Happy 97th Birthday Fr. Bedford - Rector's Rambling for April 26, 2026

In addition to our continuing celebration of The Resurrection of Jesus Christ during this 40 day season we call Eastertide, we have a special celebration today.  Today we celebrate the 97th birthday of our beloved Fr. Michael Bedford!

1929 will most likely be remembered for the great stock market crash on  October 29th.  At that momentus time in our history Fr. Mike was 6 months old!  He spent time in his childhood in England, we we have been privy to his wonderful presentation on living there during the bombing during World War II, including being evacuated to the countryside along with his schoolmates for their safety.

Returning to the United States, he met Mary and married her in 1951.  He made his way to Metro Detroit where he had secular employment, and he and Mary raised seven children.  In 1976, Fr. Mike was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church, and in 1982 was ordained a priest.  He served as the Rector of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Redford until 1996.  After his retirement there, he and Mary began attending St. John’s and helping at the altar.  After the retirement of Fr. Kim, Fr. Mike served in various roles assisting the interim priest and also being the supply priest before and after Fr. Leovy’s time here.

My first ‘encounter with Fr. Mike was when I was in seminary at Nashotah House and his parish sent money to my bishop to support seminarians, of which I was one of the recipients.  Afterwards we met as fellow members of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC).

When I arrived in 2001 at St. John’s , Fr. Mike called to ask if I thought it was okay for he and Mary to continue attending St. John’s.  It is customary for interim or supply clergy to step back when the new priest arrives.  Not only was it okay with me, but I asked him to vest and help at the altar, which he did for many years!  He retired again several times, but we are so happy that he has continued with us throughout!

Mary passed away in 2014 at the age of 91, and she is deeply missed.  Shortly before Mass I always do a quick check to make sure my vestments aren’t discombobulated in the back, something Mary always did for Fr. Mike and I on our way into church for Mass.

Happiest of birthdays to Fr. Mike!  Be sure to join us downstairs for a luncheon celebration!