Meet Our Clergy and Staff
Charles D. Alley, Rector
Chuck Alley became Rector of St. Matthew's on August 15, 1994, having served as an assistant at Truro Episcopal in Northern Virginia. He was called into ministry from a career in medical research. Chuck has a Ph.D. in anatomy and has both taught and conducted research in immunology and cell biology. Since becoming Rector he has served on several ethics committees pertaining to science and religion and medical research at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia. Chuck and his wife, Scottie, have three children (two married) and three grandchildren. He views his avocation in furniture building as a God-given gift of historical tradition.
Chuck returned in August from a three-month sabattical, which concluded with a two-week study at the C.S. Lewis Institue in England. View his updates from 8/2 and 8/7 on this conference, along with his general description.
Mario Gonzalez del Solar, Assistant Rector
Mario Gonzalez del Solar was born in Guatemala to an American mother and Argentine father and grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with no religious background. He became a Christian in 1975 and was ordained in 1985, serving congregations in Florida and Richmond before coming to St. Matthew’s in 2004. Mario’s chief responsibility is pastoral care. He is trained in group process and family systems, and received the Doctor of Ministry from Trinity School for Ministry in 2005. Mario and Barbara have three grown children and one grandchild. He enjoys Scripture, theology, music, movies, travel, and family time. You can reach by email.
Anne Randolph Tabb, Interim Youth Minister
Anne Randolph grew up in Richmond where she was very involved with the Richmond Ballet and participated in 9 performances of the Nutcracker. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2005, where she danced with the Virginia Dance Company, a student-run club. Following training at the Focus on the Family Institute, she began a year apprenticeship in a church youth program in South Carolina. After returning to Richmond, Anne Randolph served as a volunteer with the youth at St. Matthew’s and joined the church staff in June, 2008. In her free time Anne Randolph enjoys having coffee and tea with friends, pleasure reading, dancing around her room, and traveling to her Mecca—Charlottesville, VA! Wahoowa!!
B. J. Barlow, Music Minister
B. J. is a support minister to musicians at St. Matthew’s. He directs with enthusiam and energy the Hymn Choir, Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and Youth Choir. B. J. received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Virginia Commonwealth University. His primary instrument is Voice and his minor is Music Education. He is currently working on a Master of Divinity in Church Music from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. B. J. enjoys exploring new ways of incorporating world music into worship that glorifies God and enthuses all generations of worshipers.
Jill Rich, Director of Christian Education
Jill Rich has been a member of St. Matthew’s since 2005 and the Director of Christian Education since 2007. Jill and Todd have been married for 17 years and have three sons, Mack, Hank, and Jacob. In her free time, she is pursuing a BFA in Crafts, a BA in International Studies focusing on the Mediterranean Basin, and a minor in Italian from VCU. She enjoys seeking God and relishing in His beauty with her family, other staff members, and parishioners of St. Matthew’s.
Megan Barlow, Organist/Accompanist
At St. Matt's, Megan plays in the handbell ensemble, directs the Children's Choirs, provides accompaniment for the Chancel Choir, and provides organ accompaniment for the 10:30 service on Sunday mornings. Megan received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2004. Her major instrument was bassoon and her minor instrument was organ. She is currently working as the middle school choral director and one of the lower school music teachers at the Steward School. Megan enjoys reading novels, watching films (no horror, please), and playing video games, especially Zelda Wind Waker--"the best game ever!"
Mark Hopkins, Parish Administrator
Mark and his wife Shirley moved from East Providence, Rhode Island, to Richmond in 1998, and joined St. Matthew’s. He became Parish Administrator in 2007 and has a background in Logistics and Distribution. Mark has a keen interest in sports—playing golf and passionately watching sports on television. From his accent one can easily guess (“as if you can’t tell”) his favorite sports teams all come from Boston. Mark and Shirley have two grown children Christine and Rich and one grandson, Jack.
Pauline Mula, Parish Secretary
Since joining the staff in December, 2007, Pauline has made many friends in our church. She has a background in marketing within educational publishing, and as church secretary, she particularly enjoys the "creative aspects" of "putting the word out to the people." Pauline's hobbies include sewing, gardening, and decorating with special finishes. She also enjoys cooking based on her Italian family backgroud, not relying on recipes but "doing my own thing." Pauline said she tries to live her life according to Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."