The Rev'd R. Trent Fraser, SSC, was born in North Bay, Ontario, Canada in 1965. After receiving a Bachelor's degree from Nipissing University College, Laurentian University, North Bay, he received a Master's Degree in Divinity at Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1990. Ordained Deacon in 1992 by the Rt. Rev'd Edward MacBurney, VII Bishop of Quincy, he was ordained Priest in May of 1993, also by the Bishop of Quincy.

In October 1993 he was appointed Curate at S. Clement's Church in Philadelphia, where he worked under the supervision of the Rev'd Canon Barry Swain. While at S. Clement's, his training as a serious, hardworking, and devout Anglo-Catholic priest prepared him for the fulfillment of his vocation.

In December of 2001, Fr. Fraser was called to be Rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Southfield, Michigan, from which position he comes to us in Newport. Upon his arrival in Southfield, he found a parish that was active only on Sundays. During his tenure as Rector, he instituted an Adult Inquiry Class, a Wednesday Bible Study course, the Daily Office, and the celebration of Daily Mass.

Father Fraser is a celibate priest, and as such believes that living on the Parish grounds makes him available for sacramental and pastoral requirements at any time of day or night. In his own words, "this manner of clergy life suits me quite well."

Fr. Fraser also believes that his priestly ministry begins and ends at the Altar of God. His sense is that the closer to the Altar a priest is, the stronger the ministry will be. His hope and expectation is that we as a Parish will be able to deepen our spiritual and sacramental life through the disciplines of the Divine Office, Daily Mass, Retreats, and Quiet Days, among other devotions. In addition, he believes that a strong emphasis on education for adults, youth, and children will also be important for the long-term health of our Church community. Once again using Fr. Fraser's words, "Liturgical excellence, incarnational teaching, and preaching, can be effective only if there is also a welcoming community". The work of the Parish must ultimately rest with the energies of the faithful, and Fr. Fraser is looking forward to being in a Parish that feels as passionately as he does about doing the Lord's work "in the beauty of holiness" and, consequently, seeing the beauty of the Lord in others.