When the Rev. Dr. Richard Bauer graduated with a Bachelor of Science in legal studies from Nova Southeastern University, he knew he didn't want to be a lawyer. While attending school, he was also building a career in music; some of his songs were on MTV and he opened for musicians such as Joan Jett. After a year went by, he applied to a graduate program in religious studies at Florida International University. Soon enough, the faculty trained Bauer as an adjunct professor.

Despite his graduate research, Bauer was not attending church. Then he became interested in meditating and, while meditating, realized that Jesus was the basis of his faith. "I couldn't shake it," he said.

While on a trip to the Holy Land, Bauer and his wife were watching the baptisms of pilgrims in the Jordan River. Bauer saw a man with a woman who had scars on her face, and the man filled a five-gallon jug with water from the river. "It was clear to me that this guy wanted to bring this big jug of healing water home with him on the plane, and that level of faith and hope that there's a promise for healing struck me to my core," noted Bauer. Suddenly, he knew what he was supposed to do with his life: ministry.

A woman who worked at St. Mark's Episcopal Church and School in Fort Lauderdale watched Bauer's band play every Saturday night. She knew Bauer's education and teaching background, so she asked Bauer to talk to her church leader. "This guy and I started talking theology and travel and hit it off," stated Bauer. "He immediately asked me to join his staff." While at St. Mark's, Bauer led the music program, taught middle school religion, and directed youth group.

When Bauer was getting ready to graduate with a Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2018, a headhunter was looking for the top pick of Bauer's graduating class. This person turned out to be Bauer. "In church, we talk about being 'called,' and I was literally called on the phone," he said. That was how Bauer became an associate rector at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster.

After having lunch with a member of St. Edward's Episcopal Church, Bauer applied and was interviewed for a position as rector at the church. He was installed in that position in the beginning of 2020.

Bauer said he believes he came to St. Edward's at just the right time. As a musician, Bauer possesses audio and video knowledge. Without knowing just how important those skills would be, Bauer said St. Edward's did well during the pandemic. "I got my Doctor of Ministry from Duke (Divinity School) in Christian leadership, so I was trained to adapt," noted Bauer.

"I'm looking most forward to building something good," said Bauer. "I would like if we can respond to whatever need is before us with love and show people that no matter how alienating the world can feel, if you hang out here, you will feel like you're in the presence of something holy. I would love if this place could become known for a home of faith seeking understanding so that you can come here and question everything."

St. Edward's is located at 2453 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. For more information about St. Edward's, visit https://sainteds.org.