St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Meet Our Clergy

The Rev. Scott B. Neal was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, the oldest of three children.  While he was still a toddler, his family moved to New England and by age ten, they had settled in Northfield, Vermont.  He grew up as a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, serving in nearly every capacity from acolyte to Eucharistic minister, including choir director for twenty-four years.  Scott's lifelong interest in nature and gardening led him to an undergraduate degree in Plant and Soil Sciences from the University of Maine at Orono.

Scott has had successful careers as a computer programmer/analyst and in retail horticulture and floral design.  The spiritual aspect of helping people honor the memorable events in their lives eventually led him to the discernment process and recognition of his calling to the priesthood.  Scott graduated from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church and was ordained in 2007.  St. James Episcopal Church in Arlington, Vermont, welcomed him as their priest in December of that year. He was called as rector to St. Paul’s beginning in July 2015. In April 2023, Scott transitioned from rector to priest-in-partnership.

Scott has served on the Commission on Ministry: Committee on Discernment for the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont.  In 2012, 2015 and again in 2018, Scott was elected to serve as a Deputy to General Convention, the governing body of the larger Episcopal Church, serving in 2009,2012, 2015 and again 2022.  He is known throughout the diocese for his collaborative work style and for being someone who truly lives his faith. In April 2023, Scott transitioned from rector to Priest-in-Partnership at St. Paul’s, and also assumed responsibility as Priest-in-Partnership at St. Martin’s in Fairlee.

Scott and his wife, Beth, were high school sweethearts and were married shortly after college graduation.  They have two married daughters and two grandchildren.  Beth is currently employed as a care provider for Lincoln Street Inc. in Springfield, Vermont, working as a job coach with physically and mentally challenged adults. 

Our Staff

         Jeanne Chambers, pianist Jennifer Thomas, Office Assistant

Our Vestry: The elected lay leaders of our church

Senior Warden: Andrew Pillsbury (‘24)
Junior Warden: Jane Carroll (‘25)
Members at large: Dick Davis (‘25), Ann Churchill (‘24), Marge White (‘26) and Bev Barton (‘26)