A small section of Rock Point Road is set to be renamed Mary Adelia Way in honor of Bishop Mary Adelia McLeod, 9th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont and first female diocesan Bishop in the Episcopal Church.
“The Trustees of the Diocese of Vermont are very proud to announce the renaming of a portion of the Rock Point road system after Bishop Mary Adelia,” said David Bullock, president of the Trustees. “She was the first woman in the nation, and the second in the world, to hold the office of diocesan bishop.”
The decision to rename a section of the road came first out of necessity. A safety review of the Rock Point property indicated renaming a section of Rock Point Road near the Bishop’s residence would help first responders to better locate emergency incidents on Rock Point. Seeing this necessity as an opportunity, Bishop Shannon approached the Trustees of the Diocese and suggested renaming the road in honor of Bishop Mary Adelia.
After some discussion, the Trustees settled on Mary Adelia Way. The vote to approve the change was unanimous.
“It was a natural opportunity,” said Bishop Shannon. “Bishop McLeod was an important leader in this diocese and the wider Episcopal Church. I am thrilled that a piece of Rock Point will now bear her name.”
Bishop Mary Adelia’s family issued a statement that noted, “Our family is deeply touched by this honor and thanks Bishop MacVean-Brown and the Trustees for this decision.”
