Our Staff

John A Baldwin, Rector

A graduate of Oberlin College and the Episcopal Divinity School, John was ordained to the priesthood in 1978.   John served parishes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, Minnesota before coming to Emmanuel as Rector in September 1997. John and his wife, Ann Scherm Baldwin, have two grown daughters Sarah and Ashley.

Howard Purvis, Associate Rector

Howard came to Emmanuel after graduating from Virginia Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood at Emmanuel. Howard's vocational journey includes 19 years as a Baptist minister and as a truant officer in the Norfolk school system. He is married to a life-long Episcopalian, Delores Purvis, who gracefully encouraged Howard to join this branch of Christ's family.

Marguerite Alley, Deacon

When not preaching, teaching the youth at Emmanuel , or working with AIDS ministry, Marguerite is an orchestra teacher for the Virginia Beach City public schools. She also plays cello in the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra. Marguerite grew up in the Richmond area, and has served as the Director of Christian Education at All Saint's, Virginia Beach. She pursued her diaconal studies at Duke University.

Robert Sullivan, Director of Music

Bob has been Emmanuel's Director of Music since 1979. He is a graduate of East Carolina University. If it has notes on it, Bob does it. Besides keyboards, choirs, handbells, he does concerts, Shrine Mont Conference, and lots of other Diocesan events.

Mary Lou Crifasi, Coordinator of Christian Education

Mary Lou coordinates the education programs for children through adults. She supports the Christian Education Commission in its mission to all parishioners including Sunday School, VBS, youth ministry, EFM and adult Bible study. Mary Lou is a graduate of the University of Delaware and attended the Lay School of Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary. She represents the diocese on the Province III Christian Education Commission and is a provincial representative on ECCE (Episcopal Council for Christian Education.)

Donna Kanode, Director of Administration

A native of the Tidewater area, she attended Longwood College.   Donna monitors the administrative affairs of our church and provides staff support for both the pastoral and financial affairs of the church. She sees that all communications are published and that telephone inquiries receive the proper response. She is the editor of The Epistle which is our weekly newsletter.

Gale Nicholson, Director of Finance

Gale co-ordinates all of the business/financial/budget concerns of the parish. She provides the Vestry with essential reports on our financial condition which are published monthly and posted on the Vestry bulletin board. Gale graduated from East Carolina University and received her MBA from Virginia Tech.

Sarah Singer, Director of the Day School

Sarah directs a staff of 9 teachers and aids. She also works on curriculum development, public relations, organization of field trips, continuing education, salary negotiations and all that a Day School needs for its soul's health. Sarah is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

Mike Lee , Church Sexton

Mike makes sure that all of our church campus is clean, attractive, secure and appropriately prepared for its many activities and functions. He is grateful for all those who put their coffee cups in the dishwasher. He likes cleaning products that smell good!