Emmanuel Episcopal Church has a rector, but he is currently suspended from serving in that capacity.
That revelation emerged after the Bristol Herald Courier published a story this week about the church’s 150th anniversary celebration Sunday. During the interview for that story – which appeared in Thursday’s edition -- church Senior Warden Lee Vaughn responded to a question about church leadership by saying the church is currently without a rector – or priest -- and is conducting a search for one.
Mark Frazier, who has served as church rector since 2008, has been suspended since last summer. His name doesn’t appear on the church website.
On Thursday afternoon, Frazier emailed the newspaper saying, “I want to clarify this apparent misinformation. I am the rector (pastor) of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, currently on administrative leave.”
Both men confirmed Friday that a review process is under way.
“Mr. Vaughn was certainly not correct in saying that Emmanuel Episcopal Church has no rector. I have not resigned nor been terminated in any shape or form,” Frazier said Friday in a telephone interview.
The complaint against Frazier does not involve any criminal allegations, Frazier said, and he denies any wrongdoing.
Vaughn, who is serving as the church spokesman, said Friday that officials at the Diocese in Roanoke would only allow him to confirm the current status.
“Technically, we do have a rector. He is on leave,” Vaughn said. “There is no functioning, full-time priest at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at the moment. We are actively looking for priests to help us fill in.”
The church is holding its 150th anniversary celebration Sunday morning with a 9:15 a.m. event, between its 8 and 10:30 a.m. services.
dmcgee@bristolnews.com
(276) 645-2532
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