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ABOUT US
St. John’s Episcopal Church is an active and historic community church. We openly welcome ALL who walk through our doors as individuals sent by God who will enrich our lives. On Sundays, we come together as the people of God to celebrate the life and message of Christ. We hope you will honor us with a visit and we look forward to sharing God’s love with you.
OUR VISION
To draw families, single parents, couples, and individuals from all walks of life, age, background, race, or gender into a family of love and acceptance, where the teachings of Jesus are tangible and where everyone can make mistakes, and learn how to grow into an authentic community.
WHAT WE DO
St. John's, as a church, has stood on the corner of Union & Congress since 1809. In that time, this parish has seen all manner of social and economic trials and tribulations in our culture and in our city. But we have endured. Out of that endurance, has come a resolve to be a better place where people can live together, love one another, and help each other in times of need.
OUR COMMUNITY
We are a small, but dedicated, community of believers who are crossing barriers that have been created historically by ageism, prejudice, class, and sexual orientation. We bring "welcome" to our dialogue, faith to our service and compassion to our points of view. We understand that life in community is not easy. But we are willing to take the risk.
ST. JOHN'S PARISH LEADERSHIP
Click on each member's photo to learn more in their bio.
Father Josh Messick
Rev. Josh was ordained in 2014 and has served parishes in his home diocese on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Diocese of Mississippi, and his current home here in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland as both a rector and long-term supply clergy. He has always felt called to work directly with those who are most in need and after a stint as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator he accepted the role of Executive Director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center where he serves as the Port Chaplain for the Port of Baltimore. This has always been his dream job and he is grateful for the opportunity to work with seafarers from around the world while serving local congregations that fill his heart.
Irmgarde Brown - Senior Warden
Irmgarde Brown is an author, a semi-retired librarian/manager from Harford County Public Library, a long-time blogger, photographer, playwright and director, an active volunteer in the Havre de Grace arts community, and a friend to the Village of Hope, Zambia. Irmgarde has attended St. John’s since the Fall of 2019 and has lived in Havre de Grace since 1985. In July 2023, she completed a two-year commitment to the Living School of Action and Contemplation (online) out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a widow, the mother of three adoptees from Eastern Europe (now grown), and a grandmother of three. Her first novel, Sister Jane, launched in June 2021. A companion novella to this book, Sister Jane’s Lenten Journal, was released in 2022. In December 2023, her third book, Children in the City of Czars: A Novel was released. She is also the co-author of the memoir, Evidence
Now Seen: How God Used One Couple to Touch the Lives of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Zambia.
Now Seen: How God Used One Couple to Touch the Lives of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Zambia.
Jackson Rivers-Byrnes - Junior Warden
Jackson Rivers-Byrnes was born in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and grew up in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. He moved to Harford County in 2017. A former realtor and Navy Reservist, serving as a Master-at-Arms, he has built a career in project management. He previously worked at Aberdeen Test Center under the Survivability and Lethality Directorate and supported the Navy Liaison Office during the 2024 Presidential Inauguration.
He married his husband, Seth Byrnes, in June 2024, and they live in Havre de Grace with their three dogs, two cats, and five fish. In addition to his professional career, he serves as the President of the Mosaic Center, a nonprofit dedicated to social justice for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
He married his husband, Seth Byrnes, in June 2024, and they live in Havre de Grace with their three dogs, two cats, and five fish. In addition to his professional career, he serves as the President of the Mosaic Center, a nonprofit dedicated to social justice for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
Abbie Bennett - Vestry Member
Abigail (Abbie) Bennett was born in Lancaster, PA and raised in Cecil County, MD. She was involved in her family's non-denominational church and learned the importance of service from a young age. While attending this church her parents were involved with running the youth ministry and her mom continues to run the women's ministry. After attending christian school in grades 9-12, she chose to attend the christian university, Eastern University, to pursue her degree in dance with a minor in communications.
During her young adult years she worked many jobs including teaching dance, sales, customer service, and working with children. Most recently, she taught dance for Harford County Public Schools. In 2019, she married her best friend, Jacob! Her and Jacob have lived in Havre de Grace ever since. They started to attend St. John's in 2020, participating in their online service and then in 2021, participating in person. After giving birth to her daughter, Ada, in March of 2025, Abbie made the decision to stay home full time. Abbie continues to teach dance through Havre de Grace Parks and Rec. Her and Ada enjoy going to the library, walking around town, and volunteering at St. John's.
During her young adult years she worked many jobs including teaching dance, sales, customer service, and working with children. Most recently, she taught dance for Harford County Public Schools. In 2019, she married her best friend, Jacob! Her and Jacob have lived in Havre de Grace ever since. They started to attend St. John's in 2020, participating in their online service and then in 2021, participating in person. After giving birth to her daughter, Ada, in March of 2025, Abbie made the decision to stay home full time. Abbie continues to teach dance through Havre de Grace Parks and Rec. Her and Ada enjoy going to the library, walking around town, and volunteering at St. John's.
