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The Rev. Craig D. Vance has arrived to become the rector of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Wailuku (at the corner of Church and Main Streets).
Vance was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and studied in Saskatchewan, Sweden, Germany and British Columbia, Canada. He studied theology at Regent College, Vancouver, and received his master’s degree in divinity from the Vancouver School of Theology in 2003.
He has worked in affordable housing development and community economic development. He served as rector for nine years at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Cloverdale, British Columbia.
Vance arrives as Good Shepherd Episcopal Church begins its Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) celebration. Good Shepherd held its first service on Feb. 25, 1866, with the Rev. George B. Whipple as rector.
“I’m honored to have been called to serve the people of God at Good Shepherd during its sesquicentennial,” said Vance. “Good Shepherd has a long history in Wailuku and a lot of exciting things have happened and will continue to happen. Good Shepherd is a very special place, and everyone has been very welcoming.”
Vance will officially be installed as rector in the fall.
“There are some protocols that need to be followed prior to Fr. Vance’s installation,” said Senior Warden K. Peter Lee, who led the parish while it underwent an extensive search for a rector to replace Marvin Foltz who departed in 2013. “It’s been a long wait but we believe that Fr. Vance is the right person to lead us into the future.”
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church was established by invitation of Hawaii King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, in 1866. Good Shepherd has been at the corner of Church and Main streets for 150 years.
From its beginning in 1866, Good Shepherd has drawn Christians of all races. Today, more than 450 Caucasians, Chinese, Filipinos, Hawaiians, Hispanics, Japanese and a sprinkling of other ethnic groups worship at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church has been recognized as a Jubilee Ministry by the National Episcopal Church for its work with the poor and homeless.
Good Shepherd’s community outreach programs include feeding the hungry every Sunday through its Ka ‘Ohana Kitchen; the Queen Emma Athletic Club; and its Filipino folk dance troupe.
Together with the other Episcopal churches on Maui, Good Shepherd started A Cup of Cold Water, a van ministry, that provides food and sundries for the homeless on Maui. Good Shepherd is also known for its music and youth ministries.