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OIMC HOLDS SPECIAL SERVICE TO HONOR BISHOP BRUCE AND KAREN BLAKE
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“I have learned so much more from OIMC than I have given,” Bishop Bruce Blake said at the closing of the retirement celebration held on the final night of the Annual Conference Session of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. The Conference began June 10 and concluded June 13.
Bishop and Karen Blake were honored with many, many gifts from local churches, groups, families and individuals during the celebration of their eight years of ministry in OIMC.
“Karen and I would not be in Oklahoma had it not been for Thomas Roughface,” Bishop Blake said. “I know that Indian people don’t say goodbye, bur rather, see you later.” he added.
One of the highlights for the Blake family was the gift of the Roughface family to Karen Blake. Karen was presented with Ponca Tribal clothing, a dance shawl and fan and beaded items to complete the regalia that women wear at tribal dances, said Rev. David Wilson, Conference Superintendent. Members of the Roughface family dressed Karen in the regalia and presented her to the Conference as she received a standing ovation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Rev. Wilson said that Karen Blake reminds the Roughface family of their mother in the way that she silently supported her husband behind the scenes. Rev. Wilson said the Roughface family knows that Karen plays an important life in the role of her husband and that she wholeheartedly supports him in his ministry.
After the presentation of the tribal dress, Bishop Blake said that the gift to Karen was the most appropriate response to his ministry. “Had it not been for Karen, I would not be where I am today,” he said.
The Blakes received several Pendleton blankets, shawls, homemade quilts, jewelry, a cedar chest and many other items. The Episcopal Committee presented Bishop Blake with a bronzed sculpture of an Eagle Feather, made by Janice Albro of New Hope UMC. The feather represents the highest honor anyone can receive, the plaque read.
Rev. Wilson and the Roughface family also presented Bishop Blake with the beaded staff that he has used for the past several conferences, given to his service by the late Rev. Thomas Roughface. The family added four Eagle feathers to the staff which completed the staff, said Rev. David Wilson.
“Tom was planning on completing the staff with the Eagle Feathers to present to Bishop Blake before he left,” Wilson said. “I knew I needed to complete it on his behalf.”