B A Celebration of M inistry
ishop Don A. Wimberly's
Ministry Marked by Depth, Breadth
By Carol E. Barnwell
The episcopacy—the ministry of
bishops and the Episcopal office itself—is a
primary instrument of Anglican unity. The
Episcopal Church in the United States and
its place among others in the global Anglican
Communion rests squarely on the bishop’s
shoulders “to sustain, strengthen and
restore” relationships among communion
members.
“Bishop Wimberly brought us his
steadfastness in faith through a sense that
he had chosen the Episcopal Church
and that steadfastness enabled him to
navigate any challenge that came to him,”
said Bishop Coadjutor Andy Doyle.
“He knew how to be Episcopalian and
he knew how to be Anglican. He had a
very clear understanding of the catholic
Church and knew living into our part of
both could only enhance our ministry,”
he added.
Bishop Don A. Wimberly has been
a bishop for more than 25 years and will
Continues on page 16
1
I
can think of a host of names of
those who have walked through
my life, each leaving an imprint.
Bishop Don Wimberly is one who has left
an indelible mark on my ministry. We
have worked closely together through,
“thick and thin,” as they say. Only we can
measure that journey though and only
the two of us can know the partnership
refined out of two ministries that became
intertwined in the life and history of the
Diocese of Texas.
Bishop Wimberly and his wife Wendy
gave me kindness without asking for
anything in return. He gave me support,
and he gave me a partnership that can be
articulated as discipleship. That is, I believe
he promised to be with me on my journey
as canon to the ordinary and to help me
with the trials that were job-related and
personal. And, he would show me Jesus
walking beside me along that journey.
He is a man of private prayer and
quiet confidence. The Diocese of Texas
and I have benefited from his leadership.
As an institution, we are better for having
had him as our bishop. Creative ministries
planted, institutions expanded and mission
reclaimed are all qualities he led us to
pursue as chairman of the board. Healthier
clergy life, healthier ministries and healthier
institutions will be his legacy as our pastor
and shepherd. I have often said, “He kept
us together when it would have been easier
for us to walk away from one another.”
His commitment to be both Anglican and
Episcopalian was a right vision at the right
time, and it was truly inspired. This is the
legacy that is written in our Journals and it
will be clear to those who look back at his
tenure through the years.
2
I think,
however, what I
will remember is
how many folks
said that he was
a real pastor
when they
needed him. I
will remember
Bishop Andy Doyle
the kind phone
calls people recounted receiving from either
Bishop Wimberly or Wendy when they
needed a kind word or prayer. JoAnne and
I were certainly on the end of a number of
those calls. I will remember the pat on the
back. I will remember the quiet request to
know what I was thinking. I will remember
how he let my kids climb all over him as if
he were their own granddad.
I will remember Bishop Wimberly
as a good man. I will remember him as
someone who makes me want to be a
better father, a better Christian, a better
Episcopalian. Just as he made me want to
be a better priest, his witness makes me
want to be a better bishop.
His life and ministry remind us all of
the influence, impact and transformation
that we can offer the Church and the
world around us. We are a better diocese
for having had Don as our bishop. May we
be a better diocese in the future because of
the positive things he gave us and are now
inextricably part of our story.
The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle
Bishop Coadjutor of Texas
M aking H er Own Light
By Carol E. Barnwell
W
endy Wimberly has had a
number of substantial careers
including nurse, painter,
parent, clergy spouse and bishop’s wife for
the past 25 years. Bishop Don Wimberly
retires June 6 and the Wimberlys, who met
in Atlanta, will have traveled full circle
when they return this summer to live near
their children and grandchildren.
Throughout her married life, Wendy
has managed to maintain her own space
and create her own light as no doubt,
she will continue to do in retirement. A
registered nurse by training, Wendy has
been a prenatal loss counselor, taught
Lamaze, parenting classes and has worked
extensively on women’s health issues. She
is also an accomplished artist.
The Wimberlys met in Atlanta when
she worked at Emory and the bishop
worked for Kerr-McGee. They were married
18 months later, and have lived in Atlanta,
Louisiana, New York, Kansas, Kentucky
and Texas during their careers.
“We’ve seen a lot,” Wendy said in a
2007 interview, “but this [Texas] has been
the jewel in the crown.”
Painting began as a hobby when her
children, Julie and Brent, were toddlers,
but later became an avocation. She signed
up for a class after attending an art show
and soon began winning awards. Painting
provided a creative outlet while her children
were young and her husband was dean of
the Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida. The
paint box and easel moved with the family
when Don Wimberly was elected Bishop
of Lexington. “I loved to paint in the
afternoon and would put the paper on the
kitchen table and work on pieces while I
cooked dinner,” she said. By this time, the
children were teenagers and Wendy worked
full-time in nursing.
While in Lexington, Wendy taught
Lamaze and parenting classes. “I wanted
young mothers to know that you need to
love yourself and love your partner, even
when you are [consumed] with raising
kids. It’s not easy to feel good about
yourself when you have throw up on you,”
she said.
3
 Wendy was diagnosed with breast
cancer during a regular mammogram
during that time. “It was the size of a speck
of pepper,” she said, “and would have been
eight years before I’d have found it in a self
exam. I can’t tell you how important it is
to have these regular exams!”
The cancer diagnosis launched Wendy
on a counseling career utilizing all of her

