Meet the Cathedral’s Dean, The Very Rev. Anthony P. Clark.

The Very Reverend Anthony P. Clark began his ministry as the thirteenth Dean of the Cathedral on December 3, 2006. After graduating from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA in 1992, Dean Clark served two years at All Saints Church Winter Park, FL.  This was in preparation for his ministry as the Vicar and first Rector of the Church of St. Mary in Belleview, FL; his next call was to the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Dean Clark grew up in Jacksonville, FL and earned a BA from Stetson University. With the exception of his seminary training, his spiritual autobiography centers around Florida: his confirmation in Jacksonville in 1980, his first glimmerings of a call to the priesthood in the summer of 1981 while attending an ordination service at the Cathedral, his Cursillo weekend at Camp Weed in 1988, which played a significant role in his process of discernment regarding the priesthood.

He is quick to identify several theological principles that inform and shape his ministry. They begin with an acknowledgment of the Holy Scripture as the inspired Word of God and the primary authority in matters of faith and practice.  He describes God’s Word as his “primary textbook for preaching and teaching”. Other foundations of his ministry include recognizing the local congregation as the hub for gathering the people of God as disciples for worship, fellowship, and formation, yet always balancing “gathering” with “scattering.” The people of God must be scattered as apostles for mission and outreach in their homes, schools, and work, where they proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.

Dean Clark expresses excitement about the role the Cathedral plays as the flagship parish of Central Florida. He notes that, “The Cathedral is expected to offer an example of the best of Anglican worship with vibrant colors, applicable biblical preaching and rich music.” In describing his own churchmanship, he declines to identify himself as either “high” or “low,” instead choosing to describe his preferred liturgical style as “simple, dignified, reverent and balanced between Word and Sacrament,” noting that, “This style is effective because it does not distract from the Lord, the ultimate object of our worship.”

Not only is Dean Clark enthusiastic about his ministry at the Cathedral, but he also envisions and is actively implementing exciting possibilities for outreach and ministry beyond the Cathedral. As he notes, “The City of Orlando possesses a vast foundation and network of Christian business men and women willing to assist us in developing marketplace ministries and outreach ministries to the glory of God and the spread of His reign throughout the Greater Orlando area.”

In addition to retail and military experience prior to seminary, and a wide range of parish ministry experience, Dean Clark also possesses a breadth of ministry on both the Diocesan and National level. He has served on the Central Florida Diocesan Board, the Finance Committee, as a two-time Deputy to General Convention and is presently on the Diocesan Standing Committee. Active in the community through Rotary International, the Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Orlando Leadership Foundation, Dean Clark also serves Florida and the nation as a Chaplain in the Florida Army National Guard.

Dean Clark’s wife, Laurie, grew up in Charleston, SC and graduated from Sewanee, the University of the South.  Although her background is in mortgage banking, she has taught preschool for the past seven years.  She serves as a Girl Scout Council Service Unit Manager in Seminole County and enjoys scrap booking in her spare time.

The Clarks have two children. Rebecca, 16, attends the Health Academy Magnet at Seminole High School and is interested in marine biology. She also runs cross country for Seminole High School . Their son  Patrick,13, attends Teague Middle School and  enjoys running cross country, playing lacrosse and golf.