The Rev. Canon John T. W. Harmon: Résumé
Ecclesiastical
Canonical Residence: Diocese of Washington, October 2000; Priesthood: 2 February 1992; Deaconate: 8 June 1991; Honorary Canon: St. Alban’s Cathedral, Diocese of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Personal
Born: 16 November 1964; Married: Keeva Patterson, 1992; Children: Joshua, Jarena and Justin
Vocational Experience
2000 to Present
Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, Washington, DC, www.TrinityChurchdc.org
Principal priest and pastor, preacher and teacher, sharing and providing spiritual and pastoral, visionary and companion leadership, with administrative oversight of a diverse and cross-cultural parish community. Supervise seminarians and interns.
Initiated the Lenten Study Program, Annual Preaching Mission and Revival, the Advent Circle (House church), Children’s Choir and after school tutorial program, Vacation Bible School and Summer Enrichment Program, Summer Youth Employment Program.
Provided leadership for repairing roof over the church, and replacing roof over parish hall, repairing damaged stained-glass windows, complete renovation unused rectory for administrative offices, and replaced public address system.
2002 to Present
Founder, Envisioned TEAMM for Children
TEAMM (Trinity Education Arts Music Ministry) is an Outreach that seeks to enrich children’s lives and support their growth, development and achievement through a comprehensive program of experience and instruction in academics and the arts.
2004 to Present
Co-founder, Episcopal Service Corps (ESC), www.Episcopalservicecorps.org
The Episcopal Service Corps is a federation of young adult service programs across the United States within the Episcopal Church. ESC assists young adults in discerning their vocation and inner “voice” that is calling them to their life’s work, and to develop the kind of skills that enable them to listen and respond God’s call through a life of service.
2001 to Present
Executive Director, Trinity Volunteer Corps (TVC)
Trinity Volunteer Corps is a ministry offering young adults an opportunity and experience of living in an intentional Christian community while working social justice with social service agencies that serve the poor and marginalized. TVC provides an opportunity to learn more about poverty and advocacy for the poor. The program also provides a unique multi-cultural experience and an understanding of community and spirituality, simplicity and social justice, as well as a chance to explore personal growth through spiritual practices and awareness.
2001 to Present
Founder and President, Trinity Development Corporation, www.Trinitydevelopmentcorporation.org
Trinity Development Corporation provides assistance and leadership on HIV/AIDS education and prevention services through the establishment of six centers in churches in various wards of the District of Columbia. This ministry seeks to address health disparities in the District of Columbia and has realized almost $2 million in funding from local and federal sources.
2000 to Present
Spiritual Faculty, CREDO Institute, Inc., www.Episcopalcredo.org
CREDO is Clergy Reflection Education Discernment Opportunity for Clergy of the Episcopal Church. The CREDO Institute provides “opportunities for clergy to examine significant areas of their lives and to discern prayerfully the future direction of their vocation as they respond to God’s call in a lifelong process of practice and transformation.”
1993 to 2000
Rector, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Petersburg, Virginia
Provided leadership to retire parish debt of more than $350,000 three years ahead of schedule.
Refurbished and repaired interior and exterior of church, including parish hall. Purchased property adjacent to church.
Introduced the Hymnal 1982 and the Lift Every Voice & Sing II Hymnal. Initiated the choir scholars and intern program and an annual choir concert.
Established the St. Stephen’s Endowment Fund — “The Sure Foundation Fund” — with a planned giving program that provided an initial gift of more than $100,000 plus an estate of significant value. Manage and invested gifts with significant results. Introduced the special gifts and projects initiative.
1996 to 2000
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Preserving Life, Ensuring Future Generation Ministry
A parish based HIV/AIDS education and prevention program which received more than $100,000 in grants and has reached over 2000 youth.
1991 to 1993
Assistant Rector, Grace Episcopal Church, Norfolk, Virginia
Shared pastoral, liturgical and preaching responsibilities. Trained lay participants for worship. Designed Youth and Young Adult programs. Organized Christian Education programs and initiated a weekly bible study group for young adults.
