7 Last Words of Christ Community Ecumenical Service

The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Applegate

Before St. Paul's the Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate was the Interim Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Toledo. A graduate of Hamilton College, he attended his 50th college reunion in June.

He is a cum laude graduate of The General Theological Seminary in New York City and earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Congregational Development from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. He received interim training through the Interim Ministry Network and is a member of that organization.

In addition to leading congregations, Stephen has served as both secretary and president of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of Southern Ohio and was the president of the Trustees of the Diocese, a team of five that oversaw over $100 million in investments.

Stephen is passionate about congregational life and finds joy in strengthening churches as they prepare to welcome their next rector. In his work, he is aided by his pastoral associate, Bernie, an 11-year-old black Labrador retriever. He and his wife, Terry, a retired first grade teacher, make their home in Granville, a small college town (Denison University) not far from Columbus, OH.

We are very pleased to have Stephen aboard our full-time Interim Rector.

The Rev. Brandon Ashcraft

Brandon grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of the South, Sewanee. He then moved to New York City where he worked for the next 15 years in media relations for Wall Street firms.

After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Brandon attended the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and then completed a year-long hospital chaplaincy residency in Minneapolis. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York in September 2019 and prior to joining St. Paul’s, he served as a Curate at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas.

The Rev. Gabriel Lawrence

My name is Gabriel Lawrence, and I am the priest for Liturgy and liaison to youth and children ministries. I am passionate about building community where all are welcomed, loved, and valued. I am thrilled to serve this community at St. Paul’s, where God’s love is sought after and shared with the world.

Originally from Nashville, I spent 15 years in the Diocese of Georgia before being called to St. Paul’s. I hold an MDiv from the University of the South, Sewanee, and a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Georgia Southern University. Before my ordination to the Diaconate in October 2023, I worked as a parish music director, piano instructor, florist, composer, community organizer, and event planner. In addition to my call to ordained ministry, I enjoy running, cooking, hiking, and spending time with my Cavalier King Charles spaniel, with whom I share a name.

The Rev. Rose Anne Lonsway

Rev. Rose Anne was ordained a priest in 2014 following a long career as a registered nurse and health care administrator. She is a graduate of Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary and spent two years as a resident deacon and priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Delaware, Ohio. She retired in 2023 after serving Grace Willoughby as Rector for eight years. She is “Mom” to son Ed, daughter-in-law Natalie, and daughter Jennifer. She is "Mimi" to three grandsons, Brady, Andrew, and James.

The Rev. Patricia Rose

Rev. Patricia is our clergyperson for Adult Formation and Outreach. She offers St. Paul’s many gifts, including her passion for formation and outreach inspired by the Gospel, her strong pastoral care skills, her collaborative nature, and her calm demeanor.

Patricia had a 30-year career in education and communications, in addition to being a Spiritual Director for 17 years before entering the ordination process. She graduated from Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) in May 2021 and has been the Curate at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio, until 2023. Her time at St. Stephen’s gave her broad exposure to parish ministry, including preaching and presiding, pastoral care, formation, social justice, and hospitality. In addition, Patricia was responsible for worship and ministries at a small parish giving her experience in all administrative, finance, and building needs of a parish as well as experience in initiating new ministries.