09/28/2026
The Vestry of S. Clement’s Church is delighted to announce that the Rev’d Dr. J. Brent Bates has been elected the nineteenth Rector. Fr. Bates will begin his work at S. Clement’s in January of 2027.
Fr. Bates is currently Rector of Grace Church in Newark, New Jersey, an historic Anglo-Catholic Parish, where he spearheaded the redevelopment of the Choir School, greatly expanded the food ministry outreach and Adult Formation programs, and introduced the public celebration of the Divine Office on weekdays. Fr. Bates was ordained to the priesthood in 2008 and, before coming to Grace Church in 2011, served as Associate Rector at Calvary Church in Summit, New Jersey. He is a graduate of Drew University (Ph.D. in Liturgical Studies), General Theological Seminary (Diploma in Anglican Studies), Abilene Christian University (M.Div.), and Harding University (B.A. in Biblical Studies and Languages).
A native Texan, Fr. Bates has lived in New York, Princeton, and Changsha, China, where he taught English at the Hunan International Economics University. He enjoys playing classical guitar, reading, cooking authentic home-style Chinese food, and craft coffee.
As a lover of the Divine Office, traditional liturgy — particularly the English Missal — and the Catholic Faith, Fr. Bates will be right at home at S. Clement’s. Fr. Bates is an accomplished liturgical chanter and has a deep appreciation for the parish’s musical tradition.
The Vestry would like to thank the Search Committee, which recommended Fr. Bates after a nearly year and a half long process of searching and prayerful discernment, as well as The Rt. Rev’d Daniel Gutiérrez, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, for his pastoral accompaniment during the process. More information concerning the beginning of Fr. Bates’ ministry at S. Clements and his installation will be forthcoming.
