The brand-new doors at Christ Church Midland closed recently on Father Jon Stasney’s term as rector, but have opened on a new face.
Incoming rector Tom Finnie, formerly of the Pittsburgh area, will be on hand at the church today to welcome community members during the church’s first public open house.
Finnie, who arrived in West Texas in July, said he already feels welcome.
“Since you brought Pittsburgh weather down to welcome me, (adjusting) hasn’t been a problem,” he said, describing his hometown weather as “wet and 80s and high humidity.”
“I haven’t experienced West Texas yet,” he said joking.
Finnie replaces Stasney, who served the congregation for 19 years and also helmed it through the split from the National Episcopal Church.
“He has been an outstanding leader who has led us through very difficult times,” said Bob Bledsoe, 76, a member of Christ Church.
Tom and Marianne are exceptionally fine people, and they are missed already by friends and colleagues here in Pittsburgh. We have them of course in our best thoughts and prayers as they begin this new chapter of their lives in Texas.
I interviewed with Fr. Stasney a number of years ago before the parish moved to the site that was taken by the diocese. Fr. Stasney is an excellent priest who by all accounts that I have seen did a fine job leading his parish through the perils of separating from pecusa.