St. Giles Episcopal Church

The Rev. Cynthia J. Hallas - Rector

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Cynthia is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a graduate of Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston IL. She was ordained a priest in January 2001 at St. Lawrence Church in Libertyville IL, where she served as Associate Rector. She was called to lead St. Giles in January, 2004. Prior to attending seminary, Cynthia worked in a variety of settings, including church administration and Christian education. She has also sung professionally, and holds bachelor's and master's degrees in voice. Her interests include music of (almost) all genres, theatre (she's a Sondheim fan), sewing, reading, and Ohio State football. She is also the Ecumenical/Interreligious Officer for the Diocese of Chicago, and as such is committed to fostering fuller relationships between and among people of different faith traditions. Cynthia is married to Jon Hallas, a land use planner. They have two adult children. Cynthia blogs (occasionally!) at www.fourthwallpriest.blogspot.com.

The Rev. Lee Gaede - Deacon

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The Reverend Lee A. Gaede has served as a deacon in the Diocese of Chicago since her ordination in 2000.  She received her law degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1984 and practiced in the areas of landlord-tenant and family law.  Lee specialized in domestic violence cases.  After moving to the Chicago area in 1993, she continued to work as an attorney until 1997 when she began working in the area of fundraising and development. Following her ordination, she served at St. Mark’s, Evanston until being assigned to St. Giles in January, 2011. Since 2005, Lee has been the weekday caregiver for her granddaughters, ages 3  and 5 1/2.  Lee has a long-term commitment to social justice issues and continues to be a social activist and community organizer. She is currently a member of the Diocese of Chicago Millennium Development Goals Task Force. Lee also serves as Happening Spiritual Director for the youth of the Diocese of Chicago and is member of the Youth Ministers Network. She has been involved in Katrina relief through the last four Diocesan Mission Trips to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and is committed to this cause for the long haul. Lee also serves as a mentor to a diaconal student and serves on the Deacons’ Formation Committee.

The Rev. Belinda Chandler - Assisting Priest

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In addition to serving as assisting priest for St. Giles, Belinda is also head of the spiritual care department at Skokie Hospital, Skokie, Illinois. Since graduating from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1998 and completing her clinical pastoral education at Alexian Brother's Medical Center, Belinda has worked as a hospital chaplain. Belinda is board certified through the Association of Professional Chaplains. Belinda is also a trained spiritual director through the Institute of Spiritual Companioning; she has a small spiritual direction practice.

Belinda was ordained a priest in March of 2011.

Belinda and her husband, Henry Austin, have three adult children and two dogs. Belinda likes to relax by walking the dogs, gardening, knitting, reading, biking, and cross-country skiing.

James Russell Brown - Director of Music

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James Russell Brown deeply enjoys his ministry at St. Giles, which has a long tradition of musical and liturgical richness. Jim has served the parish as Director of Music and Organist since 1985. A graduate of Oberlin and New England Conservatory, he has performed in such major venues as National Cathedral and Harvard University; in August 2010 he served as organist for a week at Canterbury Cathedral along with the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Chamber Choir.

In 2008, Jim joined the faculty at NIU, teaching both organ and harpsichord, and is now also the Coordinator of Undergraduate Advising for the School of Music. He continues as the Chair of the Organ and Harpsichord Program at the Music Institute of Chicago.

Esther Freilich - Parish Administrator

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Esther joined the staff of St. Giles as parish administrator during the summer of 2005 -- responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office and publications that include our monthly newsletter, The Bells of St. Giles. Prior to her work with us Esther was an English teacher at a high school in Chicago, associate director of communications for a professional society of healthcare administrators, and a freelance editor/writer. Esther and her husband, Chuck, have a college-age son and have lived in the area since 1995.