New Rector At All Hallows

The Rev. Jeffrey Huel is eager to lead All Hallows Parish to face the new century’s challenges as its new rector.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Huel first recognized his calling when he was 20. At that time, he had no intention of becoming a priest. He spent the next 20 years pursuing various careers, including accounting and a number of years managing his father’s moving and storage company in Florida.

Then, his calling, as he put it, came back to haunt him.

With the support of his family, he attended Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. After he was ordained, he was assigned to St. Johns Parish in Baltimore. While there, he met All Hallows interim rector, the Rev. Mary Sulerud, who felt he would be a perfect match for All Hallows. She encouraged his application to All Hallows.

“When I interviewed at All Hallows, I connected with the vestry here,” Huel said. “They asked me to preach a sermon and, when I did, I felt a genuine connection here. I’m very happy to be here and I’m already in love with the church.”

Established in 1692 as one of 30 Anglican parishes in the Colony of Maryland by England’s King William and Queen Mary, All Hallows Parish records extend back to 1669.

No one knows where the first church was located, but the Brick Church in Edgewater was built in 1729. The Chapel in Davidsonville was established in 1860 as a chapel of ease, but, because of the Civil War, it was not completed until 1865.

In its three-century history (it celebrated its 325th anniversary last year), the parish has seen many joys as well as losses. Probably the most devastating change was the fire that ravaged the Brick Church in 1940, leaving only the walls standing. But the parish rallied and rebuilt the Brick Church in its original Georgian style.

In the 21st century, the church faces new challenges, among them a dwindling congregation. However the current congregation is dedicated to the parish and researching and preserving the parish’s history. They can also boast of an excellent and enthusiastic choir, which received attention when it was selected to perform the national anthem at a Baltimore Orioles game this past summer.

Huel and his family will soon move into the rectory at All Hallows, the first rector and family to live there for a number of years. The building was previously rented and is being refurbished for the Huels.

Huel is handling the church services and working closely with the vestry, learning the church history and planning for the future. His official installation as rector will be held May 20.

For more information on All Hallows, visit www.allhallowsparish.org.