The Rev. Kevin Beesley, XV Rector
Father Kevin is overjoyed to have been called to serve St. John’s in July 2021, feeling the Holy Spirit move him to serve our parish’s rich tradition of liturgy, music, and community outreach. Before being called to St. John’s, Fr. Kevin served in the Diocese of Southern Ohio in the Columbus area.
Fr. Kevin was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, and grew up in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Phew! Fr. Kevin is the fourth generation of his family to serve God’s Kingdom, feeling the call to serve ministry at a young age. Fr. Kevin lives on campus with his wife, a nurse practitioner, and has two adult sons.
In addition to serving as Rector of Saint John’s, Fr. Kevin is a member of the Standing Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, Chaplain for Newport Police and Fire Departments, and Commissioner of the Newport Housing Authority. Fr. Kevin loves Jesus, cooking, cars, the Boston Bruins, electronics, and, as any true New Englander, Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee.
frkevin@saintjohns-newport.org
(401) 848-2561
Mark Johnson, Director of Music
Mark Johnson has been inspired by music in the church for as long as he can remember. He was appointed Assistant Organist at Christ Church, Andover, MA in the 9th grade and became Organist and Choirmaster there shortly after completing his time as a pupil at the King's School, Canterbury. From 1977-89 he served parishes in NY and KY.
Mark’s time in RI began in 1989 with Grace Church, Providence. While at Grace, he also served as Director of Music at St. John's, Newport, (1995-2001), St. John's Cathedral (2004-2007) and taught singing and played the organ at St. George's School (2004-2019). He served as Interim Director of Music at St John's. Mark moved from Grace Church to St. John's, Barrington in 2014 and served there until leaving RI.
Beyond parish commitments, he served as a musician to the House of Bishops throughout the term of the late Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold.
Since departing RI, Mark and Jennifer (a nurse) have toured around a bit, serving at parishes and hospitals in ME, CT, MA, and upstate NY.
Mark and Jennifer are delighted to return to the Ocean State and especially grateful for the opportunity to work with Fr. Kevin during this exciting time at St. John's.
mark@saintjohns-newport.org
(401) 848-2561
Michaela Wallace, Administrative Assistant
We are delighted to announce that Michaela Wallace will be joining Saint John the Evangelist Episcopal Church as our new Administrative Assistant, beginning Tuesday, September 3.
Michaela comes to us with a diverse background in operations management, event coordination, customer service, and communications. A resident of Wakefield, she brings skills in organization, creativity, and hospitality to all she does. Her past roles also include event planning, production management, and dispatch coordination.
With a degree from Temple University and a professional history rooted in both structure and service, Michaela is well-equipped to support the daily life of our parish office and contribute meaningfully to our ministry team.
As Administrative Assistant, Michaela will serve as the welcoming face and voice of Saint John’s during the week, assist with communications and scheduling, and help ensure that the many details of parish life run smoothly and efficiently.
parishoffice@saintjohns-newport.org
(401) 848-2561
Rector - Fr. Kevin D. Beesley
Assistant Priest - Fr. Andrew. C. Mead
Vestry
Senior Warden - Cheryl Abney
Sr. Warden Emeritus - James Robinson
Junior Warden - John Garagliano
Treasurer - Faith Zabriskie
Treasurer Emeritus - Edward Carnes
Clerk - Karen McGee
Members
John Lord
Linda Nalle
Karen McGee