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The Rev Richard Charles Wrede was called by the Wardens
and Vestry to be the 14th Rector of Christ Church in Riverton in
April 2005 and began his ministry among us in May of that year. He was
formally installed in that office by the Rt. Revd George Edward Councell,
XI Bishop of New Jersey.
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Father Wrede came to Christ
Church from All Saints' Episcopal
Church in Lakewood, NJ.
He is married to the Rev Anne McRae Wrede and has a teenaged daughter, Katie.
The Rev Mrs. Wrede serves as the Interim Vicar of Trinity
Church in Vineland,
NJ.
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Fr. Wrede earned his BA degree in History (summa cum
laude) from Fairleigh Dickinson
University, and an MS in Library
Service from Columbia University
in New York City,
before receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological
Seminary. He is presently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew
University in Madison,
NJ.
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Prior to his ministry in Lakewood, Fr. Wrede served two parishes in
the Diocese of Newark, where he received the Bishops' Certificate of Merit
for Outstanding Service for his work as Screening Chair and Treasurer of
the Commission on Ministry.
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He has been active in outreach and community affairs.
This includes ministry to the homeless, establishing bible studies in
nursing homes, re-organizing and serving as president of Lakewood's interfaith clergy association,
as a fire department chaplain, library board president, and a number of
other church and civic activities.
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Fr. Wrede's other interests include an amateur interest
in music (he plays organ, piano, clarinet, saxophone and recorder). He is
interested in local history, genealogy, and bird watching. He has traveled in
Western Europe (including a five month stint as Rector-on-exchange at All
Hallows Church
in Gedling, Nottinghamshire, England), and throughout the eastern US and Canada. He
and his family also enjoy hiking (especially with their retired greyhound
racers, Jupiter and Sampson) and camping.
Prior to his call to Christ
Church, Fr. Wrede has during his
15 year ordained career served as Rector of three congregations. In each of
those places, attendance and stewardship has increased, and budgets
balanced.
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During the parish's self search, the four greatest
desires of the congregation's membership were grow spiritually via worship,
prayer and music, advocate education for all ages, build parish membership,
and increase lay involvement in parish life. Of the twenty-five candidates
considered by the search committee, Richard's goals, desires and talents
most closely matched our own.
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