St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church in Chappaqua Announces New Rector

From St. Mary The Virgin Church

The local Episcopal church welcomes its new rector, the Rev. Canon Alan Godfrey Dennis.

Rev. Dennis has served parishes in the Dioceses of Cape Town - South Africa, Toronto - Canada, Connecticut, New Mexico and New York during his 37 years of ordained ministry. Rev. Dennis has held various roles, including University Chaplain and Sub-Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Most recently, he was Interim Rector at St. John's in the Village, Manhattan. Widely traveled, he facilitated numerous workshops and retreats on issues of peace, reconciliation, justice, relationships, and liturgy within the church and in the interfaith community.

Rev. Dennis grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. He is blessed to have the privilege of a continued relationship with his mentor and beloved friend Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. With his wife, Jenny, Rev. Dennis had an eight-year term as the international clergy couple of Marriage Encounter for Africa.

"My theology and spirituality are both influenced by and expressed through recognizing and affirming all persons as created in the image of God. I celebrate a ministry of inclusion.” he wrote to the Parish. “As someone who has experienced the pain of racial discrimination, I am deeply committed to the healing of all who are oppressed and marginalized. I look forward to sharing the wonder of worship and my passionate hope for the church to be the leaven of the community, and a beacon of hope to the world.”

The community is invited to greet Father Alan, as he likes to be called, and his family at a "Welcome Picnic" on Sunday, Sept. 11 after the 10 a.m. service.

The Church School will kick off that day at 10 a.m. There are weekly classes for children ages 3-18 with traditional Bible classes for elementary school children, a Rite 13 program for middle-school kids, and the "Journey to Adulthood" program emphasizing community service for teens. Nursery care is provided for 10 a.m. services.

“I am pleased to see the active children's programs at St. Mary's and hope to be a companion, guide and leader to both youth and adults in the Parish,” he said.

St. Mary's welcomes people from all religious traditions, wherever they may be on their spiritual journey. For more information about SMTV visit www.smtv.org.

The Church is located next to Bell Middle School in Chappaqua. Any questions? Please contact Lisa Fitzgerald at 917-626-8864 or the Church School Director, Coleen MacGreevey at cml1229@aol.com or the Parish Office at 914-238-8751 or parish-office@smtv.org.

“Our search committee worked diligently to find a new rector with a wealth of experience,” said Mike Fenlon, Senior Warden. “With his warm personality and deep spirituality, Rev. Dennis will be an inspiring leader and will strengthen St. Mary’s worship and long tradition of service to others.”

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin was originally built as a private chapel in memory of Muriel Gwendolen Clendenin, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Frank Montrose and Mrs. Gabrielle Greeley Clendenin, daughter of Horace Greeley, on land that was part of the Greeley homestead.

The parish continues to be a Center for Progressive Christianity. Members are of all ages, and come from New Castle and other neighboring towns. Some come from other religious traditions, some are cradle Episcopalians, and some families are of mixed faith.