CONSECRATION OF BISHOP SUMNER

On January 6, in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Chicago, the Very Reverend Walter Taylor Sumner, D.D. (Dartmouth '98) was consecrated Bishop of the Church in the Diocese of Oregon. The ceremony was attended by ten bishops, over one hundred clergy, and more than two thousand laymen, the latter including men and 'women from all classes in Chicago, among whom Bishop Sumner has labored for many years. President Nichols of Dartmouth, President Judson of the University of Chicago, and President Harris of Northwestern University, were also in attendance.

Bishop Sumner stands today as one of the most prominent of the younger clergy in the country, especially because of his noteworthy social service work. The Living Church for January 16 comments thus: "Bishop Sumner's leadership in social service in Chicago dates from' the time of his appointment as Dean of the Cathedral (of SS. Peter and Paul) in 1906. He was chairman of the Chicago Municipal Vice Commission which made its remarkable report on the Social Evil in Chicago in 1911, and his work in this connection gave him a national reputation as a social service expert. The Bishop always has had a keen interest in civic affairs, and has served as a director of many societies and organizations for state and civic betterment. He has been particularly active as a member of the Chicago Board of Education, and as chairman of the advisory committees of the United Charities. Under him the Cathedral has become a significant religious center for the improvement of social conditions in the immediate neighborhood, and in the city and diocese at large. The work also in diocesan and public institutions has always been his care.

"Seldom, too has any priest of the Church in Chicago had such a wide acquaintance, and been so truly popular as Bishop Sumner. The 'classes' and the 'masses' have called him friend, and proof of his universal love and esteem was seen at the service of consecration, and later in the day at the public reception, when 'all sorts and conditions of men' were represented. With his many interests, he has been first the minister and priest of the Church, and the Cathedral and its services and life have had first place with him. From the life and services at the Cathedral have emanated, one might' say, his evident power among men."

Bishop Sumner was roundly cheered at the meeting of the Chicago Alumni Association on January 8, and wished godspeed as he goes to his new field of work. The alumni throughout country who were unable in person to share in the cheering at Chicago, are no less hearty in their offer of good wishes to the new bishop. The number of Dartmouth graduates engaged in religious work today may be much smaller than it once was, but that the quality has not deteriorated is evidenced by this latest Church promotion.