Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida
The Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida (CFL Assembly) is affiliated with the Diocese of Central Florida, and it is comprised of five Deaneries: Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast and Southwest. Our chapters span 15 counties throughout Central Florida – from Crystal River, Ocala and Ormond Beach to the north down to Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Lake Placid to the south, including Metropolitan Orlando, the Atlantic beaches, and the Space Coast.
There are 68 Chapters in The Assembly with a total membership, including Daughters at Large and Junior Daughters, of more than 1,000 members.
The Bishop's Cross
The 2023-2024 Bishop’s Cross recipient is Nancy Kelly from the St. Michael the Archangel Chapter, St. Augustine, in Vero Beach.
The drawing for the Bishop’s Cross began in 1937. Katherine Travers of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Daytona Beach donated a gold cross and designated it to be worn by a member who is faithful in carrying out the purpose of The Order and whose life upholds the Cross. Shortly after the Diocese of South Florida split, the Bishop’s Cross was lost. Bishop Hargraves decided that it should be replaced so the tradition could continue.
Under the leadership of Lorraine Renfroe, Diocesan President of the Daughters of the King at that time, a new cross was made from silver gleaned from jewelry donated by Senior Daughters. The same silver cross is used today. Years later the original gold cross was found at the Bishop Gray Inn and returned to the Diocese. The gold Bishop’s Cross is now worn by the Central Florida Diocesan President during her term of office.
Prior to each Fall Assembly, all chapters submit one member’s name for consideration of wearing the Bishop’s Cross. At the Fall Assembly one name is drawn and the Daughter who is selected by the Holy Spirit wears the cross for one year. At the next Fall Assembly, she shares her experiences about wearing the cross and how it has influenced her life or that of her chapter.
The Bishop’s Cross is not a reward. It is to be worn with humility and thankfulness that God is doing great work in her life as well as in her chapter and parish. Wearing of the Cross gives one a greater dependence on God’s spirit. This Order was guided into existence by God’s Spirit and this method helps us keep our eyes on Him and on His work.