Episcopal Church honors woman who served here
January 5, 2007

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A Buffalo, N.Y., native will be recognized by the Episcopal Church USA for her saintly missionary work among indigenous peoples in Alaska, Florida and Oklahoma. Harriet Bedell's life will be commemorated annually on Jan. 8, the anniversary of her death in 1969 at age 93.

Bedell and six others were nominated and added to the calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts at the 75th annual convention this summer. Bedell's inclusion on the calendar will be on a trial basis until 2010, when it becomes permanent unless objections arise.

While Bedell's name has faded into obscurity in her hometown, she was respected during her lifetime as a dynamic and heroic woman who crossed cultural lines and improved the quality of life of thousands of Indians.

Inclusion in the Lesser Feasts and Fasts is rare and significant, and the church typically waits at least two generations after a person has died before considering him or her for the calendar. the rest