Rev. Mike Stone will return to Christ Church Coronado as its new rector on Jan. 1, 2027, the Coronado Times reported.
Stone previously served Christ Church as associate rector and chaplain of Christ Church Day School. For the past 12 years, he led St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Houston. Before entering ordained ministry, he taught high school mathematics at The Bishop's School.
"I'm excited to join my former parish family in ministry again," Stone said, according to the Coronado Times.
Christ Church member Tami Sandke wrote that she is excited for Stone's return. "So excited to have you and your family back where you started! We know your St. Thomas parish will miss you," Sandke wrote.
Stone's path to the Episcopal Church included coaching wrestling and fishing for salmon in Alaska. He is a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Wilderness First Responder who leads outdoor renewal retreats for parishioners and clergy. He also serves as a Scouts BSA Climbing Director.
Outside of ministry, Stone makes soap, plays guitar, paints watercolors and runs and swims long distances.
He and his wife, Rebecca, have two children, Daniel and Emory.
The Rev. Michael B. Foley has been serving as interim priest-in-charge at Christ Church, which sits at the corner of Ninth and C Avenue. The parish traces its roots to 1888, when it began as St. Peter's Mission. Its first cornerstone was laid on Sept. 19, 1894, with the financial backing of Capt. Charles Thomas Hinde, according to the church's website. Hinde and his wife later deeded the land and building to the church as a charitable contribution.
A church representative said in a statement that the parish and Christ Church Day School look forward to "this new chapter in the life of our parish and school community."
Stone begins his ministry as rector on Jan. 1, 2027. Residents can learn more about Christ Church at christchurchcoronado.org.
