RIP the Rev Bill Richardson

Repost from Through the Dust.

A saint has died.

The Rev. William P. Richardson, 98, rector of St George's, New Orleans, from 1953-1976, died peacefully last night at 10:48 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. George’s on Monday, Oct. 8, at noon.

Among the gay community in the United States, Bill Richardson is honored as a hero.

On June 24, 1973, fire broke out in a gay bar, the Upstairs Lounge, at Iberville and Chartres in the Vieux Carré. The patrons were trapped behind barred doors and windows of the second-story lounge. Thirty-two died, and many others were injured.

Against the orders of his bishop, Bill held a burial service at St George's for the victims, their families, and their friends. No other member of the clergy in New Orleans dared to do this.

Bill was already out as a gay male. He was small in size, enormous in stature. Year after year, in diocesan convention, Wee Willie (as he was affectionately called) introduced resolutions and spoke out in support of gays and lesbians. The resolutions always failed. Bill never failed.

Rejoice in his long life of faithful service and in his peaceful departure. May we strive to follow his splendid example.