Two Priests, Churches Join the ADNE from the NY “Frontier”
This Spring, our family of churches has expanded to include the “frontier” of upstate New York, and we’re so happy to welcome two priests into the diocese. Rev. Arthur Peters of Granville and Rev. David Beaulac of Queensbury, are joining us from the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.
The two priests, ages 69 and 68 respectively, have a lot in common: both were ordained in 2012; both have been bi-vocational (Rev. Arthur’s career was in flooring sales and Rev. David was a supplier of hearing aids); they both have been married for over 40 years. Regarding children, Rev. David has two adult children living in New York, and while Rev. Arthur has no biological children, he proudly shared that he has “40 boys in prison” – a testament to the 18 years he spent in lay prison ministry. Lastly, they both have a passion for teaching people how to encounter the Living God in Holy Scripture.
Rev. Arthur & Sue Peters
It was their commitment to orthodoxy – the sanctity and truth of Holy Scripture – that led these leaders (along with their Bishop, the Rt. Rev. William Love) to leave the Episcopal diocese in February 2021. Being in favor of women’s ordination, the priests turned to the ADNE for their new spiritual home.
“I really had no idea what was going to happen,” said Rev. Arthur of his decision to leave the Episcopal Church, but found that the entire parish at Church of the Holy Spirit unanimously followed him into the ACNA. They currently meet in a parishioner’s farmhouse but are exploring three possible sites that will be more conducive to growth. When asked about his future plans in ministry, Rev. Arthur shared, “I can do anything God needs me to do as long as I’m preaching the Gospel and serving people in need!”
Rev. David “Dave” and Barb Beaulac
Rev. David’s exit occurred about the same time, with 10 parishioners from Holy Trinity Anglican following. For a few weeks they met in a local carpet business’s showroom, but are moving into a shared space at Vantage Pointe Church in Queensbury, where the pastor graciously initiated an invitation some months ago, saying if ever they found themselves without a building, they would be welcome there. Rev. David sees the potential of this new space, describing their previous location as challenging and without a lot of room for their three-streams community to grow, and he sees this new chapter with the ADNE as a huge opportunity, “we are so excited about the possibilities,” adding, “this is very much God’s project, not mine.”
While on the “frontier” of New England, the two priests are there for each other as they do everything from getting new bank accounts established to learning how to do church-in-a-box in new locations. “We see each other every week, and call each other up every few days,” Rev. David shared; “Art and I are supporting each other.” They are excited to begin connecting with other leaders in our diocese next month – be sure to give them a warm welcome!