meet_our_staff.html

Meet Our Staff

The ministries of Mathewson Street United Methodist Church are guided by a three member pastoral team comprised of Rev. Jonathan Almond, David Clyle Morse and Nora Almond.

Rev. Jonathan R. Almond, Pastor

Rev. Almond was appointed to Mathewson Street Church in 1994. These twelve years of leadership mark the longest pastorate in the church’s 157-year history and reflect a deep commitment of the conference and congregation to the people and needs of the center city. He served parishes in Niantic, CT, Melrose, MA, North Kingstown, RI and Wakefield, RI. He is a 1965 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University (B.A.) and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (M.Div., 1970).

Jon has an expansive world perspective that has been supported by a vast amount of travel experience. He and his wife, Nora, have hosted numerous study-travel trips for the Society of Biblical Studies to Egypt, Greece, Jordan and Israel. In 1989 he spent five weeks in South Africa on behalf of the New England Conference establishing church relationships to foster support and communication in the struggle to dismantle apartheid. In 2004 he received a four-month sabbatical grant that provided a return trip to South Africa, deepening the ties between the ministries of Mathewson Street Church and our partner church in Johannesburg, Central Methodist Church. He is an accomplished artist, whose paintings and cards are on sale at our Church Store. Jon is also a musician and model train enthusiast. He and Nora are parents of five adult children, former foster parents to 23 children, and grandparents of four terrific grandchildren.

Jon brings to Mathewson Street Church a vision of the life-transforming gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has a life-long commitment to justice ministries, a gift for lively preaching, extraordinary administrative abilities, and a gentle, engaging style of pastoral care. His leadership involvements have included past presidencies of the Rhode Island Organizing Project, the Providence Intown Churches Association, and the Society of Biblical Studies. He has been an active leader in the New England Conference since 1970. He was the 1994 recipient of the Wilbur C. Ziegler Award for Excellence in Preaching, The John and Ruth Mount Award for excellence in Parish Ministry, and is a frequent contributor of sermons for publication in Pulpit Digest and The Clergy Journal.

Email: pastormsumc@verizon.net

Nora Almond

Nora Almond brings a broad range of gifts and graces into the ministries of Mathewson Street Church. She is an experienced educator and former kindergarten teacher, receiving her B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1969 and a M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College, Boston, in 1991. She is an enthusiastic musician with extensive background in global church music. In addition, Nora is a skilled administrator and communicator.

Her varied church responsibilities include publication of our weekly newsletter, The Messenger, parish visitation, worship coordination, support of Christian education and interaction with the city community. Her vision of the worshipping church as God’s family has led the congregation into a participatory style of worship supported by strong intergenerational relationships, embracing a wide variety of music and reflecting diverse personal expressions.

Email: momnut2@cox.net

David Clyle Morse

David Clyle Morse serves as Minister of Music and Discipleship. He is a renowned pianist and organist, directs the Chancel Choir, and provides member care in visitation and faith development through small group participation. He is the creator of our Kids-on-Keyboards music ministry. This project brings elementary school children to the Church where Mr. Morse leads workshops on the sound and science of organ music. Private tutorials are arranged for children and adults. Concerts performed by Mr. Morse and guest organists are part of the festivities.

To hear a sample of Mr. Morse's exquisite playing, click here: Ave Maria (Johann Sebastian Bach/Charles-Mare Gounodo). This song is one of 14 on his CD, available out our Church Store, entitled Music at Mathewson, Vol. I: Music of the King of Instruments.

Throughout the year, Mr. Morse offers an inspiring performance the third Thursday evening of the month as part of Providence's "Gallery Night."