St. Paul’s, New Smyrna Beach, announces the appointment of its new rector, The Rev. Matthew Dallman, who began his ministry there Sept. 1. The Rt. Rev. Gregory Brewer, diocesan bishop, presided over a Celebration of New Ministry at the church on Sept. 8.

Dallman grew up in the Lutheran church but lost interest in the faith as a young adult. “Some 17 years later, at age 35, after 12 years of marriage and four children, the stirrings of the Holy Spirit drew me to The Episcopal Church and soon thereafter, the priesthood,” he said. Ordination followed five years later, and Dallman then served as rector of the Parish of Tazewell County, Pekin, Illinois, for five years.

His family includes his wife, Hannah; four daughters, Twyla, Isadora, Oona and Marla; and one son, Martin.

Dallman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Washington University in St. Louis, a Master of Arts in liturgical studies from Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union and a Master of Theological Studies in Anglican studies from Wisconsin’s Nashotah House Seminary. He is also the founder of Akenside Institute for English Spirituality and Akenside Press.

As a young man, Dallman loved baseball, and especially football, playing as quarterback of his high school and college teams. His degree in English literature led to a 14-year career as a copy editor in cities throughout the upper Midwest and Northeast. He also developed a parallel music career that included founding a rock band and a jazz band as well as composing music for films and marriage ceremonies. More recently, he has developed an interest in Gregorian plainsong, and his family sings the morning and evening prayers together.

These days, Dallman enjoys making sourdough bread and mead (an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with the addition of fruits, spices and grains). He is also looking into raising chickens, which he has done in the past.

The church and its new rector look forward to God’s continued work at St. Paul’s.