The Interim Rector of St. Alban's

The Rev. Dr. Sheila McJilton became Interim Rector at St. Alban's in May 2026.

The Rev. Dr. Sheila McJilton moved to Salisbury in 1973, then became a member of St. Peter’s Parish, where she sang in the choir, served on vestry and other committees, and also served on several diocesan committees. In 1996, she went to Virginia Seminary; after her graduation in 1999, Sheila became Associate Rector of Christ Church on Kent Island, serving with then-Rector Bud Shand. She served four years there, then two years as Priest in Charge (doing interim work) at St. Paul’s in Centreville. From there, she moved to Wilmington, DE for eighteen months as Interim Rector of St. David’s. She arrived in the Diocese of Washington in 2007, then served as Rector of St. Philip’s parish in Laurel, Md for over 14 years. Sheila also served on Commission on Ministry, Diocesan Council and Standing Committee (President for two years). At Bishop Budde’s request, she also served as Chair of the EDOW Task Force on Diocesan Stewardship & Parish Vitality.

Sheila began trying to retire as of February, 2022. So far, she isn’t having much success with retirement, but that is perfectly fine with her. 

Sheila’s leadership gifts have been utilized in her preaching, teaching, leadership development, and administration. Some of her proudest accomplishments have been in mentoring eight seminarians, interns, and associates. She has done parish and personal life coaching, and has coached various parishes’ leadership teams. 

A trained singer, Sheila has most recently sung with the Cathedral Choral Society in Washington. Photography is an established hobby; a newer one developed during the pandemic, when she learned how to quilt—using a very old Singer Featherweight (which, incidentally, is not light at all!) She lives with her wife Pat Hendrickson in Laurel, Maryland (her son Woody lives in Salisbury); in truth, they are both allowed to live in the presence of, and under the direction of, Rufus and Lucy, their two cats. Sheila and Pat enjoy traveling, especially to see friends in Canada and Maine.

Sheila is delighted to join all of you at St. Alban’s for the next year or so. As Interim Rector, she would like to meet with individuals, couples, and groups over this summer. She hopes you will meet with her to enjoy some good conversation and coffee.