After having served as a curate at St. James’, Austin, the Rev. Addison Tarrell McMillan will make history on January 6, when the Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan ordains him to the Sacred Order of Priests. The ordination will be held at 7:00 p.m.
His ordination is a significant and celebratory milestone within the church’s existence.
The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle, IX Bishop of Texas, said, “St. James’ has always been a place that raises leadership for God’s mission. They have their first African American seminarian training, who will graduate this year. Addison’s ordination offers the first ordination of an African American in St. James’ 83 years.”
Prior to his upcoming ordination, the Rev. McMillan’s work at St. James’, Austin, has been robust – centered around planting college ministries and strategic planning to engage a multilingual, multicultural community. In addition to teaching and preaching, he furthered the church’s work in evangelism as well as pastoral care through work with individuals, and formation work with small groups. McMillan’s college ministry work at St. James’ began with Huston-Tillotson University, an Austin-area historically black college/university (HBCU).
McMillan received his M.Div from Virginia Theological Seminary after discerning the priesthood through the Diocese of Texas. He received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina A&T, a well-known historically black college/university in that state, where he studied cultural anthropology. Born into a military family in Fayetteville, NC, McMillan grew up all over the country. After completing college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Sergeant after five years. He then transitioned to the Reserves.
Bishop Doyle continued, “The diocese is so happy to have Addison serving with us, and his ordination reveals not just a history of raising leaders but that this legacy continues as an example of discipleship.”
The church is led by the Rev. Eileen O’Brien and is committed to embodying Christ’s love by welcoming all to the table for spiritual nourishment to share with the world. They are an inclusive, multicultural, and affirming community. With a rich legacy, the church is now harvesting what has been planted around its self-described intentions, and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas is excited about this remarkable time in the life of St. James’, Austin.
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