Vestry
The Vestry is the key lay leadership of the church. They focus on the mission and vision of the church as well as make major financial decisions. The Vestry is comprised of 12 duly elected Parishioners in good standing in accordance with DOT Title III, Section 2. They meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Potential Vestry members are nominated by parishioners and then asked if they are willing to serve the church. If they agree, their name is placed on a ballot and at the annual meeting, parishioners elect who they would like to have serve. Vestry members serve three years on a rotating basis. The Senior Warden is appointed by the Rector and the Junior Warden is elected from within the Vestry.
Glenn Criswell - Treasurer
My wife Amy and I have been members of Ascension since 1998. We have two teenage boys, Michael and Colin, both of whom attended Ascension Episcopal School in their primary years. Now Michael attends Baylor University and Colin is a Junior at Stratford High School. I am a fourth generation Houstonian and have lived in West Houston most of my life. My educational experience includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and a MBA from Rice University. I previously served on the vestry at Ascension from 2005 to 2007 and presently serve as a lay reader - usually for the 8 AM service. I work in the commercial real estate industry as an IT manager. Elizabeth TillI am a lifelong Episcopalian, and my family joined Church of Ascension in 1963. Besides my parents being very active here from 1963 until their deaths, I have served on the vestry in the past, and I want to help my home church to the best it can be. I have three grown children and eight grandchildren. “
Olive Gomes
I am member at Ascension and have been for 27 years. My ministries at Ascension include the Daughters of the King and the Prayer Team. I am a teacher and love to garden. My family includes six siblings and many nieces and nephews. My mottos in life are " I cannot do everything but what I can do I will do" and " Make a friend, Be a Friend, Bring a friend to Christ. One of my favorite bible verse is 1Peter 3:10 " Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful." I am willing to serve and please keep me in your prayers for God's guidance.
Edwin Murvee
y name is Edwin Ballah Murvee. I was born and grew up in Monrovia, Liberia; where I graduated from the Assemble Of God High School. I left Liberia during the civil war and migrated to Ghana where I live as a refugee for some years and was blessed to have traveled to Hong Kong where I also lived for few years and became an Evangelist. I am a happily married husband to my beautiful wife Jolie, for 19 yrs. We have 3 amazing children, Philip, Maxi and Edlishia. I studied Computer Information Systems at Houston Community College and then the University of Houston. As a Vestry member, I hope to continue the good work that has previously been established by those who came before me, and if need be, make improvements.
Allison Garcia
Allison Garcia was born in Indiana, but became a Texas transplant when her dad's job moved the family to Laredo. Despite the culture shock, she was pleased to learn there were places where tacos were considered appropriate breakfast fare. The lifelong writer and book lover earned her bachelor's degree in Communication, with a minor in Journalism, from Texas A&M University. After college she moved to Victoria, Texas, where she served as Business and Agriculture Reporter for the local paper. Nearly seven years later, in 2014, she made her way to Houston to work with a local marketing firm. Soon after, the lifelong Episcopalian came to Ascension - and immediately felt at home. Allison is a regular Sunday school teacher and lay reader, and has served on both the Vision and Stewardship committees. She lives in Westchase with her husband, Cory, and their very spoiled dog, Marley. 
Nigel Hypolite
Nigel Hypolite is from the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Episcopal Church and has maintained a close relationship with God. After spending 6 years in the Army, he moved to New York City to pursue a degree in business administration. Nigel began his extensive career in mortgage and financial services while in school and has spent the last 15 years helping clients realize their dreams and goals of home ownership. Nigel currently lives in Pearland, Texas with his wife of over 5 years and his two children. He is active in his community. He continues his love for the outdoors and commitment to good health by running, biking and playing tennis. |
John Searle, Senior WardenI have been an active member of Ascension for about eight years and during that time I have found many wonderful opportunities for service. I am a retired Biomedical engineer and enjoy solving problems as well as making and building friendships. Thank you for the opportunity to serve on the vestry.
Jim Anderson, Junior WardenJim has been a member of Ascension for 15 years He attends Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study and participates in chili cook offs. Jim has served many times on numerous committees and has led Bible Study classes . Jim has served on the vestry twice before, once as the Jr. Warden. He looks forward to serving Ascension again.
Julie CollinsI am a cradle Episcopalian who was born and raised in Houston. I have been affiliated with Ascension Church off and on since 1998 and currently attend the Tuesday Women’s Bible study group. I also aide Karin Hansen with the Junior Daughters of the King. I am retired and enjoy spending time with family friends and my two fur babies, Eva and Sophia (cats).
Dipo OgunmesaOladipo Ogunmesa is a Systems Analyst with Aveva Software Houston, TX. He came to the United States about 10 years ago. He is married and blessed with four beautiful daughters. He has passion for church music and sings in the church choir with his wife and three of his daughters. His educational background include a Bachelors in Computer Science from Nigeria, Masters from Webster University St. Louis, MO, and an ongoing PhD. in Information Technology from Walden University, Minneapolis, MN. Oladipo is also veteran of the US Army.
Ken KingdonI am a native Houstonian, a Rice University alum and a small business owner (until I recently retired). My wife Joe Ann and I were members at Ascension for a couple of decades before we followed our grandchildren to Memorial Drive Presbyterian about 10 years ago. We returned to the Episcopal Church (St Catherine's of Siena) near our Missouri City Home several years ago because we missed the liturgy and believe in the inclusive spirit that the Episcopal church affirms. We came back to Ascension early last year when we moved to the Memorial area and were enthused about Father Mark's arrival. We have volunteered, together as ushers, I as a lay reader and Joe Ann also rejoined the altar guild. I look forward to serving Ascension and our rector as The Holy Spirit inspires and meeting more of the members that we do not routinely see at our regular 8:00 am worship.
Sharon Black
My name is Sharon Black. I am married to Mike Black, mother to Valerie, grandmother to Jana, Mariam, and Margaret; I am self-employed and stay involved in the community as a member of The World Affairs Council in Houston, and Daughters of the American Revolution. At Ascension, I keep busy as a Sunday School volunteer and choir member. In my spare time, I enjoy such hobbies as reading, playing the piano, gardening, studying natural health, and training dogs for service work. I also volunteer at Freedom Place, a safe harbor for young girls rescued from human trafficking, and with Houston Interfaith Ministries. As a member of the Vestry, I look forward to helping Ascension continue to grow and serve God in our everyday lives.
Gemma Williams
Thank you, for allowing me to be a part of Ascension Vestry. I am very appreciative of this opportunity and being a long term member of Ascension, I have always respected all of the work that the vestry have done for the church, hoping that I can keep up and learn from the best. I moved to Houston in 1983 from New York, and was visiting in the neighborhood and found Ascension Church. I attended on and off during Reverend Al Lawrence’s tenure. I was baptized, and I received my confirmation from St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Trinidad; then in 1988, I officially joined Ascension Church and my son Alpha Williams was confirmed. Shortly after, in 1990 at three months old, my daughter Alexandria Williams was baptized, and later confirmed in November 2007. In December of 2010, I became a proud grand mother of Melanie Williams. Melanie, has attended Ascension School from infancy to pre-kindergarten.
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Serve until Jan 2020
Tom Sutton Glenn Criswell Liz Goodman Michelle Feagin Margo Kaplan |
Serve until Jan 2021
Sharon Black Olive Gomes Edwin Murvee Gemma Williams |
Serve until Jan 2022
Travis Beck Allison Garcia Nigel Hypolite |