With Mayor Bill White

experience for young women and families.
“I really went to work and wanted to make
a difference. I felt an urgency like never

before,” she said. She counseled women
who had been diagnosed with cancer or
who had had hysterectomies. She used her
personal history to teach them to care for
themselves and to be their own advocates.
Many who sought her counsel never knew
she was a bishop’s wife.
After Bishop Wimberly was a
candidate for presiding bishop at the
1997 General Convention, the Wimberlys
left Lexington and moved to Tyler where
Bishop Wimberly served as assistant bishop
for three years before being elected Bishop
of Texas in 2002.
Over the years, Wendy has taught
spirituality and art workshops at Kanuga, an
Episcopal Conference Center in Asheville,
North Carolina. Most recently, she was a
featured artist at the Episcopal Church and
Visual Arts Show at St. Martin’s, May 1 &
Wendy Wimberly with grandson James.
4
W
endy has been the
most amazing bonus in Don’s
ministry, she has been such a
supporter of all of us, and she
has worked sacrificially herself
to support the ministry of the
diocese, she has been a friend,
a companion.
­ Bishop Suffragan
—
The Rt. Rev. Dena A. Harrison
2. “Sometimes [paintings] flow right out of
the brush, sometimes not. You have to rely
on God to help you, and life experiences to
fill in the space.”
“I’m very humbled by our ministry.
I’ve been right there all along but I’ve had to
recreate myself [many] times. Every move
I had to start over. It’s really important that
every person in a relationship feels they
are contributing on his or her own. You
have to get out and make your own light,”
Wendy said.
“With most of the things I’ve done,
people wouldn’t believe I’m a bishop’s
wife,” said the grandmother of two, nurse,
painter, teacher, advocate and encourager.
She is sure to shine in retirement.
5
 Will you boldly proclaim and interpret the
Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and
stirring up the conscience of your people?
I will, in the power of the Spirit. BCP, page 518

Bishop Wimberly at his installation service as the Eighth Bishop of Texas, 2003.

