2019 Board Nominee: Stephen Rowe

Stephen L. Rowe, Sr.

St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Douglassville, Pennsylvania

Click here to watch Stephen's 3 minute interview on VergerTV

My name is Stephen L. Rowe Sr. For over the past twenty years, I have been a member of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Douglassville, PA. My wife and I together have eight children, one daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. As the son of an Episcopal priest, I grew up in a rectory across the driveway from the church. I retired from a municipal Police Department in PA after twenty-six years of service. I am now a Computer and Cell Phone Forensic examiner for a District Attorney's Office. I have served as the Secretary of Union Lodge No. 479 Free and Accepted Masons, since 2012. While a member of St. Gabriel’s, I have served as an Usher, Greeter, Chalice Bearer, Reader, Intercessor, Crucifer, and am a member of the Altar Guild. I have been scheduling the Lay Ministry duties, for the two Sunday morning services, since 2007 and I am in charge of the Acolytes and Crucifers. I have also served on the Vestry where I held the positions of the Junior Warden and Senior Warden. In 2009, my mentor, the Rev. Canon Calvin C Adams, installed me as the Verger of St. Gabriel’s and I have served in that capacity since that time. I believe my ministry, as the Verger, is to provide the clergy the freedom to concentrate on administering the Word and Sacraments, and not to be overly concerned with the logistics of the service. I believe I would make an effective member of the VGEC Board based on my experience at St. Gabriel’s in the various positions and roles, supplemented by my work as the Secretary in my Lodge. Also, I have recently agreed to assume the manager’s position for the Vergers Guild Shop. In addition to this, I have volunteered with Little League, BSA and with the High School Music Booster Club. I believe participating as a VGEC Board member is a great next step in my ministry journey.