A service of Holy Eucharist was held at Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile, Alabama April 23 to celebrate the seating of Bishop Philip M. Duncan, II, of the Central Gulf Coast and the installation of the Rev. Johnny Cook as first dean of the Cathedral.

More than 50 clergy participated in the service, including a delegation representing the Downtown Mobile Ecumenical Council. Following the Bishop's sermon, Dr. James F. Walters, pastor of First Baptist Church and senior member of the Downtown Ecumenical Council, and the Most Rev. Oscar Lipscomb, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile, addressed a congregation of about 725. A reception and luncheon on the grounds followed the service.

Established in 1822, Christ Church is the oldest Episcopal church in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and the oldest in the State of Alabama. In 1830, Christ Church hosted the organising of the Diocese of Alabama. Located within a few blocks of the riverfront, the rebuilt historic Fort Conde, the central business district and the Mobile City/County Government Plaza, Christ Church has an active ministry in the community and hosts various events throughout the year for those working and/or living downtown.

At its 34th annual convention February 17-19, the diocese had approved, with the agreement of the bishop, the rector and vestry of Christ Church and the standing committee of the diocese, a resolution and subsequent canon that established the first cathedral for the diocese.

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