Grace-St. Luke's Calls New Rector, The Rev. Richard Lawson

On Tuesday night, May 25, 2010, the Vestry of Grace-St. Luke's called the Rev. Richard Lawson to be our next Rector. Lawson is currently at St. John's Episcopal Church in Decatur, Alabama, where he has served as Rector since 2004. Senior Warden Patrick Burnett spoke with Richard immediately after the vote, and he has accepted our call.

The Search Committee has worked extremely hard for 14 months to identify the candidate that best fits the needs of our community. Lawson is energetic, passionate about the Episcopal Church and its liturgy, and has strong managerial skills. Though smaller than Grace-St. Luke's, his church has an exceptionally strong programmatic offering of classes, retreats, bible studies, breakfasts, outreach, occasions for fellowship and opportunities for prayer in community. He loves to teach Sunday school and Bible Study, and he has been very active with youth in both his parish and the Diocese. He is loved by his current parishioners across the age spectrum, and is respected and admired by wardens, colleagues, and Alabama's Diocesan staff.

Richard, his wife Katherine, and their children Evans (8) and Adaline (9) will be joining us soon.

Read a letter to the parish from Richard here.