And a lot of older women who normally attend the 8 a.m. service made a point of coming to this service. Among those who came from the diocese were Martha Keeling, who had attended the cathedral when her husband was interim dean before Kirby arrived 10 years ago. I've really looked forward to this day. It's wonderful to see the support for her from the cathedral. Kirby agreed that it was a special day.
People here know and love the family, and it was a wonderful day for the parish family.
I've known Mary since she was in seminary. Speaking as one who, in 1976, was adamantly opposed to the ordination of women, I see her as part of my story as well. Kirby said he thought there were about a dozen or so members, out of the 450 in the congregation, who thought he should wait to invite a woman until after Wantland retired, although only one had raised her concerns with him directly. He said he did receive letters from three clergy and two lay persons in the diocese urging him to wait. Kirby pointed out that Caucutt celebrated only at the 10 a.m. service, so that anyone not wishing to receive Communion from a woman could attend the 8 a.m. or Saturday evening service.