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.
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
Sandi Smith, Office Administrator
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 three 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, 2023-2024
Pam King, Chair
Lyn Bradeen, Religious Education
Robyn Charbonneau, Parish and Community Events
Dinah Collins, Social Outreach
Julie Horte, Worship/Music
Peggy Mosher, Membership/Growth
Susan Weisenbeck, Finance
Ardith Wieworka, Property