West Virginia’s new Episcopal bishop to visit Parkersburg church

PARKERSBURG -- The new Bishop Co-Adjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia on May 15 will be at the Good Shepherd Church, known as the Pink Church at 903 Charles St.

The Right Rev. Matthew D. Cowden will be the guest celebrant and preacher at a joint service at 9:30 a.m. A reception with brunch with theme "Getting to Know You" will follow the service, providing an opportunity for church members and visitors to meet and greet the bishop.

The service will be live-streamed and is linked from Good Shepherd's website www.goodshepherdwv.org. The church expects many will attend in person.

Cowden will become diocesan bishop on Oct. 13 upon the retirement of the Right Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, bishop.

Before coming to West Virginia, Cowden was the rector of St. Michael and All Angels in South Bend, Ind.

With family roots in West Virginia, he was born and reared in northern Virginia. After an early career as a college theater professor, he received his master of divinity in 2006 at Virginia Theological Seminary. He has led rural and suburban congregations in developing a shared vision for implementing new ministry and serves on the executive council of the Episcopal Church.