Bishop Deon Johnson Announces Honorary Canons at 185th Diocesan Convention
November 16, 2024 — During the 185th Diocesan Convention, Bishop Deon Johnson made a special announcement recognizing two remarkable individuals for their dedicated service to the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. Sue Rehkopf and The Rev. Tamsen Whistler will be installed as honorary canons, a title that reflects their exceptional contributions to the church and its mission.
Sue Rehkopf: A Lifetime of Service and Historical Stewardship
Sue Rehkopf’s journey with the Diocese began in 1972, when she worked as a secretary in the diocesan office until 1980. Following her departure, she embarked on a successful 15-year career in bank marketing and later became a consultant specializing in marketing and product development. Her expertise extended to preserving community history, as she established archives for three historical societies and provided training in basic archives management.
Sue’s return to the Diocese in 2020 at the request of Bishop Rockwell marked a continuation of her enduring commitment. She is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the National Episcopal Historians and Archivists, Historical Society of the Episcopal Church, Society of American Archivists, Midwest Archives Conference, and Association of St. Louis Area Archivists. Sue also serves as the President of the Historical Society of University City.
A devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eolia, Sue’s contributions to both the Diocese and her community have left a lasting legacy.
The Rev. Tamsen Whistler: A Journey of Faith and Leadership
Since May 1, 1995, The Rev. Tamsen Whistler has served as Rector of Trinity Church in St. Charles, guiding the congregation through significant transitions in spiritual formation, energy, size, and diversity. Her leadership has upheld the church’s commitment to God’s mission and its historical roots, tracing back to its founding by Jackson Kemper in 1836.
Before her ordination, Tamsen was a high school English and journalism teacher in Caruthersville, Missouri, where she also served as a lay leader at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Her roles included lay reader, chalice bearer, diocesan convention delegate, and clerk of the Bishop’s Committee. She also worked to address issues of race and poverty as an Episcopal Church board member of the Missouri Delta Ecumenical Ministry.
Ordained as a Deacon in 1984 and as a Priest in 1985, Tamsen’s ministry spans nearly four decades, with service at Grace Church (Jefferson City), Calvary Church (Columbia), and Trinity Church (St. Charles). She has held numerous leadership roles within the Diocese and the broader Episcopal Church, including being a clerical representative to the Diocesan Council, a member of the Standing Committee, and a deputy and now senior deputy for the General Convention since 2001. Her contributions to committees on Congregational Vitality, Christian Education, and Baptism Task Force underscore her commitment to church growth and education.
Tamsen’s academic background includes degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia (B.S. Ed, 1973; M.A. English, 1975) and Seabury-Western Seminary (M.Div., 1984).
Honoring Their Legacies
The installation of Sue Rehkopf and The Rev. Tamsen Whistler as honorary canons is a testament to their tireless dedication and impactful service. Bishop Johnson’s announcement celebrates their unique journeys and the profound influence they have had on the Diocese and beyond. The Diocese looks forward to formally recognizing their contributions in a special ceremony in the coming months.