Clergy and Staff
Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. John D. Alexander began his ministry as Priest-in-Charge at Saints Matthew and Mark on the First Sunday of Advent (December 1st), 2024.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Fr. John grew up in the Philadelphia area. After majoring in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University (B.A. 1979, M.A. 1980), he worked during the 1980s at Electronic Data Systems Corporation in assignments in Texas, Virginia, and England.
Fr. John entered Virginia Theological Seminary in 1989, receiving his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in 1992. Ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993, he was Curate at St. Mary’s Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania (1992-1994), Rector of the Church of the Ascension, Staten Island, New York (1994-2000), and Rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Providence, Rhode Island (2000-2019).
Fr. John subsequently served as full-time Interim Priest in two parishes in the Diocese of New Jersey. After retiring in July 2023, he served as part-time Interim Priest at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Fr. John holds advanced theological degrees from Nashotah House (STM, 2004) and Boston University (Ph.D., 2014). His involvement in the wider Church includes serving as Superior of the Society of Mary in the United States and as Warden on the national Council of the Guild of All Souls.
As a retired priest, Fr. John works half-time at Saints Matthew and Mark. He and his wife Elizabeth make their home in nearby Seekonk, Massachusetts. They have two grown sons and one young grandson.
The Rev. John D. Alexander began his ministry as Priest-in-Charge at Saints Matthew and Mark on the First Sunday of Advent (December 1st), 2024.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Fr. John grew up in the Philadelphia area. After majoring in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University (B.A. 1979, M.A. 1980), he worked during the 1980s at Electronic Data Systems Corporation in assignments in Texas, Virginia, and England.
Fr. John entered Virginia Theological Seminary in 1989, receiving his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in 1992. Ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993, he was Curate at St. Mary’s Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania (1992-1994), Rector of the Church of the Ascension, Staten Island, New York (1994-2000), and Rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Providence, Rhode Island (2000-2019).
Fr. John subsequently served as full-time Interim Priest in two parishes in the Diocese of New Jersey. After retiring in July 2023, he served as part-time Interim Priest at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Fr. John holds advanced theological degrees from Nashotah House (STM, 2004) and Boston University (Ph.D., 2014). His involvement in the wider Church includes serving as Superior of the Society of Mary in the United States and as Warden on the national Council of the Guild of All Souls.
As a retired priest, Fr. John works half-time at Saints Matthew and Mark. He and his wife Elizabeth make their home in nearby Seekonk, Massachusetts. They have two grown sons and one young grandson.
Parish Musician
Charlie Elder has served as Minister of Music at Saints Matthew and Mark since 1990.
Born in Providence, he grew up and attended school here in Barrington. After majoring in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music (B.M. 1979), he worked as a public-school music teacher in New York State, returning to the area in 1982 to pursue a career in the wire and cable industry in Pawtucket. His musical experience includes working with student choirs as a public-school teacher, composing and arranging, and performing at a number of local venues.
He’s composed several anthems for church choir (along with service music performed at Saints Matthew and Mark throughout much of the year) and has arranged many hymns from the 1984 hymnal with the goal of enhancing the singing and listening experience. This goal is furthered by the regular inclusion of more contemporary music during the offertory or communion.
He makes his home in nearby Providence, where he works part-time at the Rhode Island Blood Center. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing and day hiking.
Charlie Elder has served as Minister of Music at Saints Matthew and Mark since 1990.
Born in Providence, he grew up and attended school here in Barrington. After majoring in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music (B.M. 1979), he worked as a public-school music teacher in New York State, returning to the area in 1982 to pursue a career in the wire and cable industry in Pawtucket. His musical experience includes working with student choirs as a public-school teacher, composing and arranging, and performing at a number of local venues.
He’s composed several anthems for church choir (along with service music performed at Saints Matthew and Mark throughout much of the year) and has arranged many hymns from the 1984 hymnal with the goal of enhancing the singing and listening experience. This goal is furthered by the regular inclusion of more contemporary music during the offertory or communion.
He makes his home in nearby Providence, where he works part-time at the Rhode Island Blood Center. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing and day hiking.
Parish Administrator
Laurie Aparicio was born and raised in Rhode Island and has lived in Riverside for over 30 years. She has been the parish administrator since 2001. She is also an Executive Team Leader for the Warwick North Target as well as a backstage manager for Take Centerstage Dance Competition. When she is not working, she enjoys reading and spending time on Prudence Island with her husband Fred and her children Hunter and Devon.
Laurie Aparicio was born and raised in Rhode Island and has lived in Riverside for over 30 years. She has been the parish administrator since 2001. She is also an Executive Team Leader for the Warwick North Target as well as a backstage manager for Take Centerstage Dance Competition. When she is not working, she enjoys reading and spending time on Prudence Island with her husband Fred and her children Hunter and Devon.