Clergy

Holy Cross benefits from the talents of three members of the clergy: two priests, who serve part-time, and one deacon.

The Rev. Gerald J. Gallagher recently joined Holy Cross as supply priest in charge. Father Jerry's backgound includes a degree in philosophy from Cathedral College in Brooklyn and a degree and licentiate in theology from Gregorian University in Rome followed by doctoral studies in theology at Fordham. He received ordination to priesthood in Rome in 1967. After serving as a parish priest in Brooklyn and teaching theology courses at St. John's University, he worked as a probation officer and prison counselor. He was received as an Episcopal priest in 1980 and served as priest in charge at Holy Trinity, Pawling, NY; and as rector, Church of the Messiah, for 24 years. He and his wife Joy have been blessed with each other and with four children and four grandchildren. Jerry is thankful to be a part of the ministry team at Holy Cross.
The Rev. Ed Dunlap serves as priest on the third Sunday of each month. Until recently on other Sundays, he served as the priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in downtown Wilmington. Ed is from Winchester, Va., and resides here with his wife, Donna.
The Rev. Deacon Andy Atkinson shares this -- I was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons February 11, 1988, in the Diocese of East Carolina, as part of the first class of Perpetual Deacons ordained in the diocese. I have served the parishes of St. John's, Good Shepherd, St. Paul's, and Holy Cross, all in the Diocese of East Carolina. In my other life, I worked for New Hanover County Government for 24 years, serving as Finance Director and Deputy County Manager. I retired in 2003 and opened Leadership Initiatives, Inc., a company dedicated to: 1) enhancing productivity, profitability, and workplace satisfaction; 2) developing leadership skills and effective teams; and 3) empowering individuals to set goals and determine appropriate roles within groups. My wife, Ada, and I have two grown children and two grandsons.