The Vestry

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Officers of the Vestry

Steve Gaddes, Senior Warden

One Year Term for 2025

It’s funny how some things you are asked to do move you out of your comfort zone. So,
when Rev. Johanna asked us to write our own bio, I got a little shiver. I would rather
here your story, than mine, but here goes.

My name is Stephen Boyden Gaddes, as most of you, our names are a snapshot our family history. My mother’s maiden name is Boyden, my Dad’s Dads were Gaddeses, and my Great Grandfather’s middle name was Stephen.

Despite some stints in Boston and Burriville, I am a Scituate native and lifelong Trinity member. Lisa and I settled in Scituate in the late 80’s, bought a train wreck of a house, fixed it up (not done yet), and raised three Kids, Sam (30) Caleb (28) and Dylan (26).

After trade school, I entered the Architectural Woodworking business and have continued in that field, for the past 40 years. Down time for me is working in my shop, outdoor cooking and baking, open water swimming, home projects, and reading.

I think my church path is typical. 60’s – Sunday school, children’s choir, get a plant at Easter. 70’s acolyte, youth group, out of here!! 80’s – too busy with work, house, and kids. 90’s Still too busy. 2000’s – Hey, Wanna be on Vestry. 2010’s – Hey, wanna join the choir? 2019- Hey, wanna be on Vestry (again)?

I think what excites me about Trinity is the welcoming. I stayed away for a period of time but was drawn back. And upon return the greeting I got was not “where have you been” but “how have you been”

See you on Sunday.

Eric Peterson, Junior Warden

One Year Term for 2025

I have lived here in Scituate, RI most of my adult life. I started attending Sunday services here at Trinity Episcopal Church approximately six years ago, looking for spiritual healing and direction in my life. What I have observed in that time is how supportive and caring the people of this parish are, with all the different ministries that have been established within Trinity Episcopal Church, which I believe to be a great attribute of the parish. I am honored to serve on the vestry committee and look forward to participating with the other vestry members in service to God and working to move the parish through the new year.

Susan Newkirk, Treasurer

One Year Term for 2025

Hi, and welcome! These are the first words that come to mind when I think of Trinity Church. You see, approximately 7 or 8 years ago, my husband Bob and I decided we wanted to find a church where we could worship. We lived in Scituate at the time, and often drove pass the little stone church near the center of town. We chose to attend a 9:30 service. At the end, the rector announced that all were invited to go “across the way” for “coffee and.”  With trepidation, we entered the hall. Almost immediately a woman approached, introduced herself as Norma, and proceeded to welcome us with inviting conversation and interaction. Although Bob and I now live in Coventry, we choose to continue to worship at Trinity because of the welcoming spirit, the hospitality, and the wonderful people of faith that we experience here.

As for me, I grew up in West Warwick, where upon graduating high school, I found a job working for a credit and loan company. Over the years I married, had three wonderful children Jonathan (44), Jillian (40) and Amy (36), was a stay-at-home mom, ran a real estate appraisal business with my former spouse, attended college at night and finally graduated from Providence College with a BS in Liberal Studies and a minor in theology. I have also worked as an operations manager for computer company in Lincoln and a large insurance company with a branch office in Warwick.

In 2006 I divorced and met Bob in October of 2010. A couple of years later, Bob and I planned a trip to visit dear friends in Arizona. My friend suggested that while we are there, we could all drive to Las Vegas, visit her son and Bob and I could get married. Her son ran a catering business in Vegas, and he was willing to plan a dinner celebration for all. So, there it was, a wedding planned and prepared for us. Bob and I were married on April 22, 2013, in the Weekirk o’the Heather wedding chapel near downtown Las Vegas. In case you were wondering, no, Elvis was not there. We did have a nice minister perform the ceremony and my sister, daughter, and a few friends were able to celebrate with us. Bob was already retired, so after we married, I retired from the insurance company, and shortly thereafter we moved to Coventry.

As a member of Trinity, I have had the privilege to serve within a number of ministries including being a reader, treasurer, and project manager. Bob and I continue to feel blessed to be part of this community and are grateful to have the opportunity to serve, wherever our gifts and talents are needed. As Treasurer, it is my hope that I remain faithful to working in the light of God’s love and care, so that the work we do, is in the best interest of and for, the greater good of our community.