I didn’t know Bishop Wimberly very

well until the treasurer of the diocese
resigned. The bishop and I had not had a
lot of contact but he immediately asked me
to act as the “interim treasurer.” I was a bit
taken aback by his confidence and more
than a little awed to be constantly with him
in meetings and ministry.
I have grown to know that he is a man
of deep faith who believes to the core of his
being in the Baptismal Covenant. He works
everyday to build the Church and bring
Christ to the world. At the same time, he is
a great deal of fun to be around. He enjoys
his work and does what he can to ensure that
the people he works with enjoy theirs. He is
always available and willing to help with the
issues that confront us. He has been put
6
into a number of situations that were not of
his own making and he has handled them
all with grace, humor and forthrightness.
His hallmark has been transparency and
long after he retires, the Diocese of Texas
will be benefitting from the fresh view he
has brought to his Episcopacy.
One day while walking through the
mall at lunch I saw in a shop window an
LSU National Football Championship
coffee cup. I went in and bought it on a lark
and gave it to Bishop Wimberly. Nothing
could have pleased him more. He treasures
that coffee cup and drinks his coffee from it
every morning.
Bob Biehl
Treasurer of the Diocese of Texas
 Will you accept this call and fulfill this
trust in obedience to Christ?
I will obey Christ,
and will serve in his name. BCP, page 518

I
first met Don Wimberly twenty-
seven years ago in a group of
mutual clergy friends on a
retreat in North Carolina.  My first
impression of him was of a man of
great warmth, passionate feeling,
deep faith and bright mind whom I
liked a lot.  I still think of him that
way today, but as the years passed
I learned that his warmth, passion
and faith come from a big heart.  He
has a big heart for God, for those
A final blessing

who need God, for those who serve

God, and for God’s Church.  That
heart combined with his keen mind
produce the compassionate wisdom
that is characteristic of him and of
all true leaders. While his hand has
been on the tiller of our diocese, he
has steered our ship safely through
the storms that have raged in the
American Church and the Anglican
Communion and brought us into
port as the strongest diocese in the
US.  As he hands over the ship to a
new Captain, I, in admiration and
gratitude, salute Bishop Wimberly
and thank him for his fine leadership
and care for us.   

The Rev. Larry Gipson (ret.)

7
 A F ew Words with
Bishop Don A. Wimberly
Carol E. Barnwell: You’ve been a
bishop for 25 years. What about being bishop
do most people not understand?
Don A. Wimberly: I am continually
amazed at some of the questions. Many people
ask me if I have a church. They don’t understand
the structure of the Episcopal Church. The
episcopacy (having bishops) is one of the things
that sets our denomination apart. I am the chief
pastor of our clergy. I am to protect the “faith,
unity, and discipline of the Church.” I ordain
priests and deacons, confirm new members
of the Church and share in the “leadership of
the Church throughout the world.” My official
“see” is the Cathedral but I oversee all our
congregations.
CEB: How would you explain The Episcopal
Church to a visitor?
DAW: First, our Book of Common Prayer
defines the ministers of the Church as “lay
persons, bishops, priests, and deacons” in the
Catechism on page 855. The ordained orders
of ministry—deacons, priests and bishops—
each have specific duties. Lay persons also
have a specific ministry to represent Christ
according to their gifts and to participate in
the transformation of the world around them
through their particular ministry.
The episcopacy (bishops) is one of the
things that makes us unique. We elect bishops
to be in charge of dioceses, which form the
main judicatories* in our Church. At our best,
our diocese is a family of 154 congregations that
act as One Church. Our vision of One Church
is what I would love to see people really take
to heart.
CEB: What does it mean to be Anglican?
DAW: One of the things that drew me to the
Episcopal Church is that it’s part of a worldwide
communion. That was exciting to me. It meant
that everyone didn’t look the same. It meant
8
you could go to almost any place in the world
and find people who were part of the same,
larger communion of churches (the Anglican
Communion). As wonderful as the Episcopal
Church is, it is important to know we are one
part of a whole lot more people. We are looking
at establishing relationships with several dioceses
outside the Diocese of Texas. Companion
relationships will help us understand our
relationship within the Communion but it's
critical that these relationships have to be two-
way streets. We want these relationships to be
pilgrimages not only to help, but get to know
our fellow Anglicans.
CEB: How do you see your legacy in the
Diocese of Texas?
DAW: I have tried to focus on the issue of
leadership. I’m proud of being part of a talented
team of people who developed the Iona School
for Ministry. I had to do some cleanup, get
some internal controls in place following a
large embezzlement. We’ve accomplished this.
I wanted to reconnect our Diocesan Center
with the Cathedral so we sold the former office
building and built a new one adjacent to Christ
Church Cathedral in downtown Houston.
We do what we do because we are part of a
worshipping community and being here helps
maintain that relationship and provides a
witness to those around us.
I’ve also worked to attract younger clergy.
We have doubled the number of clergy under
40 in the diocese. I think that is important for
the future of the Church. Another thing that
has been a privilege for me as bishop is being
a part of the world-class medical community
of this city. A new vision and mission for St.
Luke’s Episcopal Health System is to have
neighborhood locations and that is going very
well. I’m very excited about that. And finally,
I think the Seminary of the Southwest is in a
healthier place. We have a new dean and have
completed some big capital improvements.
I’m really proud I was a part of a team that did
that.

