Clergy and Staff

St. James Episcopal Church enjoys the dedicated services of clergy, staff members and volunteers who help fulfill our mission. They include:

 

The Rev. Norman M. MacLeod, Rector

 Rev. Norman M. MacLeod began his ministry at St. James in September 2011. He came to the parish after serving three years as an interim priest in Waterbury, Connecticut and Keene, New Hampshire. Prior to that he served as Rector of Christ Church, Guilford, Connecticut, for ten years and earlier for six years as Vicar of St. Augustine's, Kingston, Rhode Island and as Episcopal Chaplain at the University of Rhode Island.

 

Norman has a degree in Theatre from Clark University, a Master's Degree in Waldorf Education from Adelphi University, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Yale Divinity School, where he also earned a certificate in Anglican Studies from the Berkeley Divinity School, the Episcopalian partner to Yale's program. Before entering the priesthood, he worked in the fields of journalism, mental health, and education. In addition to the core tasks of parish ministry, Norman is committed to furthering understanding around the issues of Christian faith and care for our Earth.

 

He is married to Elizabeth C. Stevens, a writer, editor and historian of nineteenth  century American women. They have three grown children.

 

 

R. Lee Adams - Organist and Director of Music

R. Lee Adams came to St. James in August 2009. Mr. Adams' career as a musician began at the age of four. He has since been a professional violinist, violist, harpsichordist, organist and cantor. He has earned degrees from Oberlin and Yale in addition to study with some of the world's most prominent musicians. Mr. Adams is active in the Woodstock community. He is the theatre director for the Pentangle Arts Council, an organ builder for A. David Moore, Inc. in North Pomfret, and director of the ProMusica Consort, a choral and instrumental ensemble specializing and educating in the sacred music repertoires of the Renaissance and Baroque. He enjoys a professional musical life as an organist, harpsichordist, and specialist in the performance of historical sacred music and performance practice. Mr. Adams spends his free time cultivating rare orchid, reading, writing, and hanging out with his dogs, Honey Bear and Tito.