration of the ordination of women to the priesthood was observed in Philadelphia, PA, where the first ordinations took place. A morn­ing symposium was held on the Temple University campus, featuring Dr. Frederica Thomsett as the keynote speaker. A panel of diverse clergy included the Very Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Carol Gallagher, the Rev. Miguella Howell, the Ven. Dr. Pamela Nesbit, the Rev. Sandye Wilson, and Ms. Nokomis Wood. Each panelist shared her story and mentioned her challenges before and since her ordination. The meditation was led by the Rev. Dr. Nancy H. Wittig.

Six of the original ordinants from the July 29, 1974, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC (1975), ordinations were in attendance. Merrill Bittner, Alison Cheek, Ma­rie Moorefield Fleischer Carter Heyward, Betty Powell (1975), and Nancy Wittig were present at the morning symposium and the festival Holy Eucharist.

THE FIRST ORDINATION

The Eucharist, “A Liturgy Celebrating the Ministry of Women,” was held at the George W. South Memo­rial Church of the Advocate, site of the first ordina­tions. Called irregular at the time, the first ordinations are among the most historical moments in the Church (and, certainly, for its women). The women processed behind the groupings of laity, deacons, priests and bishops, who were led by Dr. Charles Willy and his family. (Willy preached at the 1974 ordination and was president of the House of Deputies at the time.) The women were followed by Bishop Tony Ramos, who was the assisting bishop at the 1974 ordination, and Bishop Barbara Harris—the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion. The women sprinkled the congregation as they processed.

The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jeffers Schori preached to an over-capacity congregation. Her ser­mon was representative of the joyful spirit that filled the church. The Gospel Choir of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas shared their enthusiastic, infec­tious music that had the entire congregation singing and clapping.

The Church will be forever grateful to the Phila­delphia Eleven Merrill Bittnar, Alla Bozarth, Allison Cheek, Emily C. Hewitt, Carter Heyward, Suzanne R. Hiatt, Marie Moorefield Flescher, Jeannette Pic­card, Betty Bona Schiess, Katrina Wells Swanson, and Nancy Hatch Wittig. The Liturgy ended appropriately with the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing. Thanks be to God.†

—Jane Banning, former president of the National ECW President, recently attended the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women as priest, in Washington D.C. She has