The Rev. Bill Ellis of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist said he doesn’t know what to expect at the Oct. 22 service.

“It’s a big, formal service,” Ellis explained, “and I’ve never been to one.”

The main focus at the special service will be Ellis, the South Hill church’s new dean, who will be installed that morning as part of the diocesan convention.

Ellis began the job in mid-September after serving as rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bend, Ore., for 14 years.

A native of Portland, Ellis lived in Oregon most of his life.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and a Master of Divinity from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Calif.

Ellis began his ordained ministry as the curate at Emmanuel Church in Coos Bay, Ore., and the vicar of St. Mary’s in Gardiner.

After two years, he moved to Forest Grove, where he was the vicar of St. Bede’s before joining Trinity.

Ellis is 52 and is married with two daughters in their 20s.

He succeeds Mart Craft at St. John’s, who was at the church since 1964 and has retired.

He said one of his focuses will be to continue the growth of the church’s outreach program and its impact on Spokane and Spokane Valley.

As a new resident, he said, he plans to acquaint himself with various nonprofit organizations, find out their needs and report back to the church’s outreach program.

He also plans to continue building the church’s Christian education and music programs.

While in Bend, Ellis developed adult education programs, the expansion of pastoral care, new-member ministry and sought to increase the opportunities for fellowship within the church.

Ellis said his sermons generally start with a Bible lesson as he makes an effort to connect then and now.

“What does this passage we just read have to say to us today?” he finds himself asking his congregation.