Bloom Hamner

John Roberts Named School Chaplain



John Roberts Named School Chaplain

Christ School is pleased to announce the appointment of Fr. John C. Roberts as its next Chaplain, succeeding Fr. Kirk Brown, who will be retiring after 24 years of service to the school. Fr. Roberts comes to us most recently from St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, Flat Rock, where he is currently serving as the Assistant Rector. While his work in parish ministry has been rewarding, John has long felt God's call to serve as a school chaplain. In fact, before coming to Western N.C., he served as the Interim Chaplain at Canterbury School in Greensboro. In his words, "I am thankful for the opportunity to walk with the students and community of Christ School as we explore our calling in faith." Fr. Roberts is excited to begin building relationships both in and around the Christ School community.

Fr. Roberts brings a varied and vibrant experience to his ministry after serving in the Episcopal Church world for over a decade. A graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, John completed his Anglican studies at Sewanee School of Theology. He also studied abroad in India and Israel and has traveled to many other parts of the globe. Prior to his ordination, he served as a youth minister, camp chaplain, and director of a young adult service corps program.

Fr. Brown and Fr. Roberts have already forged a friendship and will be working together for the remainder of the second semester. According to Fr. Brown, "It is rare to find a young priest so clearly called to boarding school ministry. To find one so capable and so well matched to this wonderful school community is particularly gratifying to me. I am thrilled that John will be Christ School's next Chaplain. I know our spiritual community will be in great hands."

John is joined by his wife, Dr. Hannah Marie Roberts, a resident physician in Asheville. She also brings a special connection to Christ School: her brother, Alex Devoid, graduated in 2007. They will be moving into the newly-constructed Chaplain's house later in the spring.