[Episcopal News Service] The Very Rev. Raymond Joe Waldon, Jr. was installed and seated Nov. 14 as dean and rector of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Mark in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He most recently served at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Talladega, Alabama. Waldon also led rebuilding efforts in Alabama after the devastating tornado of this past spring, according to a press release.

While serving as rector of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Pensacola, Florida, he assisted with rebuilding efforts in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. After Hurricane Ivan he opened the doors of the parish to house a local Lutheran congregation whose church building was severely damaged.

In his 16-year career, Waldon has served on various diocesan committees and represented the bishop during companion efforts for the Diocese of Western Louisiana in the Dominican Republic. He has also worked for various bishops in church growth and parish intervention. Prior to ordination he was a successful radio and television broadcaster.

“The cathedral will continue to be an open and inclusive place for all who wish to find comfort and solace in the risen Christ,” Waldon said during his first service at the cathedral, according to the release.

He succeeds the Very Rev. Rick Q. Lawson, who retired in 2010. In addition to Lawson, Jack Potter and Bill Maxwell, two other dean emeriti, were present at the installation. The Rev. Cliff Rucker, of Port Neches, Texas, preached and Bishop Scott Hayashi of the Diocese of Utah was the celebrant.