Cary Chabalowski - Vestry Member
Molly and I moved our family to Bel Air Maryland in 1986, where we raised our two children, Megan and Andrew. I worked at APG as a research scientist from 1986-2003. Then I served in various position in DC for OSD and the Army R&D command. When we first arrived in Maryland, we attended Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Bel Air, for about 10 years, where I served on the vestry, counted money many Sundays, served as a chalicist, occasionally took communion to shut-ins on Sunday, and ran the combined youth group for middle & high school students, etc. Then we transferred to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Churchville, again serving on the vestry, represented our parish at the diocesan convention, served as chalicist, occasionally ran a prayer service in the pastors’ absence, and other sundry activities. Molly and I retired in 2012 and we moved to a small lake home in very northern Wisconsin, but I soon went back to work as the chairman of the Chemistry Department at Michigan Technological University. In 2018, we got word that our daughter was expecting our first grandchild, so I resigned from the university effective June 30, 2018. We then returned to Wisconsin. While there I was again on the vestry of our church, served as treasurer, ran the ZOOM services during most of COVID period, etc. We moved to Havre de Grace in 2021 so we could spend more time with our kids and grandchildren, which is when we joined St. John’s.
Megan Hirsch - Vestry Member
Megan Hirsch was born and raised in Maryland and has spent her career dedicated to helping people navigate the healthcare system with clarity and compassion. She earned her degree in Public Relations and Business before beginning her early career in marketing and insurance, eventually discovering her passion for healthcare operations and patient-centered service. Megan later completed her Master of Healthcare Administration and now serves as the Senior Director of Practice & Ambulatory Operations for the University of Maryland Faculty Physicians.
Megan met her wife, Nicole, and they married in 2022. Over the years, they have lived in several parts of the state before settling in Havre de Grace with their daughters, McKenzie and Corinne, and their dog, Nova. Their family has always valued connection, community, and service, and they were drawn to St. John’s for its warmth, inclusivity, and the genuine sense of welcome they felt from their first visit.
Megan’s professional life has centered on building strong teams, improving systems, and supporting people through complex environments – work that reflects her belief in service and stewardship. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, attending community events, and spending time with her family and friends. She and Nicole have loved watching their daughters grow within the supportive, joyful community of St. John’s.
Megan is grateful to call St. John’s her spiritual home. She looks forward to serving on the Vestry and supporting the continued growth and ministry of the church.
Megan met her wife, Nicole, and they married in 2022. Over the years, they have lived in several parts of the state before settling in Havre de Grace with their daughters, McKenzie and Corinne, and their dog, Nova. Their family has always valued connection, community, and service, and they were drawn to St. John’s for its warmth, inclusivity, and the genuine sense of welcome they felt from their first visit.
Megan’s professional life has centered on building strong teams, improving systems, and supporting people through complex environments – work that reflects her belief in service and stewardship. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, attending community events, and spending time with her family and friends. She and Nicole have loved watching their daughters grow within the supportive, joyful community of St. John’s.
Megan is grateful to call St. John’s her spiritual home. She looks forward to serving on the Vestry and supporting the continued growth and ministry of the church.
Pat Hopkins – Vestry Member
I was raised on a farm in Maryland, graduated from the University of Maryland and retired from a rewarding career as a Commercial Interior Designer. I was married for 56years to my husband David and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. I have been a member of St. Johns for 17 years and in that time have served as a Vestry member, Treasurer, Junior Warden and Senior Warden.
Peter Murray - Vestry Member
Peter Murray was born outside of Philadelphia, but grew up in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee. His family moved to Harford County in 1987. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Psychology, and from Indiana University with an MA in Psychology. He and his wife, Nicole, married in 1999, and they moved to Havre de Grace in 2008, where they raised their son and daughter. Peter works for Firaxis Games, a video game developer in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Previously he was the Cubmaster for Pack 235 in Churchville and Scoutmaster for Troop 965 in Level/Webster. He has previously served on the Pastoral Council of St. Margaret’s Church in Bel Air.
Bill Price - Vestry Member
William A. Price III is an entertainment technology consultant and a freelance designer. He has been active in the Entertainment industry for over 40 years. Most recently Bill was the Vice President for AKT3 the Mid-Atlantic representative of lighting, rigging and draperies for entertainment. He is also the Chair and Founder of the Havre de Grace Arts Collective, the Immediate Past Chair of United States Institute of Theater Technology Chesapeake Section, and former Chair of the USITT eSET Council an education organization of the entertainment industry. He has directed several shows for area theatres including re “A Few Good Men” for MST and Scrooge” for the Scottfield company. He designed and installed lighting for The Newseum, The Studio Theatre and Theatre J in Washington DC. As a free-lance Lighting and Set Designer Bill has designed for the Olney Theatre, the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Phoenix Festival Theatre, the Milburn Stone Theatre and the Kennedy Center. Bill received the 2013 and 2016 Broadway World Baltimore Awards “Best Lighting Design” for “Spring Awakenings” and “American Idiot”. He was Senior Warden of St John’s church for six years and remains an active member of St John’s church. He holds a degree in Arts Management from Johnson State College, Vermont and a Master’s of Fine Arts in Theatrical Design from the University of Maryland. He resides in Havre de Grace, Maryland with his wife Gay Lynn.
