The Wardens and Vestry of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Mt. Vernon are delighted to announce that the Reverend
Melanie L. McCarley has accepted a call to the position of Priest-in-Charge, part-time, beginning on October 13,
2026.

Rev. Melanie recently moved with her husband, Phil, to Reston, Virginia, after serving as Rector for ten years at St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Rev. Melanie made the move in hopes of finding a part-time rector position where she could pursue the vocation she
loves while spending quality time with her mother, and her daughter and her son-in-law, who reside in this area.

A native of Northern Virginia, a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, and ordained for thirty-five years,
Rev. Melanie has served a wide variety of churches in multiple dioceses, including a new-church start-up as
Assistant to the Rector, Vicar of family-sized churches, and Rector of larger parishes in both West Virginia and Massachusetts.

During her career, Melanie has led major expansions of congregational development, increased parish involvement in the community, and incorporated individuals and families into the life of the parish. She sees our goals and her experiences as a very positive “fit”. And our Vestry and Discernment Committee agree, believing that God has brought us together at this important time.

We look forward with joy to what St. James’ Parish and Rev. Melanie can accomplish
together as we follow Christ as His mind, heart and hands in the world.