Bishop Susan Goff of the Diocese of Virginia has appointed the Rev. W. Earl Mullins as our Interim Rector effective Monday, September 9. The Vestry and Wardens are excited to welcome Fr. Earl to St. James' Leesburg!
He will celebrate his first service with us on Wednesday, September 11, at our noon Eucharist and will celebrate his first Sunday with us on September 15.
Fr. Earl comes to us with 45 years of experience leading large historic parishes in many roles, including rector and pastoral care leader. He has also served as a pastoral psychotherapist in private practice and as Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Care at Virginia Theological Seminary. Most recently, he has served in the Diocese of Maryland as Interim Rector at Christ Church in Columbia, Maryland, and at All Saints' in Frederick, Maryland.
Fr. Earl sees himself as a spiritual guide grounded in the Episcopal tradition, who helps discover the many ways the Holy Spirit can move in the lives of God's people, and as a preacher and teacher who strives to bring Biblical truths to bear on life situations and to nurture congregations through the Word proclaimed.
As Interim Rector, Fr. Earl will lead us in worship and in leading and invigorating our many ministries. He will also be our guide as we discern what God is calling us to be as a parish so we can call our next rector. This process has no set timetable but is expected to take 18 to 24 months.
Fr. Earl lives in Brunswick, Maryland, with his wife, Patti Snodgrass Borda Mullins; he will commute each day to Leesburg from there. He also has four children: Scott, Sophie, Tessa, and Virginia. For fun, Fr. Earl loves sailing, tennis, fly fishing, skiing, reading, travel, and fine arts, including theater and dance.
A special thanks to Ed Hatrick, Carolyn Briles, and Andy Durot for being the Interim Rector Search Committee for St. James'-this call is a crucial next step on our journey together as God's people.
Also, our deepest gratitude to Kay Gregg, the lay leaders and volunteers, and all who have worked and prayed so tirelessly to keep our church running and growing during this time between rectors.
Many places stand still or even slip backwards during such times. Not so with us-and for that, we say THANK YOU!
Please join us in welcoming Fr. Earl!
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