The Rev. Tommy Dillon, Interim Rector
The Rev. Tommy Dillon serves as Interim Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie.
Tommy came to Christ Church in August 2026 after ten years as Rector of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Before that, he served for nearly ten years as Rector of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco and as Rector of Grace Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Throughout his ministry, Tommy has been passionate about building churches that are joyful, welcoming, deeply rooted in the Episcopal tradition, and actively engaged in the communities around them.
He believes the Church is at its best when there is room for everyone — longtime Episcopalians, people walking through the doors for the first time, and those who may have wondered whether there was still a place for them in the Church.
Tommy loves preaching, liturgy, pastoral care, community organizing, and finding creative ways for the Church to connect with the wider community. He is especially passionate about the Church’s ministry with people who have too often felt excluded or forgotten.
As Interim Rector, Tommy is helping Christ Church celebrate its rich history while listening together for where God may be calling the parish next.
Originally from the South, Tommy brings with him a love of good food, good stories, laughter, and the belief that church ought to have some joy in it. When he is not at Christ Church, you may find him exploring the Hudson Valley, discovering a new restaurant, traveling, or spending time with friends.
Most of all, Tommy wants people to know that there is a place for them at Christ Church.
Tommy can be reached via email at
Come as you are. There is room for you here.
Rev. John Kater,
Rector Emeritus
John first came to Christ Church as Assistant Minister in 1966, soon after being ordained. He left to attend McGill University in Montreal, receiving his PhD in 1973. John was called to return to Christ Church as Rector in 1974, a position he held for ten years.
Since that time he has had many places to call “home” while serving in ministry and as a teacher: in Poughkeepsie where he was Rector of Christ Church (1974-1984) and taught at Marist and Vassar Colleges; in Sorel and Montreal, Quebec; the Diocese of Panama; Berkeley, CA (Church Divinity School of the Pacific) when he also served parishes in 3 California towns; also as Visiting Lecturer in seminaries and colleges in Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and in Hong Kong (currently and since 2010) as Associate Professor at Ming Hua Theological College.
During his decade as Rector of Christ Church, John Kater’s leadership focused on finding solutions for social problems in Poughkeepsie with interfaith initiatives shared among 5 downtown churches; on political turmoil in South America; and writing on polarization over issues of faith, politics, and ethics within and among churches. On an evening in May 1982, the disaster of a suspicious fire totally destroyed the Parish House, Christ Church’s education building housing St. George’s School, the Summer Program, and several other activities and services. This tragedy set the parish on a challenging course of reconstruction and reorganization of facilities and service to the community, which continued to grow in response to many needs – a situation that continues as our focus today.
During his decade as Rector of Christ Church, John Kater’s leadership focused on finding solutions for social problems in Poughkeepsie with interfaith initiatives shared among 5 downtown churches; on political turmoil in South America; and writing on polarization over issues of faith, politics, and ethics within and among churches. On an evening in May 1982, the disaster of a suspicious fire totally destroyed the Parish House, Christ Church’s education building housing St. George’s School, the Summer Program, and several other activities and services. This tragedy set the parish on a challenging course of reconstruction and reorganization of facilities and service to the community, which continued to grow in response to many needs – a situation that continues as our focus today.
James Fitzwilliam
Organist and Choir Director
James M. Fitzwilliam is a Hudson Valley pianist, organist and composer. He has served as Organist at Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie since 2017. As a keyboard performer, he regularly appears with the choirs of Bard and Vassar Colleges; with Cappella Festiva, Kairos and the Hudson Valley Bach Festival.
As a composer, he has had works performed, commissioned and/or recorded by Christ Episcopal Church, Vassar and Bard Colleges, Cappella Festiva, Kairos and most recently by the Hudson Valley American Guild of Organists and the Bruderhof Community. A native of Plattsburgh, NY and educated at the Eastman School of Music (BM ’85 MM ’88), he has two adult children and lives in the wilds of Northern Dutchess County with his wife Julie. Visit him on the web at http://fourpawsmusic.com