ALPENA — On Sunday, Aug. 17, Trinity Episcopal Church celebrated the arrival of their new Rector, Father Matthew Roney, and his family.

Trinity has been deeply involved in the search process for a rector over the last three years, and they are feeling very blessed that Fr. Roney has accepted the call and joined them in their ministry together. Fr. Roney, who grew up in Gaylord, is a recent graduate of the Sewanee School of Theology – University of the South, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. He is currently ordained as a Transitional Deacon and will be ordained as a Priest and formally installed as the Rector of Trinity in mid-September. Roney and his wife, Nora Stone, have a sweet baby daughter named Phoebe.

The reception was held at the church, with a light lunch of salads and desserts. Clergy from some of the local Alpena churches also participated in the celebration and had a chance to meet Fr. Roney and welcome him to Alpena. Overall, it was a wonderful event, filled with joy and good food, according to Trinity members and attendees.

The members of Trinity are so thrilled for this next chapter in their life as a church family and look forward to Fr. Roney’s leadership in pastoral care, worship and outreach to the community. They welcome all who are interested in joining them in the exciting times ahead.

The ministers who came to welcome Father Roney to Alpena included Pastor Tom Orth, Father Mark Rutenbar, Dr. Scott Huffaker, Joe Thomas, Father Tom Downs, Pastor William Rayment, Pastor John Shipman, and Pastor Gene Bacon.