Meet our New Rector
Rev. Canon Stephen Holmgren
We are pleased and privileged to announce that the Rev. Canon Stephen C. Holmgren has accepted our call to be the new Rector of Grace Episcopal Church. Everyone who has met Stephen during the year-long search process has been struck with his extraordinary array of gifts: brilliant intellect, deep spirituality and pastoral warmth. The Vestry and Search Committee believe that he is the perfect choice to lead us into a richer understanding of our parish mission. We could not be more excited about his call.
At present, Father Holmgren serves as Rector of Grace Church of West Feliciana Parish in St. Francisville, Louisiana. He is also Canon Theologian in the Diocese of Louisiana, President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Louisiana, member of the General Examining Chaplains of the Episcopal Church and the author of Ethics after Easter, in the New ChurchÕs Teaching Series. Stephen was raised in Japan and Minnesota and received his BA/MA and D.Phil degrees from Oxford University in England. He has split his career between parish ministry and academe, having also served for eight years on the faculty at Nashotah House Episcopal seminary in Wisconsin.
Stephen's wife, Martha, is a teacher who is certified in both Early Childhood and Secondary English. They have been married for 27 years and have three grown sons: Per, Anders, and Hans. The family enjoys sailing, swimming and gardening. Father HolmgrenÕs father, Carl, is a resident of Raybrook Manor, here in Grand Rapids.
Finally, this happy announcement could not have been possible without countless hours of hard, prayerful work on the part of our Search Committee. Please take every opportunity to let them know how much we appreciate their efforts. And keep Stephen and Martha in your prayers as they make the transition to their new home.