Search Committee Announcement
August 25, 2026

Greetings from your Rector Search Committee! Now that our committee has organized, I wanted to share some comments on the search process and what the congregation can expect. First, as of August 18, our search process is “live” and accepting candidates. I want to thank the Vestry for all their hard work over the past several months, culminating in the publication of our Parish Profile. This is a beautiful document, excellently produced, and will serve as the public face of our parish as we seek to attract candidates for our search. The profile is available for download on our website at www.sainthilarys.org/rectorsearch. Just scroll to the bottom of that page and you will find the link. Our “live” period to accept applications will remain open through September 30. All applications are made through the Diocesan office, and the committee will not be reviewing any applications until the “live” period closes, at which time we will begin our work of evaluation of all the applicants at the same time. As we enter this period of discernment and evaluation in the fall, I want to remind everyone that a portion of our work is a confidential hiring and interview process. No member of the search committee is permitted to share any information with anyone, including the Vestry, about the candidate evaluations, how many applicants we received, or “where things stand.” I ask for your understanding and cooperation throughout the search as we maintain the confidentiality of our work. Please do not put any member of the search committee in an awkward position to say “no” by asking for information. As a committee we are committed to being as transparent as possible as we progress through our work, and I will be making announcements with updates as we are able and have something to share. 

 

What can you do in the meantime? First, hold our committee, congregation, and applicants up in prayer continually! If you prefer to recite pre-written prayers, I commend to you the Prayer for the Election of a Minister on page 818 of the Book of Common Prayer. We will also begin praying this prayer together on Sunday mornings during the Prayers of the People each week until a Rector is called. 

 

Second, take a look at our Profile. It contains a wealth of information about our congregation, some of which you might not be familiar with! And after you read it, share it with your friends, on social media, and with others you know in the Episcopal faith. You never know who might read it and know someone who would be a good candidate for our next rector. If you know someone who you think would make a good rector for St. Hilary’s, please share the profile and our website directly with them and encourage them to apply. All applications go through the Diocesan office, so if you recommend someone to a member of the search committee, we are going to encourage you to urge them to apply in the same manner. Details on how someone should apply are also available on our website.

 

Lastly, our committee will be active throughout the month of September preparing for our work in evaluating the candidates we receive. One of those tasks will be to prepare a list of interview questions we will ask of each candidate, either written or verbally. If, after reviewing our profile, you have any suggestions for a question you think we should ask, please let a member of the search committee know. You can also email your suggestions to trevorw@marquiswealthgroup.com. 

 

We appreciate all of your support as we begin this important work on behalf of our congregation!

 

Sincerely, 

Your Search Committee

 

Trevor Whitley, Chair

Ted Tripp, Vice Chair

Bob Eagen, Clerk

Darline Knowles, Lay Chaplain

Bev Swanson Humphrey

Tom McGinley

 Ellen Phillips