Hatch, Match, and Dispatch: The Life and Times of The Almost Reverend William Billow [Paperback]

Being a priest is likened to being a shepherd. People do, from time to time, need a poke here or a prod there. But mostly, they need to know someone is watching out for them. Rev. William Billow has been that gentle guiding hand for multiple communities across the nation, but he is best known for his services in Washington, DC, from St. Albans School to Washington Cathedral. He practices “the ministry of presence,” witnessing and overseeing the baptisms, weddings, and funerals of the members of his flocks. As he moves from community to community, his story does not fail to enlighten and inspire.The Rev. Will Billow received his BA in 1975 from the University of Washington, and his MDiv in 1979 from Virginia Theological Seminary. An ordained Episcopal Priest, he has served in parishes in Illinois, Maryland, Maine, and Washington, D.C. before becoming Chaplain and Chair of the Religion Department at St. Albans School, The National Cathedral School for Boys. Now retired, he criss-crosses the world officiating at weddings, baptisms and funerals for his former parishioners, students, and their families. Will grew up in Inverness, IL.“Rev. Billow’s voice is a perfect combination of Father Tim Kavanaugh (from the Mitford Series) and Larry David.”Will Billow is sui generis--a storytelling, sometimes profane, belly-laughing, even (at times) saintly priest who has guided and saved the lives of generations. Enjoy the read.In this book we get more than a chronicling of a great man and minister of God; we get a vivid portrayal of someone who was at home with both homeless people and the movers and shakers of Washington DC, someone who let God work through him.Just as Will Billow brightens every room he enters, his book will brighten the outlook of everyone who picks it up. From the stories of family, friends and faith emerge a joy in living that is simply contagious. If you want to learn some of the secrets of a life lived to the fullest, you'lllӅ