ABCORI Staff
Executive Minister
Associate Executive Minister for Elder Care Ministries
Rev. Kathryn Palen works with the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and the Baptist Home Board to develop and implement ministries by and for elders in our region. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. She has served congregations in Rhode Island, Iowa, Washington, D.C., Kentucky, and Connecticut. She also has worked for the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty, Alban Institute, and several educational institutions.
phone - (401) 522-9731 E-mail
phone - (401) 522-9731 E-mail
Facilities Manager
Matt Black has served the American Baptists in Rhode Island through their ministries at Canonicus Camp and Conference Center in multiple roles over the last 16 years. He has served as Maintenance Assistant, Assistant Director of Camping Ministries and initially began serving in his current role as Facilities Manager in 2010. Matt has also volunteered with the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island in the area of Youth Ministry and has chaired the Camping and Youth Ministry Team. Matt volunteers with the American Camp Association (ACA)-New England as an accreditation Visitor. Matt lives with his wife Kathy, their dog Nellie and cat Maggie.
phone: 401.249.9315 E-mail
phone: 401.249.9315 E-mail
Food Service Manager
Beth Hollis's culinary skills are well-known by many around our state. Most recently, she has owned and operated the Harmony Kitchen in Harmony, RI, which has been a favorite meeting place for many of our pastors as the Northern Pastor Cluster has regularly met at her restaurant for monthly breakfast and prayer. We are fortunate to have someone with Beth’s background and skills to provide leadership in this vital (and filling) ministry!
Maintainance
Lucien Martin works part time in maintenance at Canonicus. He is married to Linda. Lucien enjoys working with his hands especially doing things mechanical. Lucien is a member of Phenix Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon. He is a goldsmith by trade and also enjoys creating that special piece to delight for years to come.
phone ext. - 107 E-mail
phone ext. - 107 E-mail
Website/Connections
Susan Lepore maintains the ABCORI and Canonicus websites and sends out the weekly newsletter, Connections. Susan is a member of the First Baptist Church in America where she is active in their work with refugees. She is a retired children's librarian, an avid gardener and a beginning beekeeper. Susan lives with her husband, Richard.
