Meet our Priest - The Rev’d. Gretchen Sanders Grimshaw
I am delighted to be here at St. Paul’s as the Priest in Charge. I began my tenure on Palm Sunday, 2008 and shared an amazingly deep and connected Holy Week with this wonderful community. My basic theological orientation is grounded in the notion of the God-given dignity of all of humanity and all of creation. And I see my role in this parish and this world to be one who lifts the dignity and the image of God that is already etched on every human heart to the surface of every human life in the service of justice and peace and compassion. My ministry itself is informed primarily by my respect for the dignity of every human being and all of creation, a passion for God, a love of beauty and justice and joy, and a steadfast sense of humor.

Prior to my arrival at St. Paul’s, I served for three years at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain (as was the Associate Rector for the last year), and for the last 9 months of its organizational life as the Executive Director of the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry - as marriage equality was achieved in Massachusetts on June 14, 2007, praise God! Prior to my enrollment in seminary in 1999, I spent 15 years in retail advertising and marketing. In 1998 I resigned my position as Corporate Vice President of Advertising for Filene’s Department Stores to start my own publishing company, specializing in theology and ethics. And in January of 2007 I was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church…never say never.

I have an M. Div. from the Episcopal Divinity School (2004), an ALM in History from Harvard University Extension School (2004), and a BA in Humanities from Smith College (1983).

I live in Watertown, MA with my partner of 19 years and our two seven-year-old Golden Retrievers, Archie and Diva (with a long i). And I count among my most treasured blessings Timbre Cowboy, a gorgeous young energetic Thoroughbred, and Patience, a seasoned speed demon of a Quarterhorse trail mare. And each of my beloveds serve to remind me, every day, among other things, that there is no such thing as impossible.

If you have any questions about St. Paul’s or would like to talk about joining our community, please contact me. I would be delighted to know more about what you are seeking in and offering to God.

Office Hours
The priest is in the office and available by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am-3pm and Thursday from 2pm-6pm. Other times are available upon request. Email gsgrimshaw@parishofstpaul.org or call the church office at 617-527-6642 to arrange a time to meet. Messages are checked daily.

Meet our Music Director
Reiko Akasaka has been Music Director and Organist at the Parish of St. Paulsince 2005. She is also staff accompanist at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge and principal accompanist at the Boston City Singers, and serves as board member of the Old West Organ Society in Boston. Reiko won the Gherardeschi Prize at the 2006 Italian Organ Music Academy- Shirakawa International Music Festival in Japan. The award includes support  recitals in Pistoia, Italy in 2007.

In addition, Reiko has been accompanist at the Boston University Choral Society, and organist at the Vega Hall in Japan and at the Swedenborg Chapel in Cambridge. She has also performed on piano with the Kyoto Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. She has studied piano with Victor Rosenbaum and Stephen Drury, and organ with Peter Sykes and Yuko Hayashi. Reiko received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Piano from the Osaka College of Music and a Graduate diploma in Organ from the Longy School of Music, and holds Master of Music degrees in Organ and Piano from New England Conservatory.

Meet our Staff
Parish Administrator: Diane Post
Church Sexton: Al Totten

Church Office Hours (updated 9/7/2007)
Tuesday 9-11am
Wednesday 3-5pm
Thursday 9-11am
Friday 9-11am

Click here for more information about the Vestry of St. Paul's.