Episcopalians install a new leader
Bill Love becomes the ninth bishop of Albany diocese at convention center ceremony
By MICHELE MORGAN BOLTON,
Sunday, September 17, 2006

ALBANY -- Bill Love arrived Saturday at the Empire State Convention Center dressed in the plain white robe he wore as rector of a small Episcopal parish in Warren County.

Following a centuries-old rite marked by pageantry and song, the slight, 48-year-old leader of St. Mary's in Lake Luzerne left the center draped in the religious finery befitting the incoming ninth bishop of the Albany diocese.

Following his consecration, Love will be prepared to take on the sprawling 19-county diocese when his predecessor, Bishop Daniel Herzog, retires. Herzog assumed the office in 1998 and must retire within the next three years.

Hundreds of priests, deacons and lay participants filed into the cavernous convention center, preceded by the heady scent of incense and glowing candles. Bouquets of yellow and red flowers flanked the podium, under a large red cross that hung from the ceiling.

Bishops came from Ireland and around the United States. Also invited was Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. the rest