It's official...

The Diocese of Pittsburgh has voted to realign with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone.

This is the preliminary story from the Episcopal News Service:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_101319_ENG_HTM.htm

A more detailed story is to come.

Game on!

Here's the breakdown of the vote by orders:

121 aye, 33 nay (clergy)
191 aye, 69 nay (laity)


Now, what does this mean for Holy Cross from the get-go? We have declared repeatedly to the diocese via vestry resolution that Holy Cross is and always will be supportive of the Episcopal Church. Holy Cross will continue along that position. We will assist as much as we are able in the organizing of the continuing Diocese of Pittsburgh. There will be questions about who owns the property of the diocese, most likely contested by dueling lawyers at 10 paces. The road will be difficult at times, but Holy Cross is a parish used to adversity. This will not kill us, but will make us stronger. But tomorrow, the sun will rise, we will worship at 8:00 and 10:30, the roof will still leak, we will prepare for Family and Friends Day, and the Episcopal Church flag that is displayed in our sanctuary will remain there.

Holy Cross Web Album up on Picasa.

Took a while to finally get around to it, but Holy Cross now has a gallery of photos taken over the last few years at http://picasaweb.google.com/chcpgh

Among the photos in the various galleries are photos from Dr. McIntyre's installation in 2005, past church picnics, this year's Rogation Sunday service, and other events. As events come and go, more pictures will be added. Enjoy.

What will happen if realignment occurs?

This page from the "Across The Aisle" website describes the processes that will come into play if the Diocese of Pittsburgh should vote for realignment This coming Saturday.

http://www.episcopalpgh.org/next-steps/#more-186

Family and Friends Day at Holy Cross

The Rector's Guild of the Church of the Holy Cross will be sponsoring its annual Family and Friends Day on Sunday October 12th, 2008, 10:30am at the church. Special music will be sung by the choir and the special guest speaker for that day will be veteran KDKA TV reporter, Harold T. Hayes. There will also be a post-service reception. All are invited to come and celebrate with Holy Cross, one of its longest running and favorite traditions.

Here's a PDF for a poster of the event.

Funny, there used to be a house here!!!

Now you see it.




Now, you don't!!


And here's my souvenir brick. Hey, I spent three years in that heap trying to keep the books of this church, Doggone straight, I'm getting a piece of it.

credit all photos: pierre r.wheaton

This door connected the downstairs dining room to the basement of St. Francis House. A set of steps and possible wheelchair ramp will be built here, although the pitch would seem to make a legit wheelchair ramp pretty difficult.