Father Chase has served as the Rector of St. John’s since August 2019.

Born and raised in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, he grew up in the Episcopal Church, where he was deeply formed in faith through his involvement as an acolyte and chorister. He is a proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy (Beat Army!) and spent eight years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, serving in Virginia, Florida, and Italy. During his time in the Navy, he discerned a call to ordained ministry.

Following his transition from active duty, Father Chase pursued theological studies at the General Theological Seminary in New York City before transferring to the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 2016.

Before coming to Decatur, he served at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, Florida, first as Curate and later as Associate Rector. Passionate about empowering and equipping the laity, he is dedicated to fostering their ministries both within the Church and in the world.

Father Chase is married to Jeanne, an Atlanta native, and together find great joy in raising their son, Jonathan. In his free time, Chase enjoys cooking, camping, and traveling.

256-353-9615 Ext. 102
 chase@stjohnsdecatur.org

Father Rufus began his ministry at St. John’s in 2026.

Father Rufus grew up in sweet potato country in northeast Mississippi and was confirmed in the Episcopal church in 1989 while studying foreign languages at Mississippi State University.

After many years in banking in Tupelo, Mississippi, Father Rufus joined the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as a monk, where he preached, offered spiritual direction, and prayed a lot.

Eventually, he returned to banking and active parish life in Tupelo, where he discerned a call to ordained ministry. He began seminary at the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, in 2020. During this time, Father Rufus served as a summer chaplain for two seasons at Camp Bratton Green in Dio, Mississippi. He was ordained to the priesthood in the summer of 2023 and served his first parish within the Diocese of Mississippi.

When not busy enjoying life with his little dog Daisy in downtown Decatur, Father Rufus can be found hiking, dining with friends, reading, and gardening.

256-353-9615 Ext. 103
 rufus@stjohnsdecatur.org