Staff and Leadership

Rev. Stephanie Shute Kelsch, Minister

 

In 2014, the Second Parish congregation called Stephanie Shute Kelsch to be our minister. She is the fifth great-granddaughter of our first minister, Rev. Daniel Shute.  Stephanie graduated cum laude from the University of Connecticut, received her M.A. from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College and did some of her course work at Oxford University of England. In 2015, she received a Masters of Divinity, cum laude, from Andover Newton Theological Seminary.

 

Stephanie taught high school English and public speaking for 36 years, was an adjunct professor at Northeastern University for 10 years, and also taught at Framingham State College.

She is a published playwright and author, and she frequently lectures and speaks to civic and historical organizations.

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Leigh Baltzer, Coordinator of Religious Education

 

Leigh Baltzer, our Coordinator of Religious Education, has two masters degrees - Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University and Film & Television Studies from UCLA. She has worked for many years with young children - in both formal and informal settings. She is thrilled to incorporate her love of puppetry with teaching children at Second Parish.

 

You can contact Leigh at cre@secondparish.org

Mark Slawson, Organist and Music Director

 

Mark Slawson earned a bachelor’s degree in music composition from Union College in Schenectady, New York, as well as a master's in early keyboards from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.  This year is Mark’s 31st as music director and organist at Second Parish where he directs and accompanies the choir and instrumental soloists and performs in a variety of concerts.

 

His contact information is music@secondparish.org

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Sandi Smith, Office Administrator

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Sandi Smith has been organizing Second Parish for over 25 years, is instrumental in running our annual Arts Festival, and has become a trusted friend to members.  When not at Second Parish, she can be found at her shop, Artisans in the Square, in downtown Hingham, or playing with her two granddaughters.

 

You may contact Sandi at office@secondparish.org

Lay Leadership

 

Second Parish is governed by a democratically-elected Leadership Board, nominated and elected by the congregation

for three-year terms.  Our current leadership positions are listed below.

 

 

Leadership Board, 2021-2022

 

Donna Hanlon, Chair

Lyn Bradeen, Religious Education

Peggy Mosher, Social Outreach

Jane Shute, Membership/Growth

Julie Horte, Worship/Music

Lisa Shetty, Parish and Community Events

Pam King, Finance

Richard Bowker, Property