Meet Fr. Rick Wilson

When I was 10 years old, I knew I wanted to grow up and be a preacher. I would often cover my music stand (I was learning to play the violin) with a blanket to transform it into a pulpit. Then I would open my Bible, read from it, and preach about what I had just read. Well times change and so did I. I left the fundamentalist Christian tradition in which I was raised to enter into another Christian tradition. (Changing denominations is not uncommon in the United States.) I became a priest in my new tradition and remained for 11 years after I was ordained (although I did take some time for a leave of absence).

But the one constant in the universe is change. After realizing that some considerable differences existed between my adopted Christian tradition and myself, I left that tradition. So how did I become a priest in the Episcopal Church? Well several years ago, a friend of mine invited me to an Easter Vigil at the Episcopal Church he had been a part of for many years. He was singing the Exsultet (an ancient Vigil hynm of the Christian Church). I attended and was overwhelmed by the beauty and spirit of the liturgy and realized it was time to come home. During that service, I truly realized something I have known for quite awhile but seem to have forgetten from time to time. I realized again: God is with us ALL and the Spirit of Christ remains our companion.

After awhile I began the procedure of being received into the priesthood of the Episcopal Church. I spoke with Bishop Smith, Episcopal Bishop of Arizona. A discernment committee was formed from the Episcopal parish where I had attended the Easter Vigil. Submission of necessary paperwork was sent to the Commission On Ministry. The process continued with the necessary trainings and mentorings. On the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle (December 21, 2007), I was received into the Episcopal Priesthood. Now, I am at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and am privileged to be Priest In Charge Under Special Circumstances to a incredibly welcoming and gracious congregation. To which I say, Deo gratias!

When I was 10, I did not realize that someday I would trade my KJV in for a BCP but I have! (And I am biased of course, but I think King James I of England would support the exchange, good Anglican that he was!)