Staff and Leadership
Reverend Dr. Betsy Hess
Reverend. Dr. Betsy Hess
The Rev. Dr. Betsy Hess was ordained to the priesthood in June, 2018. She was trained in a diocesan program for those accepted into the ordination process, but for whom seminary was not the most appropriate or feasible means of training. She has lived in the Berlin, New Hampshire area since 2001, and feels particularly called to ministry in the North Country.
Prior to the ordination process she was a lay leader in the Dioceses of Western Massachusetts and New Hampshire; serving in both Dioceses on Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and as Deputy to General Convention. She has been active in social justice ministries. She was a trainer in anti-racism programs in New Hampshire. She has also been an advocate for full inclusion of LGBT persons in The Episcopal Church, and has served as the representative of Integrity to the Consultation, a collaborative committee of social justice ministries in The Episcopal Church. She has been an active chorister since age eight in many different parish choirs. She has also been involved in Sunday School teaching, confirmation preparation, Altar Guild, and serving as acolyte master.
She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has provided psychotherapy and psychological evaluations for many years, as well as supervision and teaching in continuing education programs for mental health practitioners. While this was a clear vocation, she gradually felt increasingly called to the priesthood as well. At this point she is bi-vocational, continuing an active practice in psychology as well as serving as Rector at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
She has been in a committed relationship with the Rev. Eleanor McLaughlin for over 25 years. They married the day after it became legal to do so in New Hampshire, with the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson officiating at the service. In her free time she enjoys art, science fiction, outdoor activities in the mountains, and all sorts of animals, especially a series of pet standard poodles, Irish water spaniels, and cats.
Prior to the ordination process she was a lay leader in the Dioceses of Western Massachusetts and New Hampshire; serving in both Dioceses on Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and as Deputy to General Convention. She has been active in social justice ministries. She was a trainer in anti-racism programs in New Hampshire. She has also been an advocate for full inclusion of LGBT persons in The Episcopal Church, and has served as the representative of Integrity to the Consultation, a collaborative committee of social justice ministries in The Episcopal Church. She has been an active chorister since age eight in many different parish choirs. She has also been involved in Sunday School teaching, confirmation preparation, Altar Guild, and serving as acolyte master.
She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has provided psychotherapy and psychological evaluations for many years, as well as supervision and teaching in continuing education programs for mental health practitioners. While this was a clear vocation, she gradually felt increasingly called to the priesthood as well. At this point she is bi-vocational, continuing an active practice in psychology as well as serving as Rector at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
She has been in a committed relationship with the Rev. Eleanor McLaughlin for over 25 years. They married the day after it became legal to do so in New Hampshire, with the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson officiating at the service. In her free time she enjoys art, science fiction, outdoor activities in the mountains, and all sorts of animals, especially a series of pet standard poodles, Irish water spaniels, and cats.
Dr. Susan Ferré, Organist and Director of Music
Dr. Susan Ferré
Susan Ferré currently lives with her husband, Charles Lang, in Berlin, near her mother's ancestral home of Gorham, NH, where she directs a non-profit organization, Music in the Great North Woods (www.musicgnw.org), bringing classical music to the North Country. She serves St. Barnabas Episcopal Church as Organist and Director of Music. She has maintained an active concert career, having performed widely in Europe, including three visits to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Scandinavia, Brazil, Canada, and throughout the United States. She has served the faculties of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA, Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology, University of North Texas and the University of Paris at Vincennes.
For more than twenty years Dr. Ferré directed the Texas Baroque Ensemble, directing performances of little known works, as well as the major ones, using early singing styles and original instruments. She holds degrees from Texas Christian University and the Eastman School of Music. A Fulbright Scholar, recipient of the Diplome d‚Orgue et Improvisation from the Schola Cantorum in Paris, as well as the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of North Texas, Susan Ferré was honored with a Distinguished Alumna award from that university in 2001.
Dr. Ferré's recordings include "Stories From the Human Village: War and Peace," recorded at the Episcopal School Dallas on an organ by Fritz Noack, which has received glowing critical reviews as well as a Gold GrIndie Award. A Gothic release entitled, "Preludes and Postludes for the year beginning 9/11" was recorded on the Paul Fritts organ at Pacific Lutheran University. In addition, an historic recording of works by Langlais recorded at Ste. Clotilde in Paris in 1969, entitled, "Hommage a Jean Langlais" has been reissued. Other recordings include Vierne at the Detroit AGO convention, a CD with the Turtle Creek Chorale at the Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas, as well as several live concerts from organ dedications. They can be accessed through her website: www.susanferre.org
For more than twenty years Dr. Ferré directed the Texas Baroque Ensemble, directing performances of little known works, as well as the major ones, using early singing styles and original instruments. She holds degrees from Texas Christian University and the Eastman School of Music. A Fulbright Scholar, recipient of the Diplome d‚Orgue et Improvisation from the Schola Cantorum in Paris, as well as the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of North Texas, Susan Ferré was honored with a Distinguished Alumna award from that university in 2001.
Dr. Ferré's recordings include "Stories From the Human Village: War and Peace," recorded at the Episcopal School Dallas on an organ by Fritz Noack, which has received glowing critical reviews as well as a Gold GrIndie Award. A Gothic release entitled, "Preludes and Postludes for the year beginning 9/11" was recorded on the Paul Fritts organ at Pacific Lutheran University. In addition, an historic recording of works by Langlais recorded at Ste. Clotilde in Paris in 1969, entitled, "Hommage a Jean Langlais" has been reissued. Other recordings include Vierne at the Detroit AGO convention, a CD with the Turtle Creek Chorale at the Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas, as well as several live concerts from organ dedications. They can be accessed through her website: www.susanferre.org
Church Leadership
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Senior Warden: Anne Kopp
Junior Warden: Yvonne Jenkins Treasurer: David Morin Secretary: Pamela Carrier |
Vestry:
Frank Jandreau Cindy Morin Guy Stever |
