The Rev. Gabriel Michael Lawrence (he/him) joined St. Christopher by the River as priest in charge in 2026. Central to his ministry is building strong community grounded in the abundant love of God, fostering an ever-expanding openness and awareness to God’s work the world, and creatively living into the reality of God making all things new
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Gabriel was raised in the Baptist and Pentecostal traditions. He was confirmed an Episcopalian in early adulthood and spent his first career as a musician. As an organist, pianist, composer, and singer, he has directed parish music ministry, operated a private piano studio, composed for various musical settings, and founded Savannah Beer and Hymns.
While living and working in the Diocese of Georgia, Gabriel discerned a call to the priesthood and earned a Master of Divinity from The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He was ordained a priest in 2024 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. In addition to his parochial work, Gabriel serves on the Diocese of Ohio’s Commission on Ministry, Diocesan Liturgical Commission, the board of United Protestant Campus Ministries (UPCaM), and is a graduate of the College for Congregational Development.
In addition to his work as a priest, Gabriel enjoys and finds God in running, cooking, gardening, hiking, musical theatre, and spending time with his dog- a cavalier king Charles spaniel also named Gabriel.