Rector
The Rev. John A. Mennell has been the Rector of St. Luke’s since 2006 where he has overseen the growth of the congregation in vitality and numbers, the expansion of Toni’s Kitchen’s offerings to our community, and multiple capital projects to help secure the future of our cathedral in the community.
John is passionate about the hope of Jesus and the power of prayer. John thrives on change and trying to respond to where God is calling us to be.
Before moving to New Jersey, John was as assisting priest at St. Michael’s in New York City where he led growth in stewardship and membership. Prior to ordination, he worked for 15 years for Procter & Gamble, specializing in strategic planning, budgeting, team building, and human resources.
John was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 2005 from the Diocese of Southern Ohio. He earned his M.Div. from the General Theological Seminary in 2005, and is a 1987 graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he majored in American Studies.
John’s hobbies include pilgrimage, cooking, and stone carving.
John’s late wife, The Rev. Dr. Sonia E. Waters, was a professor of Pastoral Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. John has three adult children: Jack, Sarah, and Grace.