Meet Our People

Clergy

The Reverend Steven M. Balke, Jr.

As Rector, Steven is responsible for inviting and empowering the people of St. Stephen’s to explore their relationships with God, with each other, and with the world outside our doors. Read more about Steven.

The Reverend Pat Ritchie

Rev. Pat is our Deacon, which means that she keeps us connected to the world beyond the walls of the church. In her leadership, preaching, and service, she models Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Read more about Pat.

Staff

DENICE THOMAS
Parish Business Manager

DENICE'S BIO

Denice handles all financial matters, human resources, and office management for the parish. She's a Beaumont native whose top priorities are God, her family, and her country. She loves to fish, hunt, read, and listen to music. If your life is ever low on color, visit Denice's office for pink vistas and a Hello Kitty shrine.

PEGGY BLAND
Parish Secretary, Nursery Mgr.

PEGGY'S BIO

Peggy (photo center) oversees day-to-day operations of the church office, prepares all material for Sunday services, and produces our church newsletter, the Ecclesia, among the many hats she wears. As the volunteer nursery manager she ensures that the nursery is staffed with properly trained, loving, and responsible attendants. Peggy's done it all, from mopping floors to setting up an off-site office with the help of her cohort, best friend, and fellow office-mate, Denice Thomas. Those two share many responsibilities at St. Stephen’s, so much so that people often confuse them!

SALLY WILSON
Music Director and Organist

SALLY'S BIO

Sally's been involved in church music ministry since the age of three, when she sang in the Cherub Choir at her father's church. While in high school, she became the children's choir director and became the organist when she was in college. Sally has Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Applied Piano and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy. Originally from Ohio, she has lived in Kansas, Minnesota, and California, serving in each place as organist and/or choir director and teaching piano. Since moving to Beaumont in 1999, she has shared her passion for music and music ministry with St. Stephen’s and also at All Saints Episcopal School, where, after being the music teacher for five years, she moved into administration. Sally currently serves as Assistant Head of School and Director of Curriculum & Middle School.

SARA McELROY
Choir Director

Sara'S BIO

Sara has lived in Beaumont with her husband, John, since 1992. Sara is a staff attorney with the Ninth Court of Appeals. In addition to her Doctor of Jurisprudence, she has a Bachelor of Music in piano performance and a Bachelor of Arts in history, and she is also trained in vocal performance and choral conducting. Sara directs our choir and selects the hymns, service music, and choral offertory anthem for our worship services. She is passionate about drawing people into God’s presence through music. The loves of her life are John and her family, friends, and miniature schnauzers.