staff & vestry
Our Music Director
Our Parish Administrator
Our Parish Administrator
Ellen J. Dondero serves as Minister of Music and Organist at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Ministries include playing for Sunday services, as well as other special services throughout the year as well as directing Holy Innocents’ Choir. In addition, she is coordinator for the Spring Concert Series and the annual Messiah Sing. Ellen g
Ellen J. Dondero serves as Minister of Music and Organist at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Ministries include playing for Sunday services, as well as other special services throughout the year as well as directing Holy Innocents’ Choir. In addition, she is coordinator for the Spring Concert Series and the annual Messiah Sing. Ellen grew up in a large household and is one of eight children raised by two musician parents. Music has always been a very important part of her life. She received her college education at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, earning a Bachelor’s in Music Education. In addition to her position at Holy Innocents', Ellen manages two retail stores in Beach Haven: How to Live and How to Live Bayside, and serves as Associate Conductor for Capital Singers of Trenton. She is married to John P. Dondero, and together they have three adult children, all performing musicians.
Our Parish Administrator
Our Parish Administrator
Our Parish Administrator
Mrs. Lisa Halpin is our Parish Pdministrator and comes to us from Manahawkin, New Jersey. Lisa is active in the Beach Haven community and also works at the Surflight Theatre. She handles all of our scheduling, administrative tasks,arrangements for Memorial Garden niches, and is the person to start with for anything you might need. She is
Mrs. Lisa Halpin is our Parish Pdministrator and comes to us from Manahawkin, New Jersey. Lisa is active in the Beach Haven community and also works at the Surflight Theatre. She handles all of our scheduling, administrative tasks,arrangements for Memorial Garden niches, and is the person to start with for anything you might need. She is full of hospitality and helpfulness!
Contact Lisa at 609-492-7571 or hichurch08008@gmail.com
Our Vestry
Our Parish Administrator
The Wardens and Vestry are a group consisting of "adult, confirmed communicants in good standing," elected by the Annual Meeting of the Parish, serving together with a Priest or Bishop called by the Vestry." The Episcopal Church of The Holy Innocents in Beach Haven is blessed with a committed, active leadership through faithful service.
The Wardens and Vestry are a group consisting of "adult, confirmed communicants in good standing," elected by the Annual Meeting of the Parish, serving together with a Priest or Bishop called by the Vestry." The Episcopal Church of The Holy Innocents in Beach Haven is blessed with a committed, active leadership through faithful service. Each of the Wardens and Vestry members has unique gifts and strengths, and together they collaborate well to lead the membership.
The Vestry
Class of 2025
Judy Contreras
Bruce Hillyer
Bill Kehr
Class of 2026
Larry Peacock
Leila Sullivan
Barbara Wheeler
Class of 2027
Vince Contreras
Melissa Wall
Debbie Hunter
Senior Warden
Senior Warden
PATRICIA PEACOCK Marriage first brought Pat to Long Beach Island in 1988. After some years of spiritual searching, she was baptized and confirmed at Holy Innocents’ in 1994. She co-chaired Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for 5 years, served on Vestry and was part of the Search Committee for Fr. Frank. More recently, Pat chaired
PATRICIA PEACOCK Marriage first brought Pat to Long Beach Island in 1988. After some years of spiritual searching, she was baptized and confirmed at Holy Innocents’ in 1994. She co-chaired Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for 5 years, served on Vestry and was part of the Search Committee for Fr. Frank. More recently, Pat chaired the Stewardship Committee, was integrally involved in the rectory and parish kitchen renovations. She is currently a reader. She considers her spiritual life at Holy Innocents’ to be grounding and the congregation a part of her extended family. A graduate of Duke University, Pat worked in advertising until devoting full time to motherhood. Once her sons were in elementary school, there were some ad sales gigs before getting her real estate license and working part-time with her husband, Larry. A past Commodore at the Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, she currently serves as a Senior Trustee. She is honored to be Senior Warden and excited to work with Vestry and Clergy.
Junior Warden
Senior Warden
Junior Warden
DAVE WHITE Dave grew up here in Beach Haven and graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1983. He entered the US Army and served for 10 years including service in the Desert Storm War. He brought his Christian beliefs and way of life to the Army and has held true ever since. He served as the AV leader in Auburn, MA, at Bethel L
DAVE WHITE Dave grew up here in Beach Haven and graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1983. He entered the US Army and served for 10 years including service in the Desert Storm War. He brought his Christian beliefs and way of life to the Army and has held true ever since. He served as the AV leader in Auburn, MA, at Bethel Lutheran Church and moved back to Beach Haven in 2010. He has been active in attending service since his return. Dave has served on the Vestry, as an Usher, Senior Warden and has been reelected as Junior Warden in 2025.