Our Priest: The Reverend Phoebe A. Roaf

After several months of a continued search process by a dedicated and determined Committee, the church’s vestry called The Reverend Phoebe A. Roaf to be the 22nd rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Mother Roaf, currently Associate Rector of Trinity Episcopal in New Orleans, LA accepted this call and will begin her ministry at St. Philip’s August 7, 2011.

In her words, “she is extremely excited about the prospect of working with and building upon St. Philip’s legacy in the greater Richmond Metropolitan area. “ Mother Roaf, a 4th generation Episcopalian has deep roots in Virginia and coming to Richmond will be like coming home.

St. Philip’s legacy will surely be enhanced and strengthened by Rev. Roaf who has successfully accepted challenges throughout her life. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA in 2008. She received a Juris Doctorate in 1998 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Ark. Further studies include a Masters in Public Affairs from Princeton University in 1989 and a Bachelor of Arts in United States history from Harvard College in 1986.

The introduction of our new rector coincides with St. Philip’s celebration of Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary. Founded in 1861, St. Philip’s is the 6th oldest African American Episcopal Church. We pray that with Mother Roaf’s leadership, St. Philip’s will continue to grow in Christ’s love and spirit.