Father Russ Hatfield (1998 - 2016)
Father Russell A. Hatfield was ordained in May 1998 and has been Rector of the Tazewell Cluster of Episcopal Parishes since June of 2001. He served as a Lay Reader for Stras Memorial, Tazewell, for twenty-three years and at St. Mary’s, Bluefield and Christ Church, Pocahontas for seven years. He was a school teacher for thirty-five years before being called to the ministry. Russ retired in December 2016.
During his tenure as Rector of the Cluster, Russ has served as celebrant at thousands of Sunday Eucharist services as well as holding cluster services for special events including Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Epiphany, Christmas, etc. as well as personal services including Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms and Last Rites. Russ also could be counted on to serve on numerous Diocesan committees and task forces and served as the Dean of the Abingdon convocation for a number of years.
A cluster celebration of Russ' ministry was held in which Russ and his wife, Debbie, received a very special gift from parish members as well as a plaque recognizing his service to the cluster, area schools and the community. Russ' retirement was also recognized at the annual Diocesan Convention held in Roanoke in January 2017.
Father Russ has been a loyal and faithful servant of the cluster parishes for 18 years. His last service with cluster parishes was held at each respective parish on Christmas Eve, 2016. Russ and his wife, Debbie, now reside in Tazewell.