CEB: What has been your

contribution to the House of Bishops?
DAW: I believe I’ve been able to
offer some expertise. Most of my work in
the House of Bishops has been through
almost 12 years on the committee for
Program, Budget and Finance. I’ve also
been a member of the Executive Council
of the Episcopal Church. As one of the
most senior members today, I have been
Bishop Don A. Wimberly on his
able to offer my advice on some strategic
way to being seated as the Eighth
issues. Bishop of Texas. Bishop Dena
Harrison (L) served as chaplain.
CEB: What is one of your most vivid memories of being
a bishop?
DAW: One of the bishop’s roles is to connect you to the O ne of the things that has
brought such strength to
Bishop Wimberly's ministry is
larger Church, the universal Church. One of the greatest
things about being a bishop on the larger scale is representing his familiarity with so many
the unity that the office stands for. Sitting at the Lambeth dimensions of the church. He
Conference* last summer as the Bishop of Texas is one of the offers a wisdom born out of long
greatest compliments I could have. Not only did I represent experience with and commitment
one of the most strategic and best dioceses in this Church, I to all sorts of ministries. We have
sat with bishops from all over the world. been blessed with his perspective
And I love confirmations. A profoundly important in planning, implementing and
thing in my ministry as bishop is the great privilege I’ve had evaluating all sorts of activities in
laying my hands on the heads of many people to confirm the course of our work.
them into this Church. To be part of someone’s journey of
Don and Wendy minister out
faith is a great privilege.
To ordain deacons and clergy, to raise people up for the
of the great strength of their love
ordained ministry is a great privilege. Through the gift given for God and one another. They are
to me by my ordination as a bishop, I’m able to pass that gift inspiring in their commitments
on in ordaining clergy and being part of consecrating new because they allow their trust in
bishops. It touches you to historic flow of the Church. God to guide them day by day.
They meet difficulties large and
CEB: Looking forward? small with hope, confidence, and
DAW: I’m looking forward to spending a little time with a wonderful sense of humor. This
my family--to being involved in my grandchildren’s lives in a kind of faith is an example to us
hands on way. And spending time with Wendy after all these all and a joy to witness.
years [on the road]. One of the rarest gifts in life
is the gift of friendship. Larry and
*The term judicatory refers to any regional, connectional I have been blessed to receive that
office of a denominational structure.  This office is responsible gift from Don and Wendy. They
for the governance of and providing resources to its member are both valiant friends whom we
congregations. 
will always treasure.
**Every 10 years bishops from throughout the Anglican The Rt. Rev. Dena A. Harrison
Bishop Suffragan
9
 As a chief priest and pastor, will you encourage and support all
baptized people in their gifts and ministries, nourish them from
the riches of God's grace, pray for them without ceasing, and
celebrate with them the sacraments of our redemption?
I will, in the name of Christ, the Shepherd
and Bishop of our souls. BCP, page 518

Bishop Don A. Wimberly at the 160th Council opening Eucharist, Houston, February 13, 2009.

