Rev. Myrna Koonce, Priest in Charge

Myrna was ordained an Episcopal priest in November of 2025. She holds a BA in Classics and English from Cornell University, a Master’s in Theological Studies from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and an MFA in writing from Vermont College of the Fine Arts. Prior to her call to ministry, Myrna worked primarily in early childhood education, beginning as a Head Start Center Director in Portland, an experience which sparked a lifelong passion for serving and advocating for those who live in poverty. For ten years Myrna served as an interfaith chaplain at Maine Medical Center, including eight years as the palliative care chaplain, helping patients and families navigate complicated medical decision-making and end of life choices. She also served as chaplain at Vicarage by the Sea, a home for people with dementia, engaging residents who have memory loss through music and reminiscence.

Myrna is a trained facilitator for Sacred Ground, an Episcopal Church program that explores racial history, reconciliation and justice. As a former congregational leader in the Diocesan initiative Living Local: Joining God in the Neighborhood, she is curious about what might be happening beyond our church walls and how we can enter into what God is already doing out ahead of us. Myrna has sung in school, church and community choirs since childhood, and hopes to bring her love of music into her work as a priest. Helping laypeople discern their gifts and flourish in their own ministries is another of her strong interests.

Myrna has been married to her spouse Paul Saucier for 40 years, and they have two children, Nate and Hannah, who live in Europe. She finds joy in traveling (especially to see her granddaughter in Netherlands!), being in nature, and gardening. She is excited to take up her role as Priest in Charge at St. Peter’s and see where God is leading this community.

Mr. Herbert Taylor, Organist

A native of Falmouth, Maine, Herbert Taylor received his BA degree from Rutgers University where he studied music and English. He earned a Master’s degree from Colgate University and was a member of the English faculty, and department chair at Hamburg, NY high school for some 35 years. He also served as an adjunct professor of World Literature at Hilbert College. For 25 years he was organist and Director of Music at the Hamburg United Methodist Church, where he developed a concert series featuring choir and orchestra, chamber ensembles, and guest soloists from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has appeared as a recitalist in Western New York, New England, and New York City. 

Herb has been organist at St. Peter’s since 2009, and enjoys gardening and hiking with his beloved  Border Collie, Kodie. He has two daughters and three grandchildren, and is looking forward to connecting with them more frequently as travel restrictions ease.