The Rev. Canon John Bedingfield came to St. James in November of 2021. He carries the title of “Canon” because he serves as +Bishop Jake’s Canon to the Ordinary on a part-time basis. You can call him Canon John or Father John, he will answer to either.
Canon John+ was ordained in the Diocese of Texas, after having received a Masters of Divinity degree from The Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest – what is now Seminary of the Southwest. He also earned a liberal arts B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of Texas School of Law.
Canon John+ practiced law for a number of years before being ordained to the priesthood. He has served congregations in Houston and Silsbee, Texas; and Lafayette, Opelousas, St. Joseph, and Alexandria, Louisiana.
Canon John+ is married to Donna. They have two grown children and nine grandchildren in Florida and Texas. You will see them with Taylor, their youngest, on Sundays. Taylor has Down Syndrome and is very proud of having graduated from high school in 2020. The Bedingfield family also has a dog and a cat (who are very close to each other in size, and who run the household). Canon John+ appreciates most genres of music and loves playing the guitar.
Michael has served as Music & Choir Director since 2012, and he has been very active as both an accompanist and choral director for community theatre and music productions around Alexandria. Michael has 30 years of music teaching experience, especially piano.
Michael has served as the accompanist for the Louisiana College Chorale for 15 years, which toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He has been the Musical Director and/or accompanist for more than 50 productions for the CENLA (Central Louisiana) area, working with LBM Productions, City Park Players, Lagniappe Theatre, and Hallelujah (sponsored by the Alexandria Museum of Art). Michael has also performed with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and has composed original scores for several local productions.
Michael lives in Alexandria with his daughter, Emma.
A Central Louisiana resident for most of her life, Melva has enjoyed a fulfilling career in music education as well as in church music ministry. She holds both national and state certification as a teacher of piano through the Music Teachers National Association and the Louisiana Music Teachers Association. In 2021 she was honored to be named as the LMTA Outstanding Teacher of the Year, and currently serves as the Vice President of Certification for LMTA.
Melva holds a Bachelor of Music degree as well as a B.S. in Public Administration from Louisiana Christian University (formerly Louisiana College) and a Master of Music degree from Northwestern State University. She recently retired as Director of Music and Liturgy from St. Rita Catholic Church.
Melva and her husband Marty have an adult daughter, Morgan, who is a student in the SPERO program at LSUA. The family pets include Diamond Doves, House Sparrows, a green-cheeked conure, and a calico cat.
