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.
Irina Georgieva
Irina Georgieva joined St. Matthew’s in August 2024. She has served as Music Director and organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Henrietta, New York.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Choral Conducting (tate Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria), a Master of Music in Conducting (Northwestern University), and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting (Eastman School of Music). An Associate Professor of Conducting at Berklee College of Music in Boston since 2014, she became the Music Director of Cappella Cantorum MasterWorks Chorus in Deep River, Connecticut in 2024.
Residing in Trumbull with her family, Irina loves to travel and enjoys spending time in nature.
Nancy Johnson
As our Parish Administrator since July 2018, Nancy is a key part of the staff and community of St. Matthew's. The friendly face that greets everyone who comes into the office, she prepares worship bulletins and communications, while participating in the care and planning for the life of the our whole community.
She and her husband (Scott) reside in Southbury and together they have owned and operated a family business. An active, lifelong member of St. Peter’s Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe, Nancy serves as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and was recently their Senior Warden. Her interests include yoga, cooking, and reading. The proud mother of two adult daughters, she enjoys spending time with family, especially her three grandchildren.
Lucia Sato
Lucia has been a dedicated, safe-church trained staff member in our nursery for many years, providing a safe, fun, and faithful space for children 3-years-old and younger during Sunday worship. About herself, Lucia writes: “I grew up here in Wilton and have been going to St. Matthew’s for most of my life. After confirmation, I was asked to start working in the nursery. Being able to teach in the nursery seems like a small thing but it has a huge impact. I love watching the little ones learn and think as we tell them the stories of God and Jesus. When I am not at church, I am working with my dad at our hardware store in Wilton. When not working, I love to hang out with my dog, bake and cook, or go rock climbing.”
Matt Henshaw
Matt is the man "behind the curtain," ensuring our worship services are live-streamed smoothly. In addition to checking the sound, moving the camera, and saving the audio files of each week's sermon he has trained several St. Matthew's youth (and adults) in learning these skills. He graduated with a BA in Media Arts, with a concentration in Film and TV, and since then has worked a number of different careers in his field: a PA, a director, and an engineer. He is pleased to use his skills to work with all of us at St. Matthew's and keep us all connected, sharing some of the special pieces of this place. Matt and his wife can often be found with many of St. Matthew's young adults and we are happy to have him a part of our life together.
Alix Williams and Jairo Mejia
WEPCO Sextons
Alix and Jairo keep our facilities clean and safe throughout the seasons. They work behind the scenes to make sure our doors are open, the heat (or AC) is on, and the sidewalks are shoveled when needed - all with a smile. With advanced notice, they'll set up and take down tables and chairs. They not only serve St. Matthew's, but Wilton Presbyterian Church, and all WEPCO hosted events and meetings of the wider community.
Louann Miska
Louann (pictured in the center) has served as the bookkeeper for St. Matthew’s Church for the past ten years. She manages the church’s financial records and is responsible for the stewardship of funds. Throughout her tenure, Louann has overseen budgeting support, financial reporting and weekly bookkeeping operations. Her commitment to integrity and organization has contributed to the smooth operation of the church’s administrative functions. She takes pride in supporting the mission of St. Matthew’s Church and enjoys being part of the dedicated staff. Louann resides in Brookfield, CT and has two daughters and five grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling to Charleston, SC to see her friends.
In June 2025, St. Matthew's staff gathered for a luncheon prepared by our Social Justice group in thanksgiving for all that they do for our parish.
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.
Pam Ely
Co-Warden
Keith DeAngelis
Co-Warden
Rob Kyle
Treasurer
Jennifer DeAngelis
Clerk
Eleanor Arnold
Class of 2027
Endy Perry
Class of 2027
John Pearson
Class of 2027
Brian Angerame
Class of 2028, Ass't Treasurer
Bob Giolitto
Class of 2028
Kimberly Olson
Class of 2029
Becky Hudspeth
Class of 2029
Contact Vestry:
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.
Sharon Ely Pearson
Delegate
Pam Ely
Delegate
Chris Perry
Alternate Delegate
Steve Hudspeth
Alternate Delegate