When the Rev. J. Russell Kendrick is consecrated as the fourth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast today in Mobile, Andalusia will be represented in a special way.

Not only will there be a number of local Episcopalians participating in the ceremony, but the work of local artist Larry Strickland will be used.

Strickland carved the crosier – the hooked staff carried as a symbol of pastoral office – Kendrick will use.

Strickland has carved a number of pieces for St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, including a huge crucifix, a Madonna, and the Stations of the Cross. While touring the diocese before he was tapped to become the next bishop, Kendrick took note of them.

Later, he asked Strickland to carve the crosier.

Strickland said he had access to the walnut used in St. Mary’s Stations, which originally grew near where St. Mary’s altar now stands.

Strickland said Kendrick had ideas of the images he wanted included on the crosier. There is a dove, an anchor, “peace” in Hebrew, and an inlaid cross.

The cross was carved from driftwood found at Camp Beckwith, the Episcopal camp on Weeks Bay in Baldwin County.

Kendrick was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast in February. Prior to his election, he was the rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Birmingham, a position he has held since 2007.

He is a native of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast includes southern Alabama and the panhandle of Florida, 63 worshipping communities, and approximately 20,000 members.