Our Present Rector

The Rev. Harold Birkenhead (Father Harry) preaches, not from the altar or pulpit, but from the main aisle of the Church of the Holy Nativity. From time to time he may carry toys or props for his sermons. At other times he may pick up a child about to be baptized or joke with choir members or members of the congregation.

Father Harry doesn't preach Jesus at his congregation. This lively priest brings Jesus' loving care into his flock.

This husband of Charlene and father of Christopher, Caroline, Emma and Timmy hasn't always been a priest. In former times he was a Massachusetts State Trooper, rock musician, semi-professional baseball player who was asked to try out for the Kansas City Royals and a military man.

The most evident signs of his varied life can be heard in his sermons' baseball metaphors; in his mix of singing in traditional liturgical styles and then playing contemporary Christian guitar (left-handed) and piano songs; and his breaking into Beatles songs from time to time.

Before entering the seminary in the 1980s, then Trooper Birkenhead lived in Abington with his wife Charlene and attended Bridgewater State College where he earned his degree in psychology.

"Psychology only led me so far, and then had no definitive answers. I believe I was called to take my studies to the next level and study theology", he explains. So, in 1981, he and Charlene moved south so he could study at Virginia Theological Seminary. While there, he added another role to his life, as he and Charlene became parents to Christopher, Caroline, Emma and Tim. After Father Harry's ordination and his brief stint in Taunton, the family moved to Portland, Maine, where the versatile priest shepherded the parish of St. Peter's.

He came to us at the Church of the Holy Nativity in March of 2006.

Despite of all of this, there is one aspect of our rector that troubles parishioners terribly. While open to learning more about Father Harry's theological views, we do hope to convert him on one point. He is -- (sigh) -- a Yankees fan.

Please feel comfortable in calling Fr. Harry at 781.335.2030 or hbirkenhed@aol.com