The Rt. Rev. Jeremiah D. Williamson was ordained and consecrated as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Albany on February 24, at a service held at The Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe, the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Central New York and Province II President, served as the chief consecrator. She was joined by co-consecrators, the Rt. Rev. Kimberly Lucas, Bishop of Colorado; the Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, Bishop of South Carolina; the Rt. Rev. Lee Miller II, Bishop of Upstate New York Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; the Rt. Rev. Blair Couch, Bishop in the Northern Province of the Moravian Church in America; the Rt. Rev. Arthur Williams, Jr, Suffragan Bishop of Ohio, Retired; the Rt. Rev. Robert O’Neill, Bishop of Colorado, Retired; and the Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr., Bishop of Ohio, Retired. Thirteen other episcopal bishops attended the service, along with over 120 members of the Albany clergy, numerous priests and deacons from around the Episcopal Church, and over 20 ecumenical guests.
Williamson was elected bishop of Albany during an electing convention on September 9, 2023, at The Cathedral of All Saints. He was most recently the rector Grace and St. Stephen’s Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tanya Anderson, Senior Warden of GSS served as one of Williamson’s presenters. Other presenters included the deans from the Diocese of Albany, lay members of the Profile and Search Committee, and the Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, Assisting Priest, St. Peter’s, Lewes, DE.
The service was a beautiful display of the diocese as lay representatives from many of the parishes carried their church banner in procession, while others participated in the service as ushers, acolytes, gift presenters, and service participants. The Cathedral choir was a highlight as favorite hymns selected by Williamson were sung with enthusiasm and joy. Hundreds of lay people representing the Albany diocesan parishes filled the nave and cheered for their new bishop when presented by Bishop Duncan-Probe.
In a letter written to the diocese following the consecration Williamson said, “I am touched by your care. I am humbled by your embrace of me, my ministry, and my family. I am strengthened by your companionship. And I am consumed by hope for the future God has in store for our diocese. “
Williamson also commented on the gifts presented to him at the service, “The gifts I received during the consecration liturgy will forever serve as reminders of your love and trust. No matter where I am, when I look down at my ring, I will think of you and our bond.“
The silver sterling ring was designed by Trevor Floyd and set with a Herkimer diamond engraved with the diocesan seal. Herkimer diamonds are a type of quartz crystal mined only in the Mohawk Valley of New York. The Roman numeral “X” is also engraved on either side of the ring to signify Williamson being the 10th Bishop of Albany.
Williamson’s family played an active role in the service as well. His wife Jennifer, an ordained United Methodist Elder, delivered a beautiful and inspired sermon. Their sons also played a special part. Isaiah, age 9, read one of the lessons and Oscar, age 12, served as an acolyte. Several members of the family were present for the service, including Williamson’s parents, David and Connie, who presented him with a crozier made by David. The wood for the staff is from his grandparents’ farm.
Williamson expressed his joy in the beauty of the service, “After months of being your Bishop-elect, I am exceedingly pleased to now be your Bishop. February 24 is a day that will forever be impressed on my soul. The event was soaked through with holy love and fueled by abundant joy.”
The service was live streamed and a recording and can be found on the consecration page