THE RIGHT REVEREND ROBERT STUART SKIRVING (right), Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, made his biennial visit to St. Andrew’s Church in Columbia on Oct. 30. Consecrated in 2014, he is the eighth bishop of the diocese.

He received Cynthia Jean Huscroft of East Lake (center) into the Episcopal Church in a traditional ceremony accompanied by hymns in addition to hammered dulcimer music provided by Bob Waters.

The people of St. Andrew’s were joined by many friends and family in the community for the 11 a.m. service and the luncheon that followed in the Parish House.

“St. Andrew’s worships at 9 a.m. every Sunday and welcomes people of diverse and sometimes uncertain beliefs,” The Rev. Bill Smyth (left), Priest-in-Charge, stated. The congregation is home to the Knit Night Nuts on Tuesday evenings and the Alligator String Band on Wednesday evenings. (contributed photo)