Assistant Treasurer, Steve Brannigan

One Year Term for 2025

Bio Coming Soon

Lynette Cunningham, Clerk of the Vestry

One Year Term for 2025

I am married and have a daughter who has blessed my husband and I with two beautiful granddaughters. I also have a son who will be 22 years old this year and is in the Army Reserves.
My husband and I had been searching on and off for a church to go to where we could feel comfortable and at “home”. We were introduced to this church by close friends and ever since then, have found what we have been looking for: a place where we could fit in and feel as though we were part of a church family.

After coming to the church for a couple years, I realized that there was something more I needed to do with the church: to be a part of the group of people who were the “behind the scenes” people – the Vestry. I have been on the Vestry now for two years and have enjoyed being a part of a group of people whose goal is to work towards the betterment of the church and community. I look forward to working with my peers on the Vestry to help make things better for our church community.

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At-Large Vestry Members

Jerry Dion

 I am a retired teacher after teaching for thirty-four years, teaching special education and literacy. I have been a parishioner at Trinity for about thirty years. I taught Sunday School at Trinity for nineteen years. I have also served previously on the vestry at Trinity. I have been married to my wife, Lynn, for almost thirty-nine years. We have lived in Scituate for thirty-six years. We have two children- Russell and Giselle and she happens to be a cradle Episcopalian. We have a fourteen year-old cat named Dutch. I am a diehard Red Sox fan and enjoy rock, jazz and classical music.

Scott Fraser

Bio Coming Soon

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Donna Martel

My name is Donna Martel and I live in Johnston, Rhode Island with my husband Chris and our 2-year old standard poodle, Ralfie. Most of my adult life was spent working in the medical field until my retirement in 2022.
I became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in 2012 and since then I have been active in leadership as a member of the vestry, Jr. Warden, Treasurer and currently as a co-chair of our Thrift Shop, which is part of our Red Door outreach ministries.
Outside of church I enjoy knitting, walking the dog, playing cards, and I am an avid Red Sox fan. GO SOX!
My goal as a vestry member is to make Trinity Church a welcoming place for all who enter here, either as a parishioner or in fellowship.

Patricia Phaiah

Bio Coming Soon

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Christopher Picozzi

I have been attending Trinity for over 30 years. I started when my wife Megan and I were dating. I grew up in the Catholic church but after attending Trinity just a few times I realized how open and welcoming Trintiy is. I started attending regularly after I was married, I have lived in Scituate for almost 20 years. My wife Megan and I have a daughter Emma.  I work as Assistant Director of Student Accounts at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.  My wife and I also own the Scituate Early Learning center in town. I have had many roles at Trinity, I am excited to see how I can help this Vestry reach our goals and live out our Mission.

Sara Hutchings-Schwartz

I attend Trinity Church North Scituate because it has long been dedicated to serving not only the needs of our congregants, but our greater community. At Trinity, area residents and members alike can find essentials in our thrift shop,nourishment from our food closet, and open doors to our weekly services. We work steadily to put our missions into action, in and outside of our walls!

Trinity fostered my journey as a youth in the Episcopal community; from first communion to Junior Choir, through youth group to ECC Staff member, and beyond to be a delegate to Episcopal Youth Event. As an adult, Trinity has continued to be a congregation devoted to spiritual growth and education, and I currently find joy and reflection through singing in our
choir, which speaks to another strong Trinity tradition—music for worship and praise!
As a vestry member, I am looking forward to contributing to Trinity’s many good works in new ways!

Mary Jane Smith

My name is Mary Jane Smith it is my privilege to serve on vestry. I was received into the episcopal church over 30 years ago. I raised my 3 daughters at Trinity. Over the years I have taught Sunday School, served as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor, Lay Eucharistic Minister, a reader for worship, Stephen Minister leader. Being active in a faith community is a priority in my life. Currently I am in the process of discernment for the diaconate program.

Jill Shurtleff

Married to her high school sweetheart, Richard for 44 years, with 2 daughters and 3 grandsons.  She is a cosmetology teacher in Warwick, where she has co-taught for 23 years.  Favorite pass time is spending time with her grandsons, crafting, camping, and painting rocks and ornaments.  

Matthew Wojtaszek

Bio Coming Soon