Bowie Snodgrass Becomes First Female Rector at Vestry of Christ Church – TAPinto.net

SHORT HILLS, NJ — The Vestry of Christ Church in Short Hills has called The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass as its 12th Rector, effective immediately. 

Rev. Bowie, as she is known, has served as the Priest-in-Charge at Christ Church in Short Hills since January 2019. She is the first woman to be called as Rector of this historic Episcopal church.   

Snodgrass joined Christ Church in Short Hills as Curate in 2016 and subsequently assumed the role of Associate Rector, focusing on spiritual formation, newcomers and outreach.  She is active in the Coalition of Religious Leaders of Millburn and Short Hills and launched a monthly Interfaith Bible Hour in collaboration with Temple B’nai Jeshurun, Short Hills, and St. Stephen’s, Millburn.  She serves as the Chaplain at Christ Church Nursery School and has been a guest preacher at Saint Rose of Lima.  Rev. Bowie also is a member of the Diocese of Newark’s Commission on Ministry on the Priesthood.

“Rev. Bowie has confidently led our dynamic congregation and initiated innovative programs throughout the community, driven by her deep spirituality and commitment to diversity and inclusiveness,” stated Sandra T. Johnson, Senior Warden.  “We are thrilled that Rev. Bowie will continue her journey of faith with us through her dedication to children and families, community outreach and adult education ministries.”

Snodgrass was ordained into the priesthood in 2016 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York.  Previously, she was a Wisdom Year Resident at Calvary-St. George’s in New York City.  She served in that role while receiving her Master of Sacred Theology degree from General Theological Seminary.  Her professional ministry in New York included service as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at St. James’ Episcopal Church.  She was the co-founder and served as Executive Director of Faith House Manhattan, an interfaith community, which encourages people to “experience your neighbor’s faith.”    

Snodgrass received her Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from General Theological Seminary.  She earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in Religious Studies from Vassar College, with additional study in Theology and Russian at Trinity College in Dublin.  She has published articles and poetry in the Huffington Post, The Anglican Theological Review and The Episcopal New Yorker.  

“I am deeply grateful to begin this new chapter of ministry with the wonderful people of Christ Church in Short Hills,” Snodgrass said. “a vibrant, intergenerational congregation that warmly welcomes newcomers, just as it embraced my family.  Grounded in God’s love, Christ Church is asking 21st century questions about what it means to honor our traditions, follow Jesus, be open to the Holy Spirit, and engage the wider community in Essex County, throughout New Jersey, and a changing world.”       

Snodgrass resides in Short Hills with her husband, George Mathew, an Indian-American conductor, social entrepreneur and founder of Music For Life International, a non-profit creating transformative global social impact through music, including a series of global humanitarian concerts at Carnegie Hall.  They are the proud parents of a son in fourth grade at Glenwood Elementary School, a daughter who attends Christ Church Nursery School and a beloved family cat. 

The Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, The Right Reverend Carlye J. Hughes, will lead a formal celebration of The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass’ installation as Rector at Christ Church in Short Hills to be scheduled at a later date.