Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, cut short his attendance at Monday's start of  the Christian Education Conference.  He wanted to race to the hospital to check on the well being of his wife, Episcopal Supervisor Edith White Ming, who had been rushed to the hospital earlier in the day.

"I think Edith wore herself down worrying about my health," Bishop Ming told the full-house gathered for the opening service of the Christian Education Conference.  "I think that made her pressure get out of control."  Just  the sound of his voice let you know the depth of his concern for his wife's health.

He spoke to the heart of  all of the ministers in attendance. "Your spouse is the most precious part of your ministry.  Do not take them for granted.  My Edith has been sick one day and it disrupts my entire balance."

Bishop Ming departed the service immediately following the first serving of communion to attend to Mrs. Ming.  The reception that had been planned for the couple was held but without their presence. 

The reception did give those in attendance an opportunity to extend their congratulations to recently elected Bishop, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris.  Although he has been back in the pulpit at St. Matthew's, this was the first time many had seen him since his return as a Bishop from the General Conference in Cincinnati.

Bishop Norris and his wife Mary Ann were exceedingly gracious receiving all of the manifold well wishes that came their way.  

Overall, it would have been a glorious homecoming if it had not been marred by the sickness of Mrs. Ming.

The entire conference, before the close of service, joined hands in prayer for Mrs. Ming and her improved health as well as for the continued recovery and strengthening of Bishop Ming.