The Rev. Michael G. Dunnington was called to be Priest in Charge of St. Barnabas on August 4, 2019. He retired as Priest in Charge of All Saints & Ascension, Northwoods, at the end of April, 2019, where he had served since 2016. Prior to the 2016 merger of these two congregations, the Rev. Michael had served as Priest in Charge at All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Kingshighway and Terry in north St. Louis) since June, 2010. Before that, he was Priest in Charge at Ascension, Northwoods, for four years.
He received his MDiv degree from the School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, TN, in 1996, was ordained a transitional deacon in June, 1996, and priest in June, 1997, in the Diocese of North Carolina. After ordination, he served as Assistant Rector in Burlington, NC, and Rector in Henderson, NC, before moving back to St. Louis in 1999, and serving as long-term supply priest for both Ascension and All Saints.
The Rev. Michael taught Latin at Chaminade College Preparatory School from 2000 through 2010. Prior to entering seminary, Michael had a 20-year career in industrial sales and marketing, and he earned an MBA degree from SIU-Edwardsville in 1975.
Born into the Roman Catholic Church in St. Louis, the Rev. Michael followed a prior call to pursue ordained ministry in the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) after graduating from St. Louis University High School. He left the Society after seven years and having earned an MA degree in American History from St. Louis University.
The Rev. Michael and his wife, Leslie, have five grown children and nine grandchildren. In his leisure time, he enjoys golf, fishing, grilling, and model railroading.
Leah Milton has been the St. Barnabas' Adult Choir Director since Fall 2002 and was named the Director of Music in January 2018. She graduated with honors from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in December 2003, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, with emphasis in piano accompaniment and voice. She studied piano with Dr. Linda Perry, voice with Ms. Sandra Bouman, and was a member of the SIUE Concert Choir and SIUE Madrigal Choir, both under the direction of Dr. Joel Knapp.
Along with directing the adult choir and providing keyboard support for services at St. Barnabas, Leah is a 5th and 6th Grade General Music teacher and chorus accompanist at Dorris Intermediate School in Collinsville, IL. She also teaches private piano and voice lessons to students in the St. Louis area. During her free time, Leah is an active member of the Bel Canto Chorus of St. Louis, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Vantine, and can often be found performing in musical theater with Summer Showbiz at SIUE and Hawthorne Players in Florissant.
