The Reverend Canon Jonathan J.D. Ostman, SSC moved to northern Virginia in late 2007 to accept the call to become Rector of S. John the Baptist. Father Ostman was born to missionary parents in Bangkok, Thailand. Having spent his childhood in Wisconsin, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science. Father Ostman pursued a first career as a biochemist, with further studies at the London School of Economics. While in London, he sensed a call to the priesthood, and on return to the States, he entered the Virginia Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity, cum laude. From 1989-1991, Father Ostman served as curate at All Saints Church, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.

In 1991, Father Ostman was called to become rector at the Church of S. John the Evangelist in Newport, Rhode Island, where he served for almost sixteen years. During his time in Newport, Father Ostman became involved with the Anglican Communion on a global scale and began a series of mini-sabbaticals with the Diocese of Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, in the Province of Central Africa. As a result of his continued work there, he was made an honorary Canon of the Cathedral of S. John the Baptist in Bulawayo.

Father Ostman lives with his three Chow-chows, the ever queenly Geisha, the aspiring attack-dog, Eva, and the most recent rescue, Bella the beautiful. Fortunately, none of them have read the Chow manual and so continue in their uncharacteristically serene canine behaviour.

Our Deacon

Despite being raised an indifferent churchman, the Rev'd Mr. John Needham came to know our Lord at the age of 24. 11 years later he was called to Holy Orders and ordered to the Diaconate on the Feast of S. Matthew, 2002. Since that time, he has served the Bishop at The Anglican Church of S. John the Baptist, Marshall, Virginia. Mr. Needham holds a degree from S. Leo’s University, FL and a B.A. in Philosophy from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

In 1984, Mr. Needham married his beloved Michelle with whom he has raised two lovely daughters, Rachel and Laura. The children were born during his time in the U.S. Navy, after which Michelle worked to support the family while he completed his education. In 1996, after seven years as a corporate employee, Mr. Needham started the first of a series of small businesses in which he is still active today.

Mr. Needham believes he is called to speak to the challenges of living an obedient Christian life in an increasingly hostile world.