Staff
Rev. Sven L. vanBaars, Rector
The Rev. Sven vanBaars is the 46th Rector of Abingdon Church. He began serving here in October 2010, and he has loved being part of this community ever since.
Sven didn’t grow up in the Episcopal Church. He joined as an adult while singing in the choir at St. Thomas in Ahoskie, North Carolina. Before becoming a priest, he worked in another career and was an active church volunteer. He helped on the Vestry, taught Sunday School, served on the Altar Guild, and supported several ministries in his region and diocese.
Over time, Sven felt called to become a priest. He followed that call to seminary and was ordained as a deacon and then as a priest in 2008. Before coming to Abingdon, he served as the Assistant Rector at St. Martin’s in Williamsburg.
When he has free time, Sven enjoys simple things that make him smile—whistling, riding his bike, gardening, and finding creative ways to get rid of marshmallow peeps (yes, really!).
Sven has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration from East Carolina University, and a Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. He is married to the Rev. Jennifer Kimball, and together they bring warmth, good humor, and a deep love for the people they serve.
Contact Sven by email at rector@abingdonchurch.org
Alisa Bohon, Director of Music
Meet Alisa Bohon, our music director at Abingdon. She first stepped into church music at just 14 years old, when she was asked to fill in for her church’s organist. What started as a simple favor grew into a lifelong calling.
Alisa grew up in Crittenden, VA, studying piano for ten years before earning her degree in piano performance. She also studied organ in both high school and college, and she brings all that experience to the music life of our church.
At Abingdon, Alisa loves leading our adult choir, children’s choir, and handbell choir. She enjoys helping small groups of people make something beautiful together. She also serves as the Artistic Director of Arts at Abingdon, a concert series that brings talented musicians from around the country—and even the world—to Gloucester.
When she’s not at church, Alisa teaches more than thirty piano students in her studio. She lives in Williamsburg and has twin sons. She loves spending time with family and friends, especially when good food and travel are involved.
Contact Alisa by email at music@abingdonchurch.org
Wendy Every, Church Secretary
Meet Wendy, our long-time parish secretary and one of the friendly faces you’ll see when you walk through Abingdon’s doors. She grew up in the beautiful village of Saugerties, NY, and spent many years moving around as a military spouse before choosing Gloucester as her forever home.
Wendy loves traveling, gardening, and baking, and she’s the proud mom of two adult daughters and “Grammy” to two wonderful granddaughters. She also shares her home with two beloved feline friends.
Wendy has served as Abingdon’s parish secretary for more than twenty years, and she truly enjoys being “the face of the church.” She’s also an active member of the congregation. You’ll find her praying with others as a prayer intercessor, helping with Meals on Wheels, supporting the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, and participating in Sunday School.
Her kindness, steady presence, and love for people make her an important part of our church family.
Contact Wendy by email at admin@abingdonchurch.org
Melanie Pressley, Minister for Youth and Children
Meet the Rev. Melanie Pressley, our Minister for Youth and Children here at Abingdon. Melanie works closely with our rector, Sven, along with church staff and our youth formation team, to help our young people grow in faith, confidence, and curiosity.
Melanie recently retired from a long career as a teacher and curriculum writer in New Jersey, bringing more than thirty years of experience to her ministry. She loves helping children and teens discover that church can be a place of wonder, belonging, and real encounters with God’s love.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University and a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School. Melanie is ordained in the UCC tradition, and her gentle, creative spirit helps make Abingdon a welcoming place for families.
We’re grateful for the energy, care, and imagination she brings to our church community.
Contact Minister Melanie by email at formation@abingdonchurch.org
Gary Hudgins, Sexton
Meet Gary, our Sexton (the person who keeps things clean and tidy) at Abingdon and a proud Mathews County native. He now lives on Gwynn’s Island, where he enjoys taking care of his home and property. When he’s not working outdoors, you’ll often find him singing—mostly Christian songs—or playing cards with friends on Friday nights.
Along with his work as Sexton, Gary also serves as a docent for Abingdon. He loves sharing the rich history of our church with visitors and helping people feel connected to this special place.
Gary’s steady presence and love for our church’s story make him an important part of the Abingdon family.