10
 I
believe that the diaconate Bishop
Wimberly introduced to this
diocese will have substantial impact
on the Church’s servant ministries, an
impact which will grow and become
increasingly evident as the years go
by. Potentially even more important is
the bi-vocational priesthood … Since
retirement I have done supply work at a

Photo: Rick Patrick

number of little churches … The gift to
these churches of long-term, competent,
enthusiastic, clerical leadership may be
transformative. It will certainly boost
their morale.
Beginning with the letter the
bishop wrote the clergy from General
Convention in 2003, through all the
clergy conferences, I have always felt I
knew what the bishop really thought
and felt about the various challenges that
have confronted us. Probably more than
any other bishop I have served under, he
has shared his personhood with us.
The Rev. Sam Todd, Dean
The Iona School

T
he first time I met Bishop
Wimberly he was wearing a
Hawaiian shirt at an Executive
Board meeting at Camp Allen. I knew
this bishop would be different! And
within the hour we were fast friends due
to our common allegiance to our alma
mater, LSU. Engaging, transparent,
empowering and wise will always be
words that come to mind as I remember
his episcopate in Texas. He has been the
right man for the right time in our long
tenure of outstanding bishops. I thank
God for his willingness to come among
us and become a Texan for at least a little
while.
Mary MacGregor, diocesan
Director of Leadership Development

11
 Will you share with your fellow bishops in the government
of the whole Church; will you sustain your fellow presbyters
and take counsel with them; will you guide and strengthen
the deacons and all others who minister in the Church?
I will, by the grace given me. BCP, page 518

Bishop Don Wimberly has done a masterful job of leading the Diocese of
Texas during his tenure as our bishop.We all have been blessed by his ministry
and leadership and his tenure certainly has been a challenging time in the
history of the Episcopal Church. We all can thank God for him and his lovely
wife Wendy, and I join many others in wishing them a wonderful and happy
retirement.
+Maurice Benitez (ret.)

First permanent deacons ordained in the Diocese of Texas.

Bishop Wimberly's many years in the House of Bishops brought a stability

to the Church in Texas during this last six years. His deliberate and broad-
based support from both clergy and laity has allowed us to engage in ministry
beyond anything we have done previously. His vision and support of the
diaconate and bi-vocational ministry gave us new leadership at a grassroots
level and broadened our brushstroke in local communities.
Carol E. Barnwell, diocesan
Communication Director
12
Will you guard the faith, unity and discipline of the Church?
I will, for the love of God. BCP, page 518

13
 Will you be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor
and strangers, and defend those who have no helper?
I will, for the sake of Christ Jesus. BCP, page 518

Lee Hogan and David Fine with Bishop Don A. Wimberly before blessing the new chapel at
St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital.

I
was recruited to diocesan service as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System, effective June, 2004.  In the five years that
have followed the System has successfully undertaken a major repositioning
effort in which its Board, chaired by Bishop Wimberly, has considered such broad
policy questions as two potential mergers and two potential sales. With Don’s
strong personal leadership the Board was encouraged to accept the numerous
challenges associated with ongoing clinical operations in preference to the easier
course associated with ‘cashing out.’ With the Bishop’s guidance, the Board came
to view the System’s patient care activities as central to the mission of the Diocese
and worthy of extension rather than contraction.
David Fine
CEO SLEH Health System
14
 Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the study of Holy
Scripture, that you may have the mind of Christ?
I will, for he is my help. BCP, page 518

Bishop Wimberly (R) and the Rev. Irv Cutter, then rector of St. James', Houston, immediately
after a tornado destroyed the church.

I n troubled times for the Episcopal Church, Bishop Wimberly successfully

pursued reconciliation and not only kept our diocese together, but also pushed
it to grow when other dioceses were losing members. Bishop Wimberly is a
rare combination of a loving and warm pastor and a decisive executive. He has
common sense along with his other gifts.

