Episcopal Press and News
Long Island Elects Urban Archdeacon
Episcopal News Service. March 19, 1981 [81093]
GARDEN CITY, N. Y. -- The Ven. Canon Henry B. Hucles III, 57, Archdeacon of Brooklyn, was elected suffragan bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, March 14.
Hucles, one of 15 candidates, was elected on the seventh ballot by approximately 510 clergy and lay delegates representing 150 congregations in a day-long special voting session that was held in the context of the Holy Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Incarnation here. A diocesan spokesman explained that the election "was conducted as part of the service in response to weeks of prayer throughout the diocese and the commitment of the Rt. Rev. Robert C. Witcher, Bishop of Long Island, and the delegates, that the new bishop be chosen as a will of God to meet the needs of the diocese."
Following the election, Witcher stated: "I am delighted that Canon Hucles has been elected by this Convention. I know him as a friend and a loyal and diligent priest of this diocese. His demonstrated priestly abilities will now be expanded in his ministry as a bishop. I look forward to sharing the episcopate with him to strengthen this diocese to bear witness to God's love here and throughout the world through the missions of the Church."
Hucles has served the diocese as archdeacon of Brooklyn since 1976. He has also served as rector of St. George's Church, Brooklyn, and as chaplain of the Brooklyn House of Detention. He holds degrees from Virginia Union University, Bishop Payne Divinity School and Virginia Theological Seminary. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1947.
As a suffragan bishop, Hucles will assist Witcher in expanding the role of the episcopate. As suffragan-elect, his name will now be submitted to other dioceses of the Episcopal Church. Following the approval of his election by a majority of their standing committees and the House of Bishops, the Rt. Rev. John M. Allin, Presiding Bishop, will order the consecration of Hucles.
Hucles held strong support from both orders throughout the balloting but did not emerge with a clear edge until after the fifth ballot. In one surprise, Canon Mary Michael Simpson of the Diocese of New York was second in clergy support on the first ballot. She was the only woman on the ballot which included priests from throughout the United States.