Five men were ordained as priests in the Charismatic Episcopal Church at The Cathedral of Christ the King, Sharpsburg, on Christ the King Sunday just prior to Thanksgiving. All five had served as deacons for several years.
Father Paul Harold Dickinson, Sharpsburg, holds a bachelor of science in physics from San Diego State University (Calif.) and a master of ministry from St. Michael’s Seminary, San Clemente, Calif. He has served in the aerospace and defense industry and worked at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. He is certified in TRW Project Management and as a laser safety officer. He was ordained a deacon in 2014.
Father James Franklin Gardner, Tyrone, holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology from Southern Technical Institute, Marietta, (now Kennesaw State University), and a master of ministry from St. Michael’s Seminary. He is a decorated combat veteran of the U. S. Army, having served in Vietnam. He was ordained a deacon in 2009.
Father James Anthony (Tony) McGee, Newnan, is a graduate of the Carroll Area Vocational Technical School. He is also a graduate of the Institute of Applied Evangelism and the Stephen Ministries program. He received additional training from the Berean School of the Bible, the Timothy Ministerial Training Program, and St. Michael’s Seminary. He is a chaplain for the Order of St. Luke the Physician. He is a Vietnam veteran of the U. S. Navy. He was ordained a deacon in 2002.
Father Philip Andrew Ellis, Tyrone, received his bachelor of science with honours in environmental science from Worcester College, Oxford. He received the master of science in environmental quality management and the doctor of philosophy in environmental law and management from De Montfort University. He also pursued postgraduate work in theological studies at Worcester College Oxford and received his master of divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside, Pa. He completed four units of clinical pastoral education under the auspices of the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy. He served as a curate in the Church of England and as a chaplain at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. He was ordained deacon in 2014.
Father Justin Dale Allen, Woodstock, is a certified leader/counselor of the Elijah House and Living Waters programs. He received training at the Chattahoochee Technical College and completed a certification course at Kennesaw State University. He received his ministerial training from St . Michael’s Seminary. He served with Home Ministries of Kennesaw, an organization specializing in family preservation by providing counselors and assistance to DEFACS and the Department of Juvenile Justice. He was ordained deacon in 2004.
The ordaining bishop was The Most Reverend W. David Epps, bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-South.
Newly ordained priests (L-R) Andrew Ellis, Tony McGee, Justin Allen, Paul Dickinson, and Jim Gardner, with David Epps, ordaining bishop. Photo/Special.
