Leadership — The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist

The Reverend Samuel C.R. Cripps, Rector

Father Samuel Cripps was called as Rector of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in 2023. Father Sam was ordained deacon and priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas in Dallas, TX, and is a graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, WI. Father Sam has previously served at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Dallas, and as a seminarian at The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Dallas. He writes as a contributor for Covenant, a journal of The Living Church. Father Sam is particularly interested in the works of George Lindbeck, Jacque Ellul, and Karl Barth, and is pursuing those interests in his Ph.D. work at Columbia International University. Father Sam is married to Lauren, and they live in Wausau with their son, Garwood.

The Reverend Canon Mark Evans, Associate Priest

Canon Mark Evans joins St. John’s as Associate Priest after a long tenure of ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, based out of Springfield, Illinois. Canon Mark served as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln, IL, and most recently as Canon to the Ordinary for the Bishop of Springfield. He completed his theological training at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. Canon Mark continues to serve Christ’s Church not only as Associate Priest, but also as a member of the Board of Visitors of Nashotah House. Canon Mark serves as a senior advisor to the Rector, preaches at Mass, and assists with the sacramental life of the parish. Canon Mark lives in Wausau with his wife, Sandy.