The Very Rev. Gary Barker

Gary was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Attending Roman Catholic, non-denominational, and United Methodist churches through the years, he finally discovered the Episcopal Church in college and knew he had discovered home with the liturgy, mindfulness, and openness. He has attended Occidental College (Los Angeles), Universitaet des Saarlandes (Germany), Tulane University (New Orleans), University of Virginia (go 'Hoos), Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria), and The General Seminary (New York City) - so you'd think he knows something about something at least. He has studied German, English and American Literature, vocal music, and the visual arts, in addition to his degree in Divinity, a certificate in Congregational Development, and Interim Ministry. Somewhere in there he also worked as a librarian at Tulane and UVA and got to sing in the Occidental Glee Club (long before Glee was cool), a jazz/Broadway vocal group called "Handful of Singers," and the chorus of the New Orleans opera. He was ordained a deacon in 1990 and a priest in 1991 in the Diocese of Virginia and has served churches in Harrisonburg (where he was also chaplain to students at James Madison University), Standardsville (near Charlottesville), and Smithfield (where your ham comes from). In addition to college ministry, he has focused on the ministry of education, Christian formation, and the spiritual growth in various diocesan and local ministries. In the recent past, he offered regular retreats in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and worked with smaller congregations for development and vision. He is a father to four wonderful sons. In his spare time (ha!), he writes poetry and short stories, gardens, enjoys nature, and paints. He is overjoyed to be serving God with the people of Kingston Parish in Mathews.