Christ Episcopal Church - Clergy & Staff

Clergy & Staff

Christ_Episcopal_Church_Poughkeepsie_Wm_Blake_Rider

The Rev. Wm. Blake Rider, Rector

845-452-8220

Fr. Blake became the 26th Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in June of 2006. He came to Poughkeepsie from Houston, Texas, where he had served on the staff of Christ Church Cathedral following his graduation from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2004 and subsequent ordination to the priesthood. Prior to responding to a call to the priesthood, Blake worked in the oil & gas industry for 20 years. He lived in Karachi, Pakistan in 1986-87, and in Tunis, Tunisia from 1994 until 1998.

Fr. Blake is a native of Oklahoma and a member of the Cherokee Nation. His undergraduate studies were in History & Business Administration at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was while he was a student at ORU that he was confirmed in the Episcopal Church - thanks in large part to music ministry and the Brotherhood of St. Andrews at St. John's Episcopal Church. His faith as an adult grew and matured in Houston, largely in lay ministry at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

As a result of participation in St. Stephen's ministry to individuals living with AIDS, Blake helped found, organize, and manage Milam House, the first group residence for people living with AIDS. He also was involved in the organization and development of the Houston Scottish Rite Dyslexia Training Center.

His ministry in the Episcopal Church outside the bounds of the parish include serving as Dean of the Southern Dutchess Clericus, and as a member of the Diocese of New York's LGBT Concerns Committee. In 2006 Fr. Blake was the recipient of the John Hines Preaching Award, given annually to the outstanding preaching entry “where prophetic voice is central within the sermon.”

Dr. Laura Ramsey Russell, Music Director

music@christchurchpok.org

845-452-8220

Dr. Laura Ramsey Russell was named Choir Director in September 2001 and became both Organist and Choir Director in June 2007. Laura holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the Hartt School, and a Masters of Fine Arts degree from SUNY Purchase. She has taught music at Marist College and Dutchess Community College in the Hudson Valley, and at the music conservatories of SUNY Purchase and the Hartt School.

Musical Outreach:

Con Brio Music Series - In 2007 Laura started the Con Brio music series at Christ Church. The series presents a variety of musical events to the parish and to the larger community.

BachFest - She also is co-founder and musical conductor of the Hudson Valley BachFest which has presented a weekend festival of the works of J.S. Bach at Christ Church every summer since 2000.

Sacred Bridge Interfaith Choir - Laura is co-director of an interfaith Jewish-Christian Choir that formed shortly after September 11th. The choir sings works with musical texts that stress peace, community, and our common humanity.

Rob Brown, Assistant Organist

Rob was born and raised in England and has lived in Poughkeepsie since 1983. He and his wife Diana have two children and have been members of Christ Church for many years. Rob is a Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at Vassar College and a substitute organist at many local churches. In 2007 he earned the Service Playing Certificate of the American Guild of Organists under the tutelage of John Sullivan.

He particularly enjoys playing at Christ Church and looks forward to a long and productive collaboration with Laura Russell as Assistant Organist