Charles Hall
St. John the Divine, Houston

15
Videos for the web site on the morning after Hurricane Ike hit.
 and of course
hurricanes or the
odd flu epidemic
for which an
immediate response
is required.
“One of the
things that has
brought such
strength to Bishop
W i m b e r l y’s
ministry is his
familiarity with so
many dimensions
Carole Dodson greets Bishop Don Wimberly at the dedication of St. of the church,”
James’, Houston, which was rebuilt following a tornado. said Bishop
Suffragan Dena
retire this June at the mandatory age of Harrison. “We have been blessed with his
72. Bishop Wimberly served as assistant perspective in planning, implementing
bishop in East Texas for three years prior to and evaluating all sorts of activities in the
his election as Bishop of Texas in 2003 and course of our work,” she added.
was previously Bishop of Lexington for 15 Bishop Wimberly’s legacy is far
years. In 1997 he was a nominee for the reaching and reflects both the challenges
Office of Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal and the blessings of his time in Texas.
Church. “I believe that I am leaving a legacy
of health, transparency and leadership,” he
A Legacy of Leadership told Council delegates in 2009.
The ministry of a bishop is not an Shortly after becoming Bishop of
easy one, neither is the “job” of bishop. Texas, a review of diocesan financial records
Many people only see the bishop when he revealed the embezzlement of nearly a
(or she) comes to church for confirmation. million dollars by the outgoing diocesan
For the diocesan bishop, this might be only treasurer. Bishop Wimberly moved
once every three years as there are more immediately to put into place a system
than 150 churches in the Diocese of Texas. of checks and balances that afforded the
Even with 52 Sundays in the year, it’s a feat diocese a secure and transparent accounting
to be admired in this large and sprawling system.
diocese. He also had a vision, a large vision,
But the Bishop of Texas is also in for leadership development when he was
great demand Monday through Friday in a elected bishop. Bishop Wimberly founded
diocese with a $10 million annual budget. the Iona School for Ministry which
There are board meetings at Episcopal High included all of his initiatives for leadership
School, the Seminary of the Southwest or development. The Iona School will have
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System. There graduated 17 deacons and 19 bi-vocational
are foundation meetings, staff meetings, priests by June 2009 and ensures the
Executive Board meetings, letters to write training of clergy for a full sacramental life
16

