The Reverand Lou Hays
Interim Rector Rev. Lou Hays
The Rev. Lou Hays serves as Interim Rector, walking with the people of Trinity Episcopal Church as they journey through a sacred time of transition to discern God’s vision for their bright future.This interim period follows the departure of their previous priest to accept a call to another parish. Lou emphasizes that this is not a time to slow down, but an opportunity to explore ways of building on the many strengths of Trinity Church, a vibrant place where all are welcome, no exceptions.
Lou has served most recently as Interim Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hamilton, Ohio, and prior to that as Interim Rector of two parishes in West Virginia and two parishes in the Diocese of Niagara in Ontario, Canada. Before that, Lou served as Rector of parishes in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and as an assistant rector in Maryland.
He graduated from the Virginia Theological Seminary after a career as a lawyer and administrator in federal, state and local government. Lou is married to the Rev. Michelle Boomgaard, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, Ohio, and has two sons, Bret, also an Episcopal priest and Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Folsom CA and Craig, a proud member of the first order of ministry, the laity.
You may contact the Interim Rector by emailing him at louisbhays@gmail.com or calling the parish office and leaving a message.
Organist Joel Hootman
Joel joined Trinity in June 2025 as their organist. His earliest recollection of a love of music was sitting beside his mother on the old, out-of-tune Cable-Nelson upright grand, as she practiced her hymns for Sunday services at the family United Methodist Church in Polk, Ohio. Private piano study started with his aunt, Marjorie, and continued with Mona Hylton. Beginning organ instruction at the age of fifteen, Joel has been playing organ at a variety of churches since that time.
A retired educator, Joel holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ashland University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching (Ohio Writing Project) from Miami University. Participation in the Ashland University Choir, along with professional study under organ professor, John Gilbert, and Piano Professor Elizabeth Pastor, influenced his love of music, especially church music.
He and his wife, Becky, a retired music educator, have served multiple churches together as organist and choir director. Living in Greenville, Ohio, they have raised three children, Josiah, Isaiah, and Jesse.
Parish Secretary Rhonda Earley
Rhonda Joined Trinity in 2026 as the parish secretary. Church office hours are 8am-12pm M-F. Please call the office at 937-335-7747 with announcement requests or any inquiries you may have.
Sexton Walter Studebaker
Walter Studebaker joined Trinity in 2022 as our sexton. He maintains all of our buildings and their surrounding campus.
