Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, Rector
Dr. Schell-Lambert celebrated her 25
th anniversary as a priest. Originally from Pennsylvania, she is the former rector of St. Peter’s Episc
opal Church in Bennington, VT. She has extensive experience as a school chaplain. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Brown University in English Literature and Religious Studies with a minor in Music. She received her Master of Divinity from General Theological Seminary in New York, and her Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Studies from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA.
While in Bennington, she helped the Interfaith Council to raise the funds to open a health clinic to provide free health care. She feels that she’s done as much as she can in Bennington, and seeks an opportunity to grow. As to why she was drawn to Emmanuel, she stated the following in her initial letter to the Search Committee:
The description of Emmanuel as one with a big heart, open arms and warm, loving hands captivated me, and as I read further in your compelling Parish Profile I was struck by how resilient and honest you are. Thank you for such integrity and transparency .
I am drawn to Emmanuel by your deep and abiding commitment to outreach, not only to specific programs like Soup’s On, Lucy’s Hearth, your annual mission trips and your weekly Spanish classes, but also to your long term relationship to groups such as AA, and the CROP Walk. Your passion for wonderful music and your desire to be responsible stewards of your resources make you very attractive to me. I resonate with your desire to grow in a mutual way with your new Rector and to look to your spiritual leader for warmth and direction, wisdom and imagination, all the while building consensus and being transformed into where God is calling you in your ministry in Newport and the world. Emmanuel Church seems to be a highly organized church of the people on the move – how very inspiring!!
Allen Jon Hill, Director of Music - Organist
Allen started studying organ at age 16 and went on to study at the Hartt School, University of Hartford where he graduated with a Major in Liturgical Music and organ in 1971. His organ teachers included the late Peter Sliva, prior to college and I. Albert Russell and the late John C. Holtz, while at the Hartt School.
Before coming to Emmanuel, Allen served as music director & organist at St John's Lutheran Church, New Britain, CT, Zion Lutheran Church, Portland, CT, Faith Lutheran Church, East Hartford, CT, the Universalist Church of West Hartford, CT, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wallingford, CT, 2005 - 2008. He sang for 2 years as a section leader in the Choir Men and Boys at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, CT from 1991-1992 under Philip Isaacson, and in 2000 toured the U.K. with the Cathedral Choir under then Director, James Barry, singing at St Andrew's Cathedral, Aberdeen, Scotland, Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough, and Southwark Cathedral, London.
His interest in church music and pipe organs started in the early 1960's, growing up and practicing on an Austin pipe organ in his hometown church, Concordia Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT. While attending the Hartt School, his further interest in the care and maintenance of church pipe organs commenced when he helped G. Edgar Gress, of Gress~Miles Pipe Organs, install a new three manual, 37 rank pipe organ in the Hartt School Organ Studio at the University of Hartford. His senior recital was the first heard on that new organ during its dedication series, which included concerts by I. Albert Russell, Marie Claire Alain and the late, Robert Noerhen.
Next in 1972, he assisted in the installation of the 62 rank, Gress~Miles pipe organ at South Church in New Britain, CT., home of the renowned Music Series at South Church and the founding location of Connecticut Choral Artists, [CONCORA] by Artistic Director, Richard Coffey. At South Church, Allen served on the Music Series Steering Committee for five years and was committee Chair for three of those years.
His outside musical interests included membership from the fall of 2004 through 2007, in the renowned City Singers of Hartford, a 24 voice, semi-professional chamber chorus conducted by Artistic Director, Suzanne Gates. With CitySingers he was tenor section leader and sang solo in a variety of anthems, which included John Tavener's, Christmas anthem, 'Today the Virgin.' More of Allen’s biography may be read on his business web page: www.pipeorganconsulting.com/bio.html.
Ann McAree - Director of Emmanuel Day School
I am delighted and honored to be the director of the Emmanuel Day School. Working with young children is my passion!
Over the last eighteen years I have been involved in Early Childhood Education as a teacher and director. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Child Development/Early Childhood Education from the University of Rhode Island. It is my goal to promote a wonderful sense of self within each child, tapping into their interests and sparking their curiosity and imagination. Children have an innate desire to learn and ask questions about the world around them. I love their curiosity and it is my goal as an educator to provide a positive, creative learning environment that inspires this natural aspiration.In partnership with families, teachers, and the community I believe in promoting the development of the whole child: socially, physically, emotionally and cognitively—with play having a vital role, and with the class environment supporting good citizenship. Recognizing the importance of trusting, successfully established relationships with children and their parents, I have learned the value of being a team player and the importance of working cooperatively with colleagues and parents to provide the best education possible for our students. Together, we can give them the most valuable lesson of all: the lifelong love of learning!
Kirby Lee- Parish Administrator
Kirby is originally from Portsmouth, Rhode Island. She graduated from Portsmouth High School in 2005. Kirby then went on to study history and secondary education at Roger Williams University. In addition to her job as parish administrator at Emmanuel Church, she is currently studying for her Master of Library and Information Studies degree at the University of Rhode Island.
Kirby’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM- 12 Noon.
Jim Perry
-
Sexton
Jim Perry was born and raised in Johnston, RI. Jim and his wife have lived in Portsmouth for 15 years. Jim comes to us with a wealth of experience, having done many things as diverse as selling cars and his latest professional work as a painter. He is a skilled workman, a hard worker and has already made a difference in the appearance and function of our building and grounds. More than these important things, Jim has a wonderful sense of humor, a big smile and a friendly manner. We enjoy his presence on our staff and have come to respect and to rely on his good judgment and willing, helpful ways. He sees what needs to be done and he does it.
We are grateful to have Jim with us. He is typically at Emmanuel on weekday mornings, but is present at other times when needed. An avowed Yankee fan, he works well with our Senior Warden! Jim and his wife have grown children and grandchildren and when not working with us or on painting projects, you may find him on the golf course. Jim loves golf! Much of his work takes place behind the scenes and at times when many of us are not here, so we hope you will find a time to meet him and say hello.
Josephine Sleeper - Housekeeping
