St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church Blesses New Solar Panels

St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Albuquerque observed Earth Day by inaugurating its new solar power system  The Rt. Rev. Michael Buerkel Hunn, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande., was on hand on April 24, 2022, to bless the 6.54solar array, consisting of 20 solar panels. The system had been operational for several months now, but had not yet been officially launched.

The project was first conceived 15 years ago during the tenure of The Rev. Canon Carole McGowan,  who formed the Canterbury Advocates for Sustainable Environment (CASE). The committee was comprised of the late Don Partridge, Edwina Beard, Ginger Lawrence, Susan White and Richard Steele. “About 15 years ago, Rev. McGowan led a series of classes about we could be better servants of creation,’ said Sally Barlow, a member of the current solar team at the church. “As a result, the CASE committee was formed.”

Patridge’s wife, Susan Patrick, brought a cake to celebrate the blessing of the solar panels.  In addition to Bishop Hunn, Rev. McGowan and current Rector Edward Curtis presided over the ceremony.