RECTOR: The Rev. John E. Hogg
RECTOR: The Rev. John E. Hogg
A native of Virginia Beach, John grew up in the Tidewater area along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the York River. He earned a B.A in History and a Master’s in Public Administration from the College of Charleston. Before becoming a priest, John served in the Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) for the National American Red Cross that included a combat deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Accepting the growing call to serve God and the Episcopal Church, John earned his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. Prior to becoming Rector of Immanuel Old Church in October 2023, he served parishes in Alexandria, Richmond, and Gordonsville, Virginia.
John, his wife, and twin boys enjoy traveling, fishing, exploring, and having adventures with friends. He is passionate about community engagement and providing parishioners of all ages with the space to ask questions, explore their faith, and build lasting relationships. John is a great lover of woodworking, cooking, and anything that allows him to create with his hands. He also enjoys boating, fishing, swimming, and all activities that put him in, on, or near, the salt
water.
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: Sheila Robertson
Sheila joined the office staff at Immanuel in February 2022. She was born and raised in Missouri and briefly lived in North Carolina before moving to Virginia in 2021. Her background is in Early Childhood Education, and she spent many years working at her previous church as the Special Events Childcare Coordinator for their preschool children's ministry program and has a very extensive administrative background as well. Sheila and her husband Jim have two children: Zach and Mariah. Prior to working at Immanuel, Sheila assisted the Chief of Police at Wake Forest University. Since moving to Virginia, she has taken a less stressful avenue by working at Immanuel, being a petsitter and is also a licensed Real Estate Agent and Travel Agent. Her passions for both working with people and communications have been a great benefit to our congregation.
CHERUB SCHOOL DIRECTOR: Ashley Phan
Ashley began serving as preschool director at Immanuel in August 2021. She is a graduate of Old Dominion University, where she received a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education. Ashley and her husband Paul have two children: Abigail and Alton. In their free time they enjoy being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and camping together in their pop-up camper. Ashley's love of, and talent for, nurturing young children is an invaluable asset to our community.
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Cara Davis
Cara joined the Immanuel Episcopal family in 2025. She has an extensive musical background, with undergraduate and graduate
degrees in vocal and keyboard performance, as well as a graduate certificate in ethnomusicology. Additionally, Cara completed a Doctor of Music Education with an emphasis in choral music.
Cara has an extensive teaching background and many years of experience as a church musician. Beginning at age twelve, she started as an organist and pianist in her home church. She has a deep love of church music and enjoys working with all types of church ensembles, including choirs, children’s chorales, handbell ensembles, and church orchestras.
Cara is married to Tom, and they have three children and a grandbaby. As a family, they enjoy traveling, hiking, gardening, yoga, and coffee shops.
SEXTON: Seselia “Bunny” Coles
Bunny joined the team at Immanuel in the early 90’s. She, and her husband Jerome, are long-time residents of Old Church and active members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She has two daughters: Angelique and Rhonda. In her free time Bunny enjoys playing cards and fellowshipping with others. Our community is so blessed not only by Bunny’s work here at Immanuel, but even more so by her sweet and caring spirit.
VESTRY OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
John E. Hogg: Rector
Sheila Robertson: Parish Administrator
Cara Davis: Music Director
Daniel Middleton: Senior Warden
George Souleret: Junior Warden
Joan Beal: Register
Ian Stewart: Treasurer
Diane Coppage, Suzy Plaster, Becky Chapman, Harriet Stout, Patrick Cowling