Renee Vesci - Vestry Member
Renee Vesci was born and raised in North Carolina. After graduating from NC State University with a degree in Psychology, she moved to Charlotte and worked as a PA/Production Coordinator in the film community for over a decade. In 2008, she made the cross-country move to Utah with her future husband…fellow Vestry member Fred Vesci. While Fred worked on engineering projects, Renee went to graduate school at Westminster University and completed her MAT Degree in Teaching (K-12 License/Mild-Moderate Learning Disabilities along with a Reading Endorsement).
In 2010, Methodist-raised Renee and Catholic-raised Fred were confirmed into the Episcopal Church at All Saints in Salt Lake City and were married at St. Paul’s in Virginia City, Montana (after serendipitously finding it during a trip to Yellowstone). At Saint John’s in Havre de Grace, Renee has enjoyed working on revamping the grounds with the Garden Committee and also serves on the board of the Mosaic Center. Her son Charlie is an Acolyte and her daughter Adele attends Sunday Children’s Time.
In 2010, Methodist-raised Renee and Catholic-raised Fred were confirmed into the Episcopal Church at All Saints in Salt Lake City and were married at St. Paul’s in Virginia City, Montana (after serendipitously finding it during a trip to Yellowstone). At Saint John’s in Havre de Grace, Renee has enjoyed working on revamping the grounds with the Garden Committee and also serves on the board of the Mosaic Center. Her son Charlie is an Acolyte and her daughter Adele attends Sunday Children’s Time.
Ray Mastnjak - Treasurer
Ray was born in the Netherlands and at age 3 immigrated to Canada with his parents. Ray later moved to upstate New York where he attended high school and
entered the chemical engineering program at Syracuse University. Ray did not grow up in a church environment however while attending Syracuse University he made the commitment to become a Christian and follow the gospel of Christ. Ray met his wife Debi in 1975 and they married that same year; living in New York State, Connecticut,
and then finally in Maryland. Ray was employed by the Department of Defense for 36 years as a supervisory scientist, which also brought Ray and Debi and their two children to Germany for 3 years for Ray's work at Seventh Corps Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. Once their children were grown, Ray and Debi became involved with a Methodist Church ministry to orphan children in Namibia, a country in the southern part of Africa, where they served for about 2 years total. Ray also became a member of the orphanage board of directors and later the board chairperson for several years. In retirement Ray and Debi enjoy time spent with their 4 grand-daughters along with traveling, hiking, kayaking and gardening.
entered the chemical engineering program at Syracuse University. Ray did not grow up in a church environment however while attending Syracuse University he made the commitment to become a Christian and follow the gospel of Christ. Ray met his wife Debi in 1975 and they married that same year; living in New York State, Connecticut,
and then finally in Maryland. Ray was employed by the Department of Defense for 36 years as a supervisory scientist, which also brought Ray and Debi and their two children to Germany for 3 years for Ray's work at Seventh Corps Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. Once their children were grown, Ray and Debi became involved with a Methodist Church ministry to orphan children in Namibia, a country in the southern part of Africa, where they served for about 2 years total. Ray also became a member of the orphanage board of directors and later the board chairperson for several years. In retirement Ray and Debi enjoy time spent with their 4 grand-daughters along with traveling, hiking, kayaking and gardening.
Fred Vesci III - Historian
Frederick (Fred) Vesci was born and raised in Philadelphia and brought up in the Catholic Faith, which included attending catholic elementary middle and high school. He graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Architectural Engineering. He has been with the engineering firm HNTB since interning with them in college (nearly 25 years). Fred has worked on rail, bridge, and infrastructure projects for his company in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Charlotte…and now Baltimore. He and his wife plan to stay in this area until their children, Charlie and Adele, graduate from high school (or longer)!
His wife, Renee Vesci, was born and raised in the Methodist Church in North Carolina. After visiting various churches and services, they decided that the Episcopal was the best blend and fit. Renee and Fred went through confirmation together in All Saints Episcopal in Salt Lake City. They were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal in Virginia City, Montana. Charlie was baptized at Saint Mary’s in Ardmore, PA and Adele was baptized at St. Alban’s in Davidson, NC. Their family hopes to make St. John’s their home church for many years to come.
His wife, Renee Vesci, was born and raised in the Methodist Church in North Carolina. After visiting various churches and services, they decided that the Episcopal was the best blend and fit. Renee and Fred went through confirmation together in All Saints Episcopal in Salt Lake City. They were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal in Virginia City, Montana. Charlie was baptized at Saint Mary’s in Ardmore, PA and Adele was baptized at St. Alban’s in Davidson, NC. Their family hopes to make St. John’s their home church for many years to come.
Nicole Murray - Registrar
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