CLERGY, STAFF AND VESTRY

The Reverend Dr. Matthew Tees PhD, Rector

Rev. Matt grew up in Philadelphia, and prior to serving as Rector at St. David’s In The Pines, served in the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island for over 14 years, as a colleague on the Bishop’s Executive Staff, as the Executive Director of Camp DeWolfe, and as a Priest in multiple parishes. Rev. Matt served as the Chair and a founding member of E.P.I.C. (Episcopalians and Presbyterians In Conversations), the official dialogue with the PCUSA. He has served at a number of international summer camps and youth development programs over the past 25 years and on a variety of industry boards and advisory committees, including with Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, Camp America, American Camp Association and as a founding member of the Anglican Network of Retreat, Study and Spirituality Centres. Rev. Matt earned a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University, with a dissertation focusing on diversity within Christian organizations. After earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration from Western New England University, Rev. Matt completed a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Fuller Theological Seminary (CA), Anglican Studies at The Mercer School of Theology (NY), and studied Christian Formation and Ministry at Wheaton College’s Graduate school (IL). Rev. Matt met his wife, Emma, who is originally from the United Kingdom, while they were both serving in ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. They have three children, and enjoy the beach and traveling together as a family. Email: rector@saintdavidsinthepines.org

John Nisbet, Music Director and Organist

John Nisbet is a Pianist, Organist, Harpsichordist, Conductor, Composer and Teacher. John has performed extensively both here and abroad, as a soloist and chamber musician. Notable chamber performances have included the Budapest Summer Festival, and the Sarasota Chamber Music Festival. John was the music director and organist at St. Peter Church, New Britain for 21 years, where he built a dynamic program based on traditional hymns, Gregorian Chant, and music from Taizé, incorporating talented youth in the parish. Since his arrival in South Florida, John was the full-time music director, organist and music teacher at St. Luke Church and School in Palm Springs, Fl. Most recently John was the organist and choir director at Grace Episcopal Church, West Palm Beach. John is currently pursuing further studies in piano at Florida Atlantic University with Dr. Irena Kofman. As piano soloist, John recently performed a recital at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and his teachers have included Bruno Canino, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Irena Kofman and the great jazz pianist Phil Hinton. As organist, he gave the USA premiere of the Stations of the Cross Suite for organ by noted British composer Alan Ridout, and as a conductor, John is known for his expertise in Gregorian Chant and choral music of the Anglican music tradition. He is also known for his improvisation on both organ and piano. John was for several years a regular columnist for The American Organist Magazine. He is an avid teacher of both Piano and Organ, and has had students in the Steinway Competition. Email: music@saintdavidsinthepines.org