Photos: Whether Quiet or Rowdy, Animals were Blessed at St. James' in Upper Montclair

St. James's Episcopal Church in Upper Montclair hosted an eclectic congregation on Sunday as creatures great and small arrived for the annual Blessing of the Animals.

The time-honored tradition was resurrected at St. James about five years ago when The Rev. John Perris arrived at the church.

"It's wonderful to be able to honor the animals and acknowledge the special part they play in our lives," he said.