Women of Faith & Leadership at St. Anne’s
St. Anne’s Window. Photo by Laura Sullivan.
As we reflect on the journey of Holy Week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were the first to hear the angel’s message at the empty tomb and were instructed to “go quickly and tell his disciples” (Matthew 28:1-7), and their role in the resurrection story shows the faith and trust that God had in these women.
Women have faithfully supported the mission of the Christian Church throughout its 2,000-year history, though elected leadership roles were only opened in the last century.
Changes in church law and parish bylaws in the 1950’s enabled women to vote and hold office, opening the door for women to be elected leaders of the church. As a result, Shirley Powell became the first woman elected to the Vestry at St. Anne’s in 1965.
Since then, St. Anne’s has been blessed by over 100 women who have served on Vestry. Thirteen women have served as wardens and twelve as registrars since 1980. In these roles, these women have helped guide St. Anne’s Parish in partnership with the Rector.
First woman to serve as a Warden
Edith “Deede” Rivers was the first woman to serve as Junior Warden and the first woman to serve as Senior Warden.
“I enjoyed that these roles were relational, and I was invested in helping weave together people who wanted to help the parish.” – Deede Rivers, Senior Warden 1980–1981
The Rev. John Price (Rector 1989–2006) joined a parish community that already welcomed women in church leadership roles and recognized their spiritual gifts of leadership.
“Thank God for the women. They enhanced the life of the parish, one another’s lives, and set up a network that knit together the congregation.” – Rev. John Price
Rev. John Price asked Sandy Criscimagna to serve as Senior Warden, and she was called to lead the church through the search for a new Rector.
“I was blessed with good people on the Vestry and the Search Committee. I listened to them. I was supported by them. And together, we were able to call Amy Richter as Rector.” – Sandy Criscimagna, Senior Warden (2006-2010)
Cardie Templeton, a property management professional, could easily say yes to Rector Amy Richter’s request to be junior warden because the role was in her wheelhouse. What she gained was so much more. She stayed for 8 years on Vestry and as Junior Warden for the opportunity to build deeper relationships with the rector, the executive committee, and the vestry.
“The Vestry uses collective discernment to make decisions based on a set of values and guiding principles steeped in faith. This was very different from what I experienced running a small business. This was a gift, and it deepened my faith.” - Cardie Templeton, Junior Warden, 2013-2019
Prayer and the Holy Spirit have guided the Rector and Vestry to elect wardens with the faith and leadership skills needed to continue the mission of this church.
“Executive leadership carries responsibilities, but it also brings blessings. You get to work with the Rector, the other officers, and the vestry to help continue the amazing legacy of St. Anne’s.” – Townsend McNitt, Junior Warden 2024–2025
God blesses each of us with spiritual gifts, regardless of gender, and in these uncertain times, St. Anne’s continues to lead with faith grounded in prayer, honoring the collaborative leadership of women and men alike.
We give thanks for all who have served since 1965—and for our current Senior and Junior wardens, Hutchey Doley and Jaclyn Houser—as we pray together:
From the Book of Common Prayer, we pray for the leadership of this parish:
“Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”