Michael Nixon (2024)

During the 30 years I have attended the Cathedral, time I have been baptized and confirmed, have served as an acolyte and sub-deacon and have previously served on the vestry.  I have volunteered to support many congregation activities and have participated in many congregation retreats.  I have also met and gotten to know many members of the congregation.

Professionally, I work for the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation as a credit analyst and business development officer.    I have a BA from Haverford College with a degree in philosophy and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley.

I am grateful to be part of this community of Christians, trying to live up to the ideals of Christian belief as expressed by our faith as Episcopalians. 

Susan Soboleski (2025) |Clerk

I have called the Cathedral my church “home” since my husband and I moved to New York in 1987.  Over three decades, that concept of “home” has defined my journey. I am a mother of two daughters, earned a doctorate in music, work as a music professor and perform as a professional pianist.   I am also a runner—so solitary, introspective activity along with teaching and learning is as natural to me as breathing.

Initially I came to the Cathedral as an interested spectator.  I attended weekly services and came for special holidays, but I did not interact with other congregants.  Three things changed that dynamic.  First, I joined the Altar Guild.  Second, I attended the 9:00 a.m. service, and third, I became a participant in the Bible Study group.   My ‘fellow seekers’ helped me understand ‘the body of Christ’ in action. During the pandemic the Cathedral came to be my anchor.  That feeling continues to grow. 

Cecilia Amadi (2026)

I found the Cathedral in 1991 when I was looking for a place to worship similar to my Anglican upbringing in Nigeria.  I was drawn by the words of the lectionary and moved by the hymns. As I came to realize the Cathedral would be my place of worship, I quickly asked the then dean how I could become a member.  The Dean graciously took me to the Vicar who took my information, and I was registered as a member of the Congregation.  I have been honored to have served as treasurer for the last 16 years.

Gail Felix (2026)

Born in Guyana, South America, Gail and her family migrated to the United States in the early 70s. As a child she attended schools in the Bronx and Manhattan. After graduating from SUNY Plattsburgh, where she learned to appreciate the North county, she started working in the advertising and broadcast industries.For many years Gail would attend services at the Cathedral but she officially joined the congregation of Saint Saviour in 2015 when she was confirmed at the Easter service. She wanted to be a part of a congregation that welcomes members just as there are. Gail currently serves as an acolyte and LEM. “From the very first time I attended a 4pm Christmas eve service at the Cathedral I was amazed by the diversity of people, the message I received and the music I heard.”

Christopher Clowdus (2024)

I have been a member of the Congregation for about 2.5 years and currently serve on the Stewardship & Communications Committee. Currently, I lead The Clowdus-Rivera Team at Cooper & Cooper Real Estate in New York. Our team of trusted advisers has earned a sterling reputation for our integrity, exceptional service, financial rigor, expert representation, and global reach.

I hold a MA in Theology from Yale Divinity School, a MMus. in Conducting from the Yale School of Music, two certificates from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. As a conductor, I have performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, served as Artistic Director of a premier Manhattan ensemble, a large chorus in New Haven, and as Associate Conductor of a chamber orchestra.

Carolyn Brown (2027)
I was born in Hampton, Virginia and came to New York City in 1966 to study at Columbia’s School of International Affairs.  My father. the first Black Virginian at Virginia Theological Seminary, was ordained in 1958. He became a political activist who brought his Christianity into the daily lives of our community.

 I joined the Congregation of St. Savior in 2016, seeking a community that held fast to the principles of social justice, spirituality and equality. I found a community that helped to strengthen my values and my faith.

I would like to contribute to the development of this community and to bring into reality the principles of progressive Christianity. I would especially like to work to bring the church in harmony with the Harlem community. I would also like to see more diversity in the staffing of the Cathedral to enable it to relate more strongly with the Harlem community.

Sharné Jackson (2025)

Born and raised in multicultural Miami, I attended Spelman College and was confirmed at The Cathedral of St. Phillips in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002, I moved to New York City. 

In my current role as Senior Director, Events, Education and Give Back for The Fragrance Foundation, I utilize my marketing and retail experience to oversee the fragrance industry’s premier organization for advancing excellence, innovation, and diversity.   

I have found a deep connection to The Cathedral of St. John the Divine. I joined the Congregation in 2006 and have served on several committees, including a discernment committee and the Crafts Fair Committee. My strong commitment to the community includes mentoring young people and volunteering with several civic organizations.    I have served on the Vestry for the past 3 years and, most recently, on the stewardship and communications committee.

Paula McKenzie (2026)

I have been worshipping at The Cathedral since 1988 when my husband and I moved to the Upper West Side where we raised two daughters. I joined the Congregation during its early years, served as an usher at the 9 AM service and on the vestry from 2015 through 2020.

I am currently an instructor of hatha yoga and meditation at Integral Yoga Institute of New York and am training to be a yoga therapist. Integral Yoga Institute and Saint John the Divine are two vital centers of light that uphold the promise of interfaith harmony, and peace and dignity for all people. Their communities nourish my soul.

The Congregation of Saint Saviour has supported my Christian formation in many ways. Participation in the Via Media Course with Reverend Canon Victoria Sirota led to my Confirmation in June 2015 with Bishop Suffragan Right Reverend Allen K. Shin. I’ve been enriched by Congregation retreats, the Confronting the Demon course on anti-racism, Sunday Bible Study, Close Conversations, and Education for Ministry (EfM) with Donna Devlin.