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The Reverend Dr. Zachary Guiliano
Rector Father Zack was born in Peoria, but recently spent 13 years in the United Kingdom, where he served as a priest and college chaplain in Oxford and Cambridge. He studied and trained for the ministry at Evangel University, Harvard Divinity School, and the University of Cambridge, where he was a Gates Scholar. His academic teaching and research has focused on the history of the liturgy, prayer, biblical interpretation, and preaching. His 2021 book The Homiliary of Paul the Deacon won the 2023 Book Prize of the Ecclesiastical History Society. He continues to write and publish in church history, and his personal website can be found here. Fr Zack and his wife, Melissa, have a spoiled but beautiful cat named Amélie. They are enjoying their return to the friendly communities and wide open skies of central Illinois. Please email Fr. Zack at [email protected] or call Emmanuel's office to get in touch. |
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The Rev. Joseph Roberts
Curate (arriving January 2026) Fr Joe is a recent graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary. He is married to Cassie, with whom he has three children: Jacob, Logan, and Holly, who recently worked at St Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas. Before seminary, Joe spent several years working for Capital One in Boston and Denver. He enjoys biking, reading, playing basketball, and spending time with his family and friends.
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The Reverend Christine C. Hopkins
Deacon Ordained in June 2000, Christine Hopkins serves as Deacon assigned to Emmanuel. In that capacity she has a variety of responsibilities including outreach, preaching, and pastoral care. At the diocesan level she has chaired the anti-racism commission and served on the Commission on Ministry. Deacon Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in math education and a Master's degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. For thirty-plus years Deacon Chris worked for the Urbana School District in roles including math teacher, guidance counselor, swim coach, and division chair. She and her husband, Mike, have been married 50+ years. Together they have three adult children and eight grandchildren with whom they spend much of their free time. If you'd like to contact Deacon Chris, she can be reached at 217.352.9827, extension 2 or via email at [email protected]. |
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The Reverend Dr. Fred Robinson
Priest Associate Father Fred, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, has spent most of his ministry in the South, having had parishes in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. He retired in January 2020 after nearly 26 years as rector of Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida. In addition to his ministry at Emmanuel Memorial, Fr. Fred serves as editor of The Anglican Digest. He and his wife, Linda Hartman Robinson, have a daughter, Rebecca, who lives in New York City, and a son, Michael, who is married to Shayna Kessel, who have given Fr. Fred and Linda two beautiful granddaughters, Ayla and Zoe. |
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The Reverend E. Eugene Hall
Priest Emeritus Eugene Hall obtained his PhD from Louisiana State University and had a career in Christian higher education as professor and administrator in colleges and universities, primarily in the South and Southwest. He served as Professor of Preaching at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Now in retirement, Father Gene assisted in many ways at Emmanuel beginning in 1999. Father Gene and his wife Reba have been married for over 60 years, and are blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. |
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Alexandra Goodman-Mitchell
Parish Administrator Alexandra Goodman-Mitchell started at Emmanuel in August 2024, but she has been in involved in the Episcopal Church her whole life. The daughter of an Episcopal priest, she has lived all over the U.S. and has worked in several church offices. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. She lives with her husband, David, and their rescue dogs, Remi and Mabel. You can reach Alex at 217-352-9827 or at [email protected]. |
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Fredrick Bahr
Organist With a dual career as a church musician and organbuilder Fredrick Bahr finds his greatest joy in helping people worship God through music. Beginning at age 13, he has served congregations of a variety of Christian denominations and has focused his efforts on music appropriate for formal worship styles. Leading a congregation in hearty hymnody, helping a choir offer its best anthems, stirring the soul with organ voluntaries are all high priorities. But he has come to realize that encouraging the spiritual growth of those making the music is the core motivator of his music ministry. Graduated from Andrews University with a degree in Organ Performance, Fred has played recitals throughout the United States and has been heard on the nationwide broadcast of Minnesota Public Radio’s Pipedreams. A full-time organbuilder, Fred is currently Tonal Director for Buzard Pipe Organ Builders, here in Champaign. In his more than forty years in organbuilding, he has had a part in creating over 60 new pipe organs in 25 states. With his personal motto of “Building bridges and opening doors” Fred has become passionate about encouraging future generations of people, particularly those who might be marginalized, to pursue the joys of making music in worship. Fred can be reached at [email protected]. |
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William Murphy
Choirmaster William A. Murphy, is a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Vocal Coaching and Accompanying. He recently completed his seventh year as Staff Accompanist at Morehead State University. He also served as the Organist at St. John's Episcopal Church in Huntington and in 2013, he received the Colleague Certificate from the American Guild of Organists. In addition to this position, he was the pianist/organist for the West Virginia Symphony Chorus in Charleston for eight years, performing large choral works including Messiah (Handel), Ein Deutches Requiem (Brahms), The Ballad of William Sycamore (Stevens), and Weinachts-Oratorium (Bach) and most recently Requiem (Duruflé). During the summer months, he has been employed for the WV Governor’s School for the Arts since 2021 working with the Vocal Arts students. You can contact William at [email protected]. |
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Tim Valentine
Sexton Tim Valentine is responsible for daily cleaning and maintenance around Emmanuel's buildings, and he meets with contractors coming on site to complete work.
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Lisa Kocheril
Outreach and Volunteer Assistant My family and I came to Emmanuel almost 28 years ago. We were drawn to the beauty of the liturgy and the warmth of the people. I have spent most of my adult life as a volunteer, first in the schools, then at Emmanuel and in the community. In our time as parishioners, I have served in many ministries, and recently finished a long stint as Senior Warden. I volunteer at The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, serve on the Board of the Krannert Art Museum, and am part of a few women’s groups in the community. Serving at Emmanuel has deepened my faith and brought me great joy as I have worked to strengthen our parish and our Church.
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