The Baptism of the Bell

Solemn Blessing of the Bell and Steeple Cross

Trinity Episcopal Church

Ashland, Oregon

Tuesday July 11, 2017

10:00 a.m.

The Rt. Rev. John Thornton, celebrant

The Rev. Dr. Anthony Hutchinson, rector and cantor

The Rev. Meredith Pech, deacon

The rector welcomes the people and the visiting bishop. 

As the bell is prepared to be reinstalled, the people sing responsorial antiphon for the following psalm. 

Psalm 67 Deus Misereatur

Antiphon (cantor sings once and people repeat)

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

  let all the peoples praise you.

antiphon and Psalm setting by Peter Chrisafulli

1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

  show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

   

2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *

  your saving health among all nations.

   

Antiphon:

3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

  let all the peoples praise you.

   

4 Let the nations be glad

   and sing for joy, *

  for you judge the peoples with equity

  and guide all the nations upon earth.

Antiphon:    

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

  let all the peoples praise you.

   

6 The earth has brought forth her increase; *

  may God, our own God, give us his blessing.

   

7 May God give us his blessing, *

  and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

Antiphon

Rector (to bishop):

We present to you this bell and this cross to be rededicated for the service of Christ’s holy Church.

Celebrant

V. All things come from you, O Lord;

R. And from your own gifts do we give to you.

V. Prosper the work of our hands;

R. Prosper our handiwork.

V. Show your servants your works;

R. And your splendor to their children.

V. Our hope stands in the name of the Lord

R. Now and forever, Amen. 

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you. 

 Daily Tidings/ Andy Atkinson

Let us pray. 

Almighty God, you commanded by your servant and lawgiver Moses that silver trumpets be made for the priests to call the people together at the time of sacrifice and to prepare them for worship.  We ask that you send your holy spirit to bless ✚ this bell by our humble service that by its ringing the people may be called into your church and urged on to eternal life.  As its sweet sound swells in their ears, may your holy people grow in their devotion and faith.  May its continuing call to holiness turn aside the traps of the enemy, shattering hailstones, forceful gales, and powerful thunder and lightning.  May its dulcet tones lay low all tumult and confusion and may its clarion call announce to all the peaceful joy of the gospel of your Son.   May our failings, fears, and demons flee before its sound  and the sign of the cross we make upon it.  Grant this, we pray, for your tender mercy’s sake through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reign, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen

The celebrant makes the sign of the cross touching the bell saying

We name this bell “Aunt Lib” in honor of God’s servant who 117 years ago gave it to Trinity Church and community of Ashland, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Smith. 

Gracious God, your servant Moses raised up the brass serpent in the wilderness to save the people from plague and danger.  Your Son Jesus taught that he would be lifted high upon the cross in like manner to draw all the world to himself.  Bless this cross ✚ to be a sign of your love and compassion for all who look upon it as it graces the steeple of this your church named for your holy trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen  

Incense is placed in the thurible.  The celebrant then goes around the bell and cross, sprinkling them and the people with holy water as the cantor sings the chant Asperges me.  The celebrant then censes the bell and people.  

traditional Latin chant, English translation A. Hutchinson

Celebrant

Let us pray. 

Loving Lord, Jesus Christ, who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee:  we pray you to send your Holy Spirit upon this bell and cross that they may tell out your praise to this community, and call to worship here the faithful and all who want to find faith.  May they and this congregation proclaim the Good News of your Son, and the coming of your Kingdom.  As these gifts are lifted up into the sky and clouds, send your holy angels to reach down to protect this church and all who pray here, and help them to follow your son Jesus who after his death and resurrection ascended in glory to sit your right hand.  This we pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen

Celebrant

V. Lord have mercy.

R. Christ have mercy. 

V. Lord have mercy.

Let us pray. 

All:

Our Father, who art in heaven… 

The bishop blesses the people. 

Deacon 

Let us go forth rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. 

All

Thanks be to God. 

Light refreshments will be served in the parish hall.  As the crane and workers lift and place the bell and cross, please remain outside of the hard hat area.