By The Rev. Michelle S. Dayton
Superintending Presbyter, Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission
Rector, St. Katharine’s Episcopal Church, Martin
The stole that was presented to me at my installation as Superintending Presbyter of the Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission has quite a story. I spoke with Miriam West, the wife of the late Rev. Craig West, and these details come from her.
Father Craig West was on the Pine Ridge for eight years, beginning in 2007, and was then in Mni Sose for two years just before retiring. The beaded stole was presented to him after he had served on the Pine Ridge for two years, and Father David Hussey wore it at Mni Sose, and then when he retired, he brought it to Diocesan Offices so it could return to the Pine Ridge.
Miriam said that one Sunday when Father West was wearing the stole at Gethsemane, Wanblee, two of the grandmas were transfixed by it. After the service, one said that she remembered when it was made. She was about 8 years old, and she recalled every bead being prayed over during the beading. The stole was originally made for Father Clyde Estes, and then after Father Clyde retired, Father Lyle Noisy Hawk kept it in his basement for eight years. Once Father West came, Father Lyle had it repaired with new leather, and presented it to him.
I am bowed by the combined weight of this history, the weight of the leather, and the weight of the prayer-infused beads. I am deeply honored to be a steward of this beautiful art here on the Pine Ridge. (Also, the bells mean that I can always be found.)