Calling a New Rector

50 years ago in September 1956, The Rev. Charles Edward Berger announced his resignation as rector of St. Anne’s to accept a position as rector of All Saints’ Church in Chevy Chase, one of the largest in the United States with more than 2, 300 communicants and a Sunday School with more than 1,100 enrolled.

The Wardens and Vestry accepted his resignation the evening of September 11, also appointing a five member committee to secure a new rector for the parish. They then appointed the Rev. Alden Besse, curate to serve as priest-in-charge until a new rector takes office. An article appeared with Dr. Berger’s photo on the first page of the Capital the next day. He stayed throughout September according to the article, although St. Anne’s Annapolis History and Times has his resignation effective November 1.

The Rev. James F. Madison became Rector in February of 1957 and served to 1973. The Rev. Richard V. Landis, Mr. Madison’s assistant became rector in December, 1974 and served until his retirement in December of 1987. For a few years Mr. Madison continued to assist the new Rector. The Rev. Janice Gordon, Associate to Mr. Landis became Interim Rector and was assisted by The Rev. Mark Gatza.

On January 6, 1989 The Rev. John Randolph Price was welcomed to St. Anne’s as Rector and instituted on May 21. He served until June 4, 2006.

Now fifty years after the parish sought a replacement for the 40th Rector, it again is seeking to find the 44th Rector of St. Anne’s. Much has been accomplished under the leadership of each of these rectors and each has served the parish at length. The process of finding a new rector is now more complex. Assistants no longer become the Interim priest. There is now a search for an Interim who will stay only until a new rector takes office.

Thanks to Julian Glenwood Gibbs for the article on Mr. Berger from the 1956 Capital.
Carol Hjortsberg, Co-Chair of Archives