Trinitytide 2005

Father Clendenin Retires

The Anglican Province of Christ the King is a well established, secure and internationally known jurisdiction of Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. It is important for us to remember that this stability and reputation came at great personal and financial cost to many who spoke against the moves to secularize the Church in the 1960's and early 1970's.

One strong voice from that time belongs to the Reverend George H. Clendenin. Long before the historic convention of the Episcopal Church in 1976, he challenged the liberalizing movement to change the ancient, catholic doctrine of the Church. He traveled the country with Archbishop Morse to sound the clarion call to, to give encouragement to many and to explain the meaning of the proposed changes to the Prayer Book. He acted on his conviction by leaving the financial and personal security of the Episcopal Church in order to maintain the Faith and give pastoral and sacramental care to others.

Now, after many years of good and faithful service to Christ and His Church, Father Clendenin is retiring as Rector of St. Peter's Pro-Cathedral. He and his wife, Ann, will soon move to South Carolina.

As a founding priest of the Anglican Province of Christ the King, Father Clendenin has given much to our cause. Prior to taking responsibility for St. Peter's, he served as rector of Church of the Holy Apostles in Glendale, California, and as founding rector of Church of Our Saviour and the Holy Apostles in Los Angeles. In addition to his parochial responsibilities, he served on numerous boards and committees of the Province and Diocese, providing wise counsel during our crucial, formative years.

One of his most important contributions has been as an instructor at St. Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Theological College. In teaching liturgics, among other subjects, Father Clendenin set the superb liturgical standard that has been a hallmark of our Province. Sharing his knowledge, wisdom and wit, he equipped many of our clergy with the understanding and skills that are necessary to the parochial ministry.