A Change of Rector

In 2003, we called a new rector: the Rev. Dwight N. Helt, from All Saints Episcopal Church, Duncan, Oklahoma. He began July 1, 2003.

Father Helt had been rector of All Saints since 1992. He was born in Oklahoma City and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from OSU. He received his M.Div. from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. During his time at All Saints, membership and stewardship steadily increased and through a successful building program the parish doubled the size of the physical facility as well.

Fr. Helt previously served as chaplain to St. Stephen's Episcopal School, Austin, Texas; assistant at St. John's, Tulsa; director of religious education for Holland Hall (Episcopal) School, Tulsa; campus minister to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater; youth and Christian education director at St. Andrew's, Stillwater; diocesan summer camp director for the Diocese of Oklahoma; and southwest regional dean for the diocese.

Along with other current activities, Fr. Helt serves as abbot of the Oakerhater Community, is a member of the Ministry Formation Task Force of the Diocese of Oklahoma, and serves as spiritual director for the Diocese of Oklahoma deacon formation program. Many young people and adults in the diocese know him from his years of service at St. Crispin's. He is married to fellow Oklahoma native Mary Martha Ostrander, and their two children, Matthew and Angela, are young adults.

• Norman Transcript article, May 5, 2003
• All Saints Episcopal Church, Duncan OK
• The Oakerhater Community

Everliving God, strengthen and sustain our new rector, that with patience and understanding he may love and care for your people; and grant that together we may follow Jesus Christ, offering to you our gifts and talents; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.