ST MARK’S WELCOMES ITS NEW RECTOR!
The Rev. Leslie (Les) Clark Ferguson
Following is a short bio written by Fr. Les:
Rev. Leslie Ferguson
Father Les
September 2023
I am a cradle Episcopalian who finds great comfort in worship and music. I am comfortable in all forms of worship, from formal to progressive, and traditional to contemporary. My worship practice has been formed most recently by monastic communities, and I have come to appreciate the rhythm of the daily office and contemplative prayer.
I completed my formal theological education at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria; being graduated on May 20, 2010. I was ordained a Deacon in June 2010 and made a priest by the Right Reverend Holly Hollerith, Bishop Diocesan in Southern Virginia, December 2010. I have served as Rector at St. John’s in the village of Chuckatuck in Suffolk Virginia beginning in December 2010.
Prior to attending Seminary, I completed a 22+ year career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy. I was blessed to serve on 5 different ships spending over 10 years at sea. I was fortunate to serve on ships of all sizes and shapes; from a small, wood-and-fiberglass hulled Minesweeper, to a conventionally powered Aircraft Carrier. A highlight of my career was being stationed in Japan for almost 2 years and helping commemorate the 50th anniversary of many of the Pacific theater invasions including Saipan, Guam, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and the Philippines while serving onboard a Tank Landing Ship (LST).
My wife and I met while in college at the Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Oregon. We were married and are both alums of OSU. I was a member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps which led to my Commissioning as Regular Duty Officer in June 1985.
My wife and I enjoy travelling and have visited England, Singapore, and Japan overseas. We have travelled extensively in the United States and Canada. Ironically, I have been to 49 of the 50 states and have travelled almost all the way around the world over multiple trips (I’ve missed about 60 miles of ocean between the Philippines and Hong Kong).
I have hobbies which include wildlife and nature photography, wildlife transportation for rehabilitation, and being outdoors. I enjoy walking, running, bicycle riding, and hope to develop my hiking skills while in Southern Oregon.
