Celebration of new rector at St. David's June 16, 7 p.m.

Katie Hover, senior warden of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Friday Harbor, announced Thursday that The Rev. Douglas Simonsen has been elected by the vestry of the church to be its third rector.

The Right Rev. Gregory H. Rickel, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, will join the congregation of St. David’s at 7 p.m. on June 16, for a Celebration of New Ministry. The service is open to the public and will include local and regional clergy from the Episcopal Church as well as clergy and representatives of other local churches and faiths. A reception will follow the service.

Father Simonsen first came to St. David’s in fall 2008 as priest-in-charge, to serve until a new rector was called. Prior to serving at St. David’s, he had been part of a clergy team supporting a cluster of five Episcopal and Lutheran churches in Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley. He has also served churches in the Yakima Valley, Lynnwood and on Bainbridge Island.

For the present time, Father Simonsen will continue to live on San Juan Island and serve the church four days each week. He and his wife, Cindy, will also maintain a residence in Anacortes, where she is director of learning and instruction for the Anacortes School District.

St. David’s Episcopal Church is located at the corner of Park Street and Marguerite Place. For more information about the Celebration of New Ministry, call 378-5360.

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