1991 to 1993
Chaplain, Norfolk State University (NSU) Norfolk, Virginia
Provided pastoral support to students, faculty and staff. Provided Baccalaureate Services for graduates and their families. Co-sponsored the Community Candlelight walk and vigil against drugs and violence with NSU’s Public Relations Office. Initiated the Tuesday Lunch Forum and the International Student Christmas Gathering.
1990 to 1991
On Call Hospital Chaplain, Washington Hospital Center
Provided Pastoral Care to patients, their families and hospital staff.
1989 to 1991
Seminarian, Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C.
Preached regularly, initiated a weekly bible study, taught Sunday School and worked with the youth. Initiated the Lectors’ Guild – a comprehensive program to train lay participants for worship. Developed the Alexander Crummell project, which gave historical presentations and gathered parish history to start archive.
Education
Master in Theology, Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
Master of Divinity, Virginia Theological Seminary
Theological Studies, Lancaster Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts, Cum laude, Saint Paul’s College, English Literature and Political Science
Certificate, Summer Forensics Institute, Georgetown University, Washington District of Columbia
Foreign Residence and Travel
Liberia, England, Ivory Coast, Bahamas, Canada, Tanzania, Mexico, Namibia, South Africa, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Israel
Addresses, Sermons and Workshops
Preacher, Absalom Jones Day Celebration, Diocese of Washington (2011); Preacher, Dedication Service, St. Alban’s Cathedral, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (2004); Keynoter, Domestic Missionary Partnership Conference (2003); Keynoter, Daughter of the King, Diocesan Assembly, Pittsburgh, PA (1997); Workshop Leader, Shine Mount Conference (1994, 1996); Keynoter, Diocesan Retreat, Daughter of the King, Morgantown, WV (1996); Keynoter, Daughter of the King, Province III Assembly, Philadelphia (1995); Workshop Leader, The Episcopal Church Executive Council Meeting (1994); Founder’s Day Speaker, St. Paul’s College (1994); Parish Retreat Leader, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Newport News (1993)
Special Initiatives & Delegations
Life Member, Union of Black Episcopalians (2009); Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Ensuring Life, Protecting Future Generation (1996); Initiated & organized effort to appoint first minority Executive, Southern VA (1996); Founder and First Editor, Tiger Beat, a St. Paul’s College Student Newspaper (1985)
National Church
2003, 06, 09 Alternate, General Convention, Diocese of Washington
2000 Deputy, General Convention, Diocese of Southern Virginia
1998 Member, Episcopal Church Stakeholders Gathering
1997 Alternate, General Convention, Diocese of Southern Virginia
1997 Conference Chaplain and Pastor, Union of Black Episcopalians
1995–2000 Provincial Chaplain, Daughter of the King, Province III
1994 Workshop leader, Episcopal Church Executive Council
1989 Consultant, Episcopal Church Center, Office of Black Ministry
Diocese of Washington
2007–2010 Member, Standing Committee
2003–2009 Board, Washington Episcopal Clergy Association
2000–2008 Member, Commission on Ministry
Diocese of Southern Virginia
1999–2000 Diocesan Discernment Committee
1997–2000 President, Standing Committee
1997–2000 Board of Examining Chaplains
1997–2000 Commission on Ministry
1994–1997 Liturgical Commission
1994–2000 Clergy and Seminarian advisor
1993–1996 Ecclesiastical Court
1992–1997 Board of Managers, Chanco Camp and Conference Center
1991–1997 Department of College Work and Institutional Services
1991–1996 Commission on Racism
Community
2010–Present Board, Episcopal Service Corps
1997–2000 Board, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
1997–2000 Petersburg School Board, Committee on Character Education
1997–2000 Friends of Peabody Middle School
1996–1999 Petersburg Schools Drop-out Prevention
1995–1997 Blue Ribbon Commission, Crater Road Health Department
1993–1999 United Campus Ministry, Virginia State University
Honors and Awards
Howard University Medical School, Spirituality and Medicine Award (2007); Petersburg Links’ 50th Anniversary
Distinguished Service Award (1998); The Canterbury Award, St. Paul College (1988); Michael Jackson Scholar, UNCF
(1987); The Chaplain Award, St. Paul College (1987); Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society (1986); First Place Affirmative Speaker, Newark Citywide Debates (1984); Scholar Athlete and Athlete of the Year, Vailsburg (1984)