Emmanuel Church celebrates Rector’s 10th anniversary, All welcome

Wakefield, MA: Emmanuel Episcopal Church will celebrate its tenth anniversary with its Rector, the Rev. Dr. Matthew P. Cadwell, on Sunday, September 9. The day will begin with a service of Holy Eucharist at 9:00 a.m., with music provided by the Parish Choir under the direction of Michael Salvatore. A festive brunch will follow in the Hausrath Memorial Parish Hall, featuring the Mad Bavarian Brass Band. All are welcome to join in the celebration.

The Rev. Cadwell began ministry as the 20th Rector of Emmanuel Church in August 2008. In early September of this year he became the third-longest serving Rector in the church’s 148-year history, following the legendary tenures of the Rev. Stewart C. Harbinson (1926 to 1951) and the Rev. John V. Thorp (1951 to 1980). The parish has experienced significant developments over the past decade: extensive renovations to several parish properties, most notably to the church’s interior in 2011; 65 baptisms; new outreach ministries, including monthly Community Dinners in partnership with Horizon House; renewed educational programs for all ages; and an improving financial condition. In addition, Dr. Cadwell researched and wrote an extensive parish history titled God With Us: The Story of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Wakefield. It was published in 2016 thanks to generous donations by long-time parishioners. Copies are available.

Dr. Cadwell has been engaged in the wider community through the Wakefield Interfaith Clergy Association, which he has led for the past several years. He previously served on the Diocesan Council and Budget Committee of the Diocese of Massachusetts and currently is an elected member of the diocesan Standing Committee (the chief governing body and council of advice to the Bishop of Massachusetts). In 2017 he was appointed Dean of the Mystic Valley Deanery, comprised of 13 Episcopal parishes north of Boston.

In 2013 Dr. Cadwell completed a PhD in theology at St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. He has taught Anglican theology at Trinity College, University of Toronto, and this fall will begin teaching theology in the Deacon Formation Program of the Diocese of Massachusetts. Since 2014 he has served as Co-President of the Alumni/ae Executive Committee of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge. Prior to accepting Emmanuel’s call, Cadwell served as an associate priest in several parishes in the Diocese of Toronto in the Anglican Church of Canada. He was ordained in 2004 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Boston.

Reflecting on his tenure as Emmanuel Church’s Rector, the Rev. Cadwell said, “It has been an incomparable honor to serve this community for the past 10 years. We have grown and changed in countless ways. Too many beloved parishioners have died, while other families and individuals have joined us in the call of discipleship. During these years we have become a more inclusive parish, reflecting the rainbow dream of God, and we have found new ways to serve our wider community. Emmanuel was an amazing parish 10 years ago, and it continues to be amazing today. I give thanks daily for the call to serve God’s people here.”

Emmanuel Episcopal Church is located at 5 Bryant Street (corner of Main and Bryant Streets) adjacent to the Veterans’ Memorial Common. Individuals and families of all backgrounds are welcome. For more information, contact the church office at 781-245-1374 or consult the church’s website: www.emmanuelwakefield.org.