Helene Remembrance Eucharist with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

Diocese of WNC
Oct 1
4 min read

Written by: Katie Knowles | Photography: Katie Knowles & McKayla Knowles

The Rev. Kelsey Davis, The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, The Venerable Brenda Gilbert, The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson, and The Rev. Dn. Michael Ashmore celebrate Eucharist.

On Saturday, September 27, the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina held a Helene Remembrance Eucharist at Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, North Carolina, with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe in attendance. The theme of the event was "Bearing Witness," which was the common thread throughout the worship service, in which all bore witness to both the grief and the hope that has been experienced this past year.

A year earlier, Western North Carolina was devastated by Tropical Storm Helene. More than one hundred lives were lost to severe flooding, along with countless homes and businesses. Entire towns and landscapes were forever changed.

On September 27, 2024, acres of Lake Logan’s campus were under water as the West Fork of the Pigeon River, which runs along the western edge of the main field, overflowed its banks. When the waters receded, acres of land and riverbank were gone, and the field was buried under hundreds of fallen trees, silt, sand, and boulders.

On September 27, 2025, more than 350 members from across the diocese journeyed to Lake Logan to gather for worship and remembrance on that same field, now restored with new grass. The gathering stood as a testament to the dedication of Lake Logan’s staff and their commitment to caring for creation and providing a place of healing and rest for all who enter.

A bluegrass band, made up of members from St. John’s and Church of the Redeemer in Asheville, offered music that honored Appalachian heritage.

Following the Prayers of the People, The Rev. Kelsey Davis, Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response; The Venerable Brenda Gilbert, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Western North Carolina; and Kerry Davis read aloud the names of all those lost to Helene in a prayer of remembrance.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe preached the homily, based on the account of "The Road to Emmaus" found in the Gospel of Luke. He encouraged, "You've been the hands and feet of Jesus. You provided housing support, household goods, food, medical expenses, relief, rental debt, home repairs, helping people return to work. What else? You have made a profound witness to the risen Christ in the world. In fact, if it's true, and I believe that it is with all my heart that the church is the risen body of Christ in the world, you have shown that forth. Thank you for doing that."

Bishop José McLoughlin followed with celebrating the Eucharist. In his own remarks, he shared, "Thank you for staying together. We are committed to continue to help all those in need. One of the reasons we decided to do this service out here is as a bold reminder that even in the midst of disaster, God's creation is still here and we are still committed to the work."

The four paten and chalice sets used for the Eucharist were crafted by Joan Kennedy, a parishioner of the Cathedral of All Souls who lost her home to the storm. One set each will be given to the Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, the Church of the Transfiguration in Bat Cave, and the Cathedral of All Souls.

The service was filled with both grief and joy. Members and clergy shed tears during the homily and during the reading of names. At the same time, children played in the field while bald eagles flew overhead.

Fourteen stations of witness were placed around the site — a pilgrimage of photos and stories collected from across our diocese. These 14 stations echo the sacred tradition of the Stations of the Cross, reminding all that bearing witness is a holy and courageous act. These stories reflect the many ways the community responded after the storm — from clearing trees and lighting candles, to churches serving meals daily, to congregations transforming into resource centers for their neighborhoods and schools. You may view all of these stories on our website.