Mother Melanie Rowell fell in love with the Anglo-Catholic tradition when she began attending an Anglo-Catholic parish near her work as a university music professor. With its incense, bells, beautiful vestments, and shrine to Mary, this small church drew her into the beauty, mystery, and immensity of the Word made flesh. Through her regular participation in weekday Masses, God became present to her in a way she had never experienced: in the Word being preached, in the prayers and readings, and most importantly, in the Sacrament. It was her intense experience of Jesus in this place that led her to discernment and then ordination to the priesthood in 2018.

Prior to her graduation from the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and her subsequent ordination, Mother Melanie taught music and voice in various forms for over twenty-five years, eventually becoming Associate Professor of Music at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC. There she taught applied vocal lessons, diction, music history, and directed the yearly student musical. In addition, she maintained an active performing schedule as a professional soprano, singing recitals and oratorio as well as roles in musicals and operas.

Mother Melanie served for over four years as Assisting Priest at St. Columba’s Church in John’s Creek, Georgia, the other Anglo-Catholic church in the Diocese of Atlanta, a church plant that is now 18 years old. Here she participated in every aspect of parish life, celebrating the Mass and preaching frequently, and leading Evening Prayer, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations of the Cross, and Compline.

Along with her work at St. Columba’s, Mother Melanie served for over four years as Lower School Chaplain at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, the largest Episcopal day school in the US. In this role she equipped and empowered a group of fourth and fifth graders to serve as leaders at school Morning Prayer services and as servers at the altar for Holy Communion. In addition to teaching religion classes for all students (1st through 5th grades), she cultivated deeper relationships by providing pastoral care to students, parents, faculty, and staff.

She has been a member of the Society of Catholic Priests since 2017, serving as Secretary to the Council from 2018 to October 2022. In October 2022, she was elected Provincial Convener, a post she will hold for three years. She also holds a life membership in the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.

Mother Melanie enjoys reading, hiking, walking, and traveling.

Click here to read Mother Melanie’s blog.

Father Barry is a native Georgian who grew up in Brunswick, enjoying frequent trips to nearby Saint Simons Island and Jekyll Island. After graduation from Brunswick High, he went to Valdosta State and studied music. In 1977 he graduated with a double major in Music Education and Vocal Performance.

During his senior year, he applied for a Fulbright Grant to study music in Salzburg, Austria. Much to his surprise, he was awarded the grant. During that year in Austria he was able to travel around Europe, see many sights, and make new friends. From 1978-1985 he taught choral music to junior high and high school students in Albany and the Atlanta area. In 1982, he received a Master of Music degree from Georgia State University. For several years he sang in The Atlanta Symphony Chorus under Robert Shaw. He also sang in the choir at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta.

In 1982 he was confirmed in the Episcopal Church, and in 1985 Bishop Child sent him to study at The General Theological Seminary in New York City. After graduation from The General Theological Seminary, he was ordained deacon by Bishop Child and priest by Bishop Allan. During the next several years, he served as an assisting priest at St. Margaret’s Episcopal, Carrollton, and Emmanuel Episcopal, Athens.

In 1994, Father Barry was called to St. Augustine of Canterbury, Morrow, Georgia, where he served as rector for twenty-four years. In 2018, he officially retired. He continues to serve as a supply priest at this and various other parishes.

Father Barry writes, “I am very pleased to answer Mother Melanie’s call to serve liturgically as an assisting priest. I believe Our Saviour has a bright future. “

The Church of Our Saviour is blessed to have Father Barry serving as Assisting Priest, as he is a gifted preacher, teacher, and liturgist.