for all congregations, no matter their size.
The addition of deacons to support and
grow outreach ministries throughout the
diocese is also a result of the Iona School.
In addition, Bishop Wimberly
required continuing education for clergy
and enhanced programs to support their
ministries. His desire to develop lay
leadership resulted in the establishment of
Crosspointes, Christ-centered lay leadership
training, as well as enhanced conferences for
vestries and other congregational leaders.
Since 2004, St. Luke's Episcopal
Hospital has successfully undertaken a
major repositioning effort in which its
Board, chaired by Bishop Wimberly, has
considered such broad policy questions as
two potential mergers and two potential
sales. “With Don's strong personal
leadership the Board was encouraged to
accept the numerous challenges associated
with ongoing clinical operations in
preference to the easier course associated
with 'cashing out,'” said David Fine, CEO,
St. Luke's Episcopal Health System. “With
the bishop's guidance, the board came
to view the hospital system's patient care
activities as central to the mission of the
diocese and worthy of extension rather
than contraction,” he added.
During Bishop Wimberly’s tenure in
Texas, outreach coordinators were named
in almost every congregation, enhancing
communication and cooperation in
ministries throughout the diocese. The
Diocese of Texas set a goal to begin in 2007
to give a minimum of 0.7% of the annual
diocesan budget to address the Millennium
Development Goals (a UN program to
halve poverty in the world by 2015). See
www.epicenter.org/images/edot/MDG/
MDGResolutions.pdf.
Since 2003, multicultural ministry, an
active program in the diocese, became even
more visible because of the appointment of
I
believe that Bishop Wimberly is one of
the most pastoral bishops I have ever
known. Even though he was already
concerned about his own health, he traveled
to Angleton right before Christmas for my
mother-in-law's funeral, insisted on helping
our elderly aunt in and out of the car,
doing everything he could think of to help.
And our family will always remember his
officiating at the marriage of our daughter
Sarah and son-in-law Stuart, helping us
cope with the rabbi's lateness, being so kind
to our families. And he would often call if
he knew I had been traveling to be sure I
got home safely. I will miss him and Wendy,
who really are wonderful friends.
Janie Stevens, diocesan
Missioner for Christian Formation
D
uring my hospitalization, it was
a week and a half before I got
out of the Recovery Unit. Even
after I was transferred to the Intensive
Care unit, it was several more weeks before
I was clear headed. While I was still in a
confused state, Bishop Wimberly was one
of the first visitors I actually remember.
At the time I was convinced that I was in
St. Luke’s Hospital in the Woodlands. I
remember blabbering to the Bishop, “This
is such a marvelous facility you have here
(in the Woodlands).” The Bishop, who had
obviously visited a lot of sick people during
his ministry who were out of their head at
the time just smiled and agreed with me ...
understanding that you never argue with a
crazy person (even if the condition is only
temporary).
The Rev. Canon John A. Logan, Jr.
Secretary of the Diocese
17
 Groundbreaking for new Diocesan Center, Houston.
a Canon for Multicultural Ministries. Since
then, ministry among Hispanics and other
minorities in the diocese has continued
to grow, responding to the population
shifts and needs in our communities.
San Mateo, Houston, one of the first
Hispanic congregations in the diocese,
became the first to attain parish status,
no longer requiring diocesan financial
support. Bishop Wimberly also supported
the creation of multicultural resources for
congregational education, including the
new Fertile Ground Project.
Bishop Wimberly worked to provide
resources to bridge the gap in several
instances when clergy chose to leave the
Episcopal Church. His steady leadership
helped the remaining congregations
of Holy Cross, Sugar Land and Good
Shepherd, Tomball, heal and begin to grow
again. Bishop Wimberly has built two
churches, planted two more and supported
the growth of a special mission to Latinos
at St. Paul’s, Houston. During his time as
bishop, nine mission churches have become
18
parishes.
New Quarters
In late 2006, the bishop’s office and
the diocesan staff moved into new quarters
adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral in
downtown Houston. Historically, the
bishop’s see (official seat) is at the Cathedral
and the move has placed the Diocesan
Center into closer proximity to the church
and its ministry.
Bishop Wimberly regionalized
oversight of congregations using two
suffragan bishops who help bring mission
development and diocesan resources into
local communities throughout the diocese.
The number of clergy in the diocese
who are less than 40 years of age doubled
during Bishop Wimberly’s tenure and the
number of women in charge of congregations
grew from 15 to 30. The bishop worked
with boards to find the new Dean of the
Seminary of the Southwest, Doug Travis;
head of Episcopal High School, Houston,
Ned Smith; head of St. Stephen’s School,
Bob Kirkpatrick and CEO of St. Luke’s
Episcopal Health System, David Fine.
