Rector’s Biography

The Rev’d. Canon Scott T. Quinn

Ordained Priest: February 12, 1983, Diocese of Pittsburgh

Currently: Rector, Church of the Nativity, Crafton, Pennsylvania; serving since 1983

A Word of Introduction: I am a home-grown Episcopalian. My home parish was Trinity Cathedral, where I served as an acolyte. I was baptized by Rev’d. Gib Watt, our most senior (retired) priest in this diocese; confirmed and ordained a Deacon by Bishop Robert Appleyard; and ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Alden Hathaway. But before that, there was a period where I strayed from Episcopalianism. For four years, I served as a Young Life leader with shaggy hair, ministering to “unchurched” youth. During a brief study as an exchange student in New England, I attended an Episcopal Church service for the first time in several years. Strangely, upon entering the church, I felt peacefully at home. As I knelt during the service, I knew I was truly an Episcopalian. Shortly thereafter, I felt God’s call to the ordained ministry. Not just any church, but into the Episcopal Church.

Besides being an Episcopalian, I am a Thornburger. What? Thornburg is a tight-knit community of 180 homes just outside of Pittsburgh. It’s a place where Mister Rogers would feel at home. We wave to our neighbors and greet the mailman by name. His name is Jerry. Growing up in Thornburg, I attended a four-room schoolhouse and I was one of six kids in my class. I currently live just a few houses away from where my grandmother used to live. I serve as an elected Councilman for Thornburg Borough, where we take care of sewage pipelines, pavement management, garbage pickup, and pesky raccoons.

My wife, whom I met while attending the University of Pittsburgh, is a third generation Pittsburgher. Her grandfather owned what used to be the New China Inn in Market Square and her father owned the Lotus Garden on Route 51 in Brentwood. With our children, four generations of my family have lived in Thornburg.

Other Church Service: Canon to the Ordinary under Bishops Johnson and Price; Diocesan Director of Pastoral Care; five-time deputy to General Convention; Cathedral Chapter; Sheldon Calvary Camp Board; Commission on Ministry; Field Education Supervisor for over 25 seminary students; past president of Diocesan Standing Committee; Canterbury Place Board; UPMC Senior Communities Board.

Education: University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in History, 1977; Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, M.Div., 1982; Trinity Episcopal Seminary, post-graduate studies (non-degree).

Family: Married 31 years to Vera Lee Quinn, a Quality Assurance Engineer; three children – David, Alison & Jonathan.

Hobbies & Interests: Attending Pittsburgh Penguins games; regularly lift weights and exercise to stay fit.