Courtesy photo
The Rev. Martha L. Hubbard
The Rev. Canon Martha Hubbard has accepted a new call to become the rector of St. Andrew's Church in Albany, N.Y., beginning Sept. 1, and will be leaving her position on the diocesan staff at the end of August.
Canon Hubbard has been the regional canon for the Northern and Western Region of the diocese since September 2018 when the regional canon staffing structure was first implemented. In that role, she has served the congregations in the diocese's Merrimack Valley, North Shore, Mystic Valley and Concord River deaneries, ministering with clergy and congregations in leadership transition and supporting congregational and lay leadership development and clergy wellness.
"I have been honored to serve with the Rev. Martha Hubbard since I joined the staff of the Diocese of Massachusetts," Assistant Bishop Carol Gallagher said. "Martha was our very first regional canon, breaking ground and learning as she served her region. Martha is a compassionate listener, an excellent pastor and a consummate team player. Her warmth, vitality and curiosity is infectious. She has served faithfully and gained the trust of clergy and lay leaders alike. Bishop Alan and I are sad to see her go and know that St. Andrew’s, Albany will be blessed by her ministry and her loving presence."
During her time on the staff, Canon Hubbard also contributed to the work of the Collaborative Ministries Working Group, the diocese's Racial Justice Commission, as a member of its Subcommittee on Structures and Systems, and various diocesan and congregational consultant groups, among others. Prior to joining the diocesan staff, she served for 11 years as the rector of St. Paul’s Church in Newburyport.
"I am so grateful to Bishop Alan for calling me into this role six years ago. How satisfying it’s been to journey with many parishes in transition, and to work with others committed to nurturing collaborations and other redevelopment work throughout our diocese. I am very grateful to all my diocesan colleagues--for what they have taught me and how they have embraced my gifts. I will miss them dearly," Canon Hubbard said.
"I am sad to leave just as Bishop-elect Julia arrives. I wish her all the best as she joins the diocese as your next bishop," she added. "I take all of you with me as I return to parish ministry to practice so much of what Christ has blessed us with in these six years."
Canon Hubbard will be working with congregations and deans of the Northern and Western Region, as well as diocesan staff colleagues, to close out her duties in the diocese by Aug. 31.
Interim coverage for the Northern and Western Region in the short term will be provided by the Rev. Canon Kelly O’Connell, Regional Canon for the Southern Region, and the Rev. Canon Gregory Perez, Regional Canon for the Central Region, with support from other diocesan staff.