SAINT MATTHEW'S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
36 NEW CANAAN RD
WILTON, CT 06897
CLERGY & STAFF
Interim Rector
John H. Branson is semi-retired, most recently serving as a supply priest in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. For 22 years he was the rector of Christ & Holy Trinity in Westport, Connecticut before retiring to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Since then, he has served as the interim rector in Lake Forest, Illinois; Alexandria, Virginia; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Greenwich, Connecticut. He has also served as priest-in-charge at a summer chapel in New Hampshire.
In recent years, poetry has become a source of inspiration for his preaching. As Emily Dickinson suggests, telling it slant awakens new and surprising perspectives on Holy Scripture and the Spirit’s influence in our everyday lives. John has been married for over 50 years to Judyth; they are parents to an adult daughter living in Westport and now call an 18th century house in Redding home.
Assistant to the Rector
for Formation & Engagement
The Rev. Dr. Tommy Watson, Jr. began serving at St. Matthew’s in August of 2024. A native of Leesville, South Carolina, his numerous degrees are in Vocal Performance with a post Doctoral Certificate in Contemporary Commercial Vocal Pedagogy. Tommy taught at the collegiate level and became a tenured Associate Professor of Music at the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, teaching for twenty years.
Following a call to the priesthood, Tommy attended Berkeley Divinity School at Yale from 2021-2024 and was ordained a deacon two weeks after graduation. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 10, 2024 at Trinity Cathedral in Columbia, South Carolina by The Rt. Rev. Daniel P. Richards, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. His presenters included John & Sharon Pearson from St. Matthew’s.
VESTRY
The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. Elected at the annual parish meeting, the presiding officer of the vestry is the rector. Officers of the vestry at St. Matthew's are: two wardens who lead the parish between rectors and act as a support to the rector; a treasurer who oversees the finances; and the clerk who serves as secretary to the Vestry. The remaining members help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. Read their bios here and you can always contact them at vestry@stmatthewswilton.org
DIOCESAN DELEGATES
Once a year, the Episcopal Church in Connecticut gathers together for worship, prayer, listening, learning, and to conduct the business of our Diocese. Two lay delegates from each worshipping community and all canonically resident clergy are entitled to voice and vote at Convention. Delegates also participate in the election of a bishop when the need arises and may often by appointed by the bishop or elected at convention to diocesan committees and task forces.
