North Carolinian installed as first African-American leader of Episcopal Church

On Sunday in Washington D.C. Michael Curry was installed at the twenty-seventh Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

The installation of a new leader for the world-wide Episcopal Church happens every nine years. A packed National Cathedral celebrated and worshipped as family, children, priests and bishops joyfully processed in.

Many of the bishops elected Curry in a landslide four months ago. Dozens in Sunday’s crowd in Washington D.C were from the Triangle.

“I prayed this morning that he’d be wrapped by the Holy Spirit so that he would feel comfortable and know he’s where he’s supposed to be,” said Triangle Episcopalian Rev. Miriam Saxon.

Curry previously served as the eleventh Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. In June of 2000, he was consecrated in Duke Chapel at Duke University.

“He is such a big presence. He is such a Godly man and he has such enthusiasm and I think, so often, people don’t put that together,” said Triangle Episcopalian Lee Hayden. “We’re definitely going to miss him in North Carolina.

As the new leader of the Episcopal Church, Curry will now always be the last to enter any church. This will be the case when he preaches and presides for the next nine years.

Michael Curry is the first African-American to hold the title of Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and said the he hopes that he won’t be the last.

Sunday was not only his day to be recognized and officially installed but it was also his day to preach and his signature style was bright and brilliant.

As Presiding Bishop, Curry will split his time between his North Carolina home and the national church office in Manhattan.