Originally from Athens, GA, the Very Rev’d Ruth Ferguson received her Bachelor’s of English, with Honors, and her minor in Philosophy from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC. A lifelong Episcopalian, she attended the General Theological Seminary in New York City, where interfaith studies and dialogue deepened her understanding of her own faith and fostered ongoing interfaith relationships centered on prayer and contemplative practices, reconciliation, social justice, and world peace. Her ministry, both within and beyond the church, is inspired by the Works of Mercy.

Over the years, Ruth has served as chaplain and religion teacher at Episcopal day and boarding schools, missioner to rural churches, and curate and priest assistant to parishes in the dioceses of New York City and D.C. Drawn to the family-like atmosphere of our small congregation, Ruth comes to St. John’s after a thirteen-year rectorship in upstate New York. She delights in the beauty of Bellefonte and in being able to step out of the rectory to walk and visit with parishioners in the neighborhood. Ruth is mother to Liza, who studies early music in Basel, Switzerland, and Hannah, who studies English and Art History in New York City.

After teaching elementary school for thirty years, Ellen has taken her love for children into our Sunday school classroom. As director, she believes that a strong religious foundation will help young people grow to live a caring and meaningful life. Ellen is very involved in community projects, such as the local food bank, Centre Care Nursing Home and the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Festival. Moving from New York in the 1990’s, Ellen’s home is in  Bellefonte, and her heart is at St. John’s church.

Erik Clayton was appointed Director of Choirs at State College Area High School in 2015. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Penn State University, where he studied choral conducting with Dr. Lynn Drafall and Dr. Christopher Kiver. He currently serves as artistic director of the State College Choral Society. Erik has also served as Co-Director of Choirs at Williamsport Area High School and Director of Choirs at Central Dauphin High School. From 2011-2012 he served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Williamsport Chamber Choir and Orchestra, where he appeared as a Guest Conductor with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. Choirs under Erik’s direction have performed at PMEA All-State Conferences and received numerous Superior ratings at adjudication events. At St. John’s, he directs a quartet of singers and provides special music (including wind and string accompaniments and an augmented choir) for High Feast Days. Having served as church musicians for more than 15 years, Erik and his wife, Rebecca, are proud to call St. John’s their church home. They reside in State College with their four children.

Barbara Roberson came to live in Bellefonte in 2007 with her husband, Larry. They chose to make St. John’s their spiritual home and became members soon after. Barbara is a Scot, born and brought up on the northeast coast of Scotland. In addition to being treasurer, she serves on the Altar Guild, volunteers with FaithCentre, and helps with the children’s Sunday School.

Larry has served as the Senior Warden since 2012. A cradle Episcopalian born in Williamsburg, Virginia, he attended Bruton Parish and Saint Martin’s churches. He came to Bellefonte in 2006, joined St. John’s, and first served on Vestry in 2009. He has assisted with many projects, such as restoration of the Fellowship Hall and rectory, floor repairs of the main entrance to the church, and Columbarium expansion. On Sundays he runs equipment for the video livestream to Facebook and YouTube.