In December 2018 the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Paul’s Baden welcomed a new rector to lead St. Paul’s Parish.
Father Christian Anton Lehrer is the 44th rector to serve the people of St. Paul’s Parish, St. Paul’s Church in Baden and St. Mary’s Chapel in Aquasco. Father Christian was born in Albany, NY and after completing his undergraduate degree in History and Philosophy at The College of St. Rose followed an older brother to California. Living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area, Father Christian completed a Master’s degree in the Humanities at Dominican University of California. He worked in higher education for the University of California-Hastings College of the Law for many years in the Admissions Office, recruiting students from across the USA. Father Christian’s long ministry in the Episcopal Church led him to work through a seven year process and ordination to the diaconate after a lengthy period of formation. This included completing a Bachelor of Theological Studies degree in Berkeley, California followed by Clinical Pastoral Education at San Francisco General Hospital, a level one trauma center.
Continued discernment led him to a vocation to the priesthood and many more years of study at the Graduate Theological Union and the Jesuit School of Theology-Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. Graduating with the Master of Theological Studies, followed by the Master of Divinity, he is currently completing the Master of Theology. Father Christian served at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Crockett, CA as deacon and Deacon in charge until his ordination to the priesthood on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier in 2016, after which he served as Priest in charge. A desire to reside closer to family in the Northeast led Father Christian to the Diocese of Washington and a warm welcome from his new Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde and the people of St. Paul’s Baden. Father Christian’s areas of expertise include History, Biblical Studies, Ecclesiology and Liturgy. He brings many years of experience in ministry to Seniors while also serving young people entering the legal profession.
On Sunday Sept 29th, 2019 at 5:30pm there will be a Celebration of Father Christian’s New Ministry at St. Paul’s Parish. The Bishop of the Diocese of Washington, The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde will preside. All are welcome!
