The Ordination to the Priesthood of the Rev Graveney Gilmore Bannister has marked another challenging chapter both in the life of this Barbadian-born professional and in the history of the Anglican Diocese of Bermuda.Having distinguished himself as a member of the Bermuda Bar, serving among other things as a Magistrate and more recently as a high profile criminal defence lawyer, his transitioning to probably a higher order as a Man of the Cloth, took place at St Mary’s Church, Warwick on Sunday June 26 with all of the piety, pomp, ceremony and dignity for which the Anglican Church is famous for on special occasions.Significantly, June 26 was Rev Graveney’s birthday. His ordination by the Lord Bishop of Bermuda, Rt Rev Dr Patrick GH White, to the Holy Order of Priests attracted a big congregation from near and far, from Pond Hill to Langton Hill, including Governor Sir Richard Gozney and a delegation of distinguished priests, family and friends from Bridgetown, Barbados.Also attending were politicians from across the spectrum, judges, lawyers and the Bermuda Police Service. Graveney was recruited to Bermuda for the police service. He was stationed at first in Somerset, took Deeanda, one of the talented and attractive ladies of that parish, as his wife, and went off the Codrington College.He was ordained in January of last year at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in a similarly moving ceremony. And though trained for the full-time ministry, he has been ordained as a non-stipendiary priest, serving without a charge or a stipend. the Rector of St. Mary’s is Archdeacon, the Ven. Andrew Doughty.Rev. Graveney said he looks forward to his future in the church and full-time ministry. In the meantime he currently serves at St Mary’s without a stipend and hence retains his day job as an advocate.Canon Noel Burke of St David’s was invited to preach the sermon at the ordination and consecration. He noted there are two interesting features to the society and culture of Bermuda. Firstly, it is a British overseas territory and secondly the Diocese of Bermuda is an extra-provincial diocese of the Anglican Communion under the direct jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury.In his sermon, Canon Burke told the congregation it was his duty to remind them that it was Yahweh who had brought them to the celebration at St. Mary’s. He added: “It was He who was calling the new priest to use his talents, and the tools of theological reflection obtained at Codrington College to lead God’s people.”Among the many guests from oversees were Canon Burke’s wife; Canon Gregstom, Rector of St. George’s Parish Church; D. Ian Rock, Principal of Codrington College; Mr. and Mrs. Joel Bannister, cousins and members of St. James Parish Church in Barbados.A reception took place after the service in the church hall.