SUNDERLAND, Md. (May 1, 2022)—All Saints Episcopal Church, founded in 1692 in Sunderland, announces the arrival of its 48th Rector, Reverend Andrew Rutledge. Father Andrew comes from All Saints Episcopal Church in Chicago, Illinois.
Father Andrew was born and raised as an Episcopalian in southern West Virginia. His father was an Episcopal priest and Father Andrew followed in his dad's footsteps. In addition to earning a master of divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2019, Father Andrew graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of science degree in nursing from West Virginia University. He is a registered nurse, so his nursing and theological background combine to give him an exemplary passion for helping and caring for others.
Father Andrew felt the call to join and lead the All Saints Parish community for many reasons. He was moved by the church's rich, yet complex history and he was drawn towards the church's extensive outreach program for the wider Calvert County community. Watching the church's prayer-filled services online and knowing that All Saints Parish Sunderland is a leading voice for justice and love were also factors that influenced his decision to leave the windy city of Chicago and come to the beautiful peninsula of Calvert County. The beautiful water views that he saw when he first visited the area put the icing on the cake. The All Saints Parish family have surrounded him with loving and caring hearts and Father Andrew knew that he felt a peace and calm when he walked through the historic worship space that only comes from God.
Recently divorced from his husband of 10 years, Father Andrew is focused and ready to lead God's people. He has the kind of energy, enthusiasm, exuberance, passion, vision and skills to take the All Saints Parish to the next level of building God's kingdom. He is committed to the church's mission, "Loving Our Neighbor."