When we began the Rector Search process this summer, we asked you all to join in praying this prayer:

“Almighty God, giver of every good gift, look graciously on your church and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for St. Philip’s, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for you people and equip us for our ministries. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”

We are pleased to say, our prayers have been answered. With excitement and enthusiasm, the Search Committee and the Vestry announce the Rev. Bryan Callen has accepted our call to be the next Rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Ardmore beginning November 1st.

Rev. Bryan has a special connection to St. Philip’s. He attended seminary with and is dear friends with the Rev. Corrie Cabes; some of you may know her as the daughter of Paula Maddon and the late Rev. Ernie Maddon. He began his ministry as the Curate at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Bryan, Texas, where he honed his skills in pastoral care, adult Christian formation, and parish administration. Leaders in the Diocese of Northwest Texas took notice of his skills and called him to be the vicar for two family-sized missions in the cities of Sweetwater and Colorado City, Texas. Rev. Bryan spent the first two years of his work returning the post-COVID congregations to regular worship, fellowship, Christian formation, and ministry development. He was able to accomplish this with little outside assistance.

His energy and ingenuity to revive two congregations was inspiring to us. Rev. Bryan is an active listener, with a calm demeaner and a servant’s heart dedicated to caring for parishioners. He was drawn to St. Philip’s after learning about the strong laity who value service to the community, our music ministry, and hospitality to others. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for Rev. Bryan’s ministry as he transitions to our St. Philip’s family.

Rev. Bryan and his wife Jerilyn are the proud parents of five children: daughters Brynn (13), Elliott (11), Nola (10), Dillon (, and son Harrison (4). Make plans to attend Rev. Bryan’s first eucharist service on Sunday, November 3rd along with a reception to welcome the Callen family.

With gratitude to God,

Search Committee: Stan Kittrell (Chairman), Amanda Jackson-Willy, Jeff Moen, Dr. Pam Kimbrough

Vestry: Jane Ann Bramlett, Jody Barlow, Labeth Nall, Laurel McCulloh, Lesa Price, Liz Stacy, Randy Simmons, Sally Cumpton, Todd Yeager, Leah Colclasure, and Jill Daugherty (Senior Warden)