May 16th also marked a special occasion in the life of a special man and I was so happy to be able to share it with him.
Elissa and I traveled to Columbia to attend a “Eucharist of Thanksgiving for the ministry of the Rev. Dr. James Fraser Lyon, IV, Rector of The Church of The Good Shepherd“. The Mass and reception that followed, celebrated the fact that “Fr. IV” is now the longest serving Rector of this historic, Columbia, SC church…and just a heck of a nice guy.
Elissa (center) with the Lyon family at her graduation party, December 2013
He became the Rector on July 1, 1991. We met him for the first time in August of 1996 and our families have been irrevocably bound together since.
The primary celebrant and homilist was the Right Rev. Charles F. Duvall, Bishop of the Central Golf Coast, retired. I am not sure of the relationship, but I know it starts with them both being from Cheraw, SC.
Maybe it’s the funeral director in me, but as the Bishop spoke of Fr. Lyon’s life as Rector, I could not help but think that Fr. Lyon was sitting in the front pew with his family, listening to what would someday would be the foundation of his eulogy.
Actually, I think it was great that he was able to hear the appreciation of those that know and depend on him.
The Mass and music were beautiful and although I am Catholic, not Episcopal, I appreciate and enjoy the solemnity and reverence of the Masses at The Church of The Good Shepherd and I am not the only one who has commented that Fr. Lyon is “more Catholic” than some Catholic Priests we know.
Fr. Lyon addressing those assembled at the receiption after the Mass. His wife, Sallie is seen in the background.
It was a great evening that I will remember for years to come….I’m sure Father will also.
Congratulations Fr. Lyon. I only wish that our schedules allowed us to spend more time together.
Spied on the bulletin board in a hallway at the church.
A Simple, Village Undertaker 