The bishop engaged everyone in the
diocese in a vision project to identify core
values and focus the mission of the diocese
prior to the election of a new bishop.
This nearly year-long discernment with
the people of the diocese resulted in the
election of the diocese’s soon to be Ninth
Bishop of Texas, the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew
Doyle, 42.
Bishop Don A. Wimberly and church planter,
the Rev. Justin Lindstrom, St. Aidan's,
Houston.
Unity Lived Out Locally
and Abroad
One of the most important ministries
of a bishop is to guard the unity of the
Church, which is not an easy task in light
of the disagreements within the church
over sexuality issues and debate over same
sex marriage. Through several contentious
General Conventions of the Episcopal
Church, Bishop Wimberly maintained a
steadfast commitment to remaining in the
Episcopal Church as well as the Anglican
Communion.
As part of that commitment to the
Anglican Communion, the Board of World
Missions is developing a strategy for three
companion relationships throughout the
Communion including the Diocese of
Southern Malawi. “With your support we
may begin to live into what it means to
be in communion with others beyond the
words that bind us and live into that desire
to be a communion grounded in knowing
one another through the helping hands of
Christ’s action,” Bishop Wimberly said.
Ministry within the diocese includes
caring for church members as well
as outreach to the poor, the sick, the
underserved. All are supported by a healthy
diocese, where clergy receive care and
continuing opportunities to develop their
leadership and where lay people are given
the ability to grow in Christ-centered
leadership.
“I could hardly know the road before
me and before us as a diocese,” he said in
his address to the 160th Council. “We
have ministered through the repercussions
of [sexuality issues in the Church] …
embezzlement and hurricanes … We
survived the dot.com bust and are steering
a steady ship through this recession ... We
have held fast to what is good when it
was far easier to let go … We have treated
one another with honor … we have
accomplished a great deal together by the
Lord’s grace,” he said.
Bishop Don Wimberly’s ministry
has been broad and deep, resulting in a
healthy diocese with strong leadership and
vision throughout its congregations and
institutions.
The Diocese of Texas has been
privileged to have had the leadership
of Bishop Don Wimberly and his wife
Wendy for nearly the past decade. They
will move to Atlanta following Bishop
Wimberly’s retirement to be near children
and grandchildren.
19
I
n May 1988 Don Wimberly, as bishop of Lexington, participated in my election as the 14th
Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South. Although we had spent huge parts of our lives
not fifty miles apart in Northwest Louisiana, not until we arrived at Sewanee did we get to
know the Wimberlys. In the early 1990s we saw them at Sewanee functions in Lexington and at
Sewanee.
But the key point came in the spring of 1991 with Don’s election to the University’s Board of
Regents, the senior governing board. From that point forward we were in nearly constant contact
about university business, the myriad problems with the School of Theology, and the give and take
of fund raising and university governance. We became friends but not yet intimate.
That came in 1997 when to my sheer delight, Don was elected the 21st Chancellor of the
University. From that point forward, I had a confidant, a willing listener to my problems (and on
occasion I heard his as well), and our wives became friends, fast friends as we did. As the official
head of the University, Don ran the show as we had great fun with the visit of the Archbishop of
Canterbury in the spring of 1999. The chancellor’s role with the Board of Trustees is pivotal and Don
sought repeatedly as chancellor to make their roles not only seem important but be important.
On the occasion of my retirement Don continued to serve for another three years as
chancellor and then as Bishop of Texas on the Board of Trustees. As he retires, he is by far the most
senior serving bishop on the Board, a welcome piece of historical memory.
Our shared love of Litchfield Beach has brought us to together many times, as have their visits
to Sewanee, and the wedding of their daughter Julie at Sewanee.
In Don I have a very close friend, indeed one of my very closest. We share thoughts, worry
aloud about things, and resolve to be confident and optimistic about the future. We have fretted
over each other’s illnesses, talked about the future after retirement, and shared occasional athletic
triumphs, with me willing (though a Tulane man) to root for LSU on most occasions. And above
all, down deep, we have a deep and abiding love for our families, for the Episcopal Church, and for
the University of the South.
Sam Williamson, Sewanee

20
Packing care boxes for the troops
21
 Thank You
To the Steering Committee for
The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly Leadership Fund

John Dawson

Andy Doyle

Charles W. H all

Larry H all

Dena H arrison

Rayford B. H igh, Jr.

Lee H ogan

Chester Jones

Barbara Kraft

Charles Kraft

F lo M cGee

Joe Reynolds

Jim Stevens

Elam Swann

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