The Rev. Kevin Beesley, XV Rector
Father Kevin is overjoyed to have been called to serve St. John’s in July 2021, feeling the Holy Spirit move him to serve our parish’s rich tradition of liturgy, music, and community outreach. Before being called to St. John’s, Fr. Kevin served in the Diocese of Southern Ohio in the Columbus area.
Fr. Kevin was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, and grew up in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Phew! Fr. Kevin is the fourth generation of his family to serve God’s Kingdom, feeling the call to serve ministry at a young age. Fr. Kevin lives on campus with his wife, a nurse practitioner, and has two adult sons.
In addition to serving as Rector of Saint John’s, Fr. Kevin is a member of the Standing Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, Chaplain for Newport Police and Fire Departments, and Commissioner of the Newport Housing Authority. Fr. Kevin loves Jesus, cooking, cars, the Boston Bruins, electronics, and, as any true New Englander, Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee.
frkevin@saintjohns-newport.org
(401) 848-2561
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Associate Priest
Father Mead was born in Rochester NY in 1946 and was educated in public schools in Boston, Louisville KY and suburban Chicago. He received his BA from DePauw University in 1968; his BD (MDiv) from Yale University Divinity School in 1971; and his MLitt from Oxford University UK in 1973.
Andrew was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1971 and was an assistant parish priest in England, Connecticut and Boston. From 1978 he was a parish rector – in Rosemont PA for seven years; in Boston for eleven years; and from 1996 to 2014, when he retired and was made Rector Emeritus by the Wardens and Vestry, at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City.
In 2002 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made Fr. Mead an honorary Officer of the British Empire in recognition of his leadership of Saint Thomas Church in the days following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center; in particular, for conducting a special service at the request of the British Consul at which Prime Minister Tony Blair was the principal speaker. The British Ambassador read a special message from the Queen during the service. The service was broadcast live in its entirety throughout the United Kingdom.
Andrew and his wife Nancy met in 1970 at Saint Peter’s-by-the-Sea, Narragansett, where they were married in 1972 and now reside in Narragansett in the house Nancy’s father built after World War II. They have a daughter, Emma; and a son, Matthew, who is also an Episcopal priest and rector; and four grandchildren.
frmead@saintjohns-newport.org
Mark Johnson, Director of Music
Mark Johnson has been inspired by music in the church for as long as he can remember. He was appointed Assistant Organist at Christ Church, Andover, MA in the 9th grade and became Organist and Choirmaster there shortly after completing his time as a pupil at the King's School, Canterbury. From 1977-89 he served parishes in NY and KY.
Mark’s time in RI began in 1989 with Grace Church, Providence. While at Grace, he also served as Director of Music at St. John's, Newport, (1995-2001), St. John's Cathedral (2004-2007) and taught singing and played the organ at St. George's School (2004-2019). He served as Interim Director of Music at St John's. Mark moved from Grace Church to St. John's, Barrington in 2014 and served there until leaving RI.
Beyond parish commitments, he served as a musician to the House of Bishops throughout the term of the late Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold.
Since departing RI, Mark and Jennifer (a nurse) have toured around a bit, serving at parishes and hospitals in ME, CT, MA, and upstate NY.
Mark and Jennifer are delighted to return to the Ocean State and especially grateful for the opportunity to work with Fr. Kevin during this exciting time at St. John's.
mark@saintjohns-newport.org
(401) 848-2561
Courtney Kimbell, Administrative Assistant
Courtney is excited to serve at Saint John’s and has been married to her husband, Brent, for almost 13 years. They have three children; Jackson, Ava, and Henry. Courtney and her family live in Middletown and they enjoy exploring the local area in their free time. They especially enjoy some of the local ice cream places!
Courtney’s husband serves in the United States Air Force and come to Rhode Island from their last assignment in Germany. They are thriving in Rhode Island and look forward to making great memories here over the next few years.
parishoffice@saintjohns-newport.org
(401) 848-2561
Rector - Fr. Kevin D. Beesley
Assistant Priest - Fr. Andrew. C. Mead
Vestry
Senior Warden - Cheryl Abney
Sr. Warden Emeritus - James Robinson
Junior Warden - John Garagliano
Treasurer - Faith Zabriskie
Treasurer Emeritus - Edward Carnes
Clerk - Karen McGee
Members
John Lord
Linda Nalle
Karen McGee