Father Carlton Kelley has accepted the position of rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

A “Celebration of New Ministry” takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the church, 306 Courtland St.

In addition to having served churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Indiana, Fr. Kelley is also a health care professional.

He served most recently as a mental health and addictions nurse at the state hospital in Richmond, Ind., east of Indianapolis on the Ohio border.

Fr. Kelley studied piano at the Peabody Conservatory, earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Maryland and a master of divinity degree from the General Theological Seminary in New York City.

He and his partner, Don Ryno, a retired church musician, make their home in Dowagiac. Fr. Kelley’s first Sunday was Oct. 7.

Born in Florida, this is his first time in Michigan — “a beautiful part of the world.”

He is the first permanent rector since Fr. Rick Swanson moved to Vermont.

Retired Fr. Robert Smith and others pastored during the interim.

 

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church offers a prayer service, scripture readings and hymns on Election Day, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m.

Fr. Carlton Kelley of St. Paul’s will officiate and Fr. Kevin Covert of Holy Maternity of Mary Roman Catholic Church will preach.

This worship service is offered to emphasize unity in faith rather than the division partisan politics often causes.

Everyone is invited to attend.