The Rev. Paul A. Price, an Episcopal priest and computer program administrator, has been called by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oak Harbor to be its new rector and pastor. His first Sunday leading the parish was Nov. 6. He and his wife Cheryl Price have purchased a home in the Oak Harbor area after relocating from Southern California, where they have spent much of their lives.

Price joins St. Stephen’s after nine years as rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Redlands, California. He previously served in several other Episcopal churches in Southern California. He and his wife grew up in the Antelope Valley, in the High Desert area of Southern California. He is a graduate of the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, and also has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Azusa Pacific University. He was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles in 2004.

St. Stephen’s was founded in 1954 and for its entire history, the church has always been located at 555 Southeast Regatta Drive in Oak Harbor, on land shaded by several giant Garry oak trees.

“We are delighted to welcome Paul and Cheryl Price to our renewed and growing St. Stephen’s family, and we are eager to have him as our pastor and teacher,” said Marsha Vandeford, the church’s senior warden. “Paul’s wide experience as a priest and computer program administrator as well as his personal interests in astronomy, science fiction and ballroom dancing with Cheryl makes him a wonderful addition to our parish.”

Price succeeds the Rev. Peter Rood, who retired in July 2021 after the death of his wife. For the past two years, St. Stephen’s has been served by seven retired priests who are also members of the parish.

“I was drawn to St. Stephen’s because of its desire to be known as a welcoming, inclusive and generous church serving north Whidbey Island,” Price said. “I look forward to working with the people of St. Stephen’s to further its mission to serve Christ and our community.”