It is with great pleasure that we announce we have signed an agreement with the Reverend Verdis LeVar Robinson (he/they) to be our Contract Minister. Rev. Verdis comes to us by way of First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY, where he served as the Assistant Minister for Growth. He also served as quarter time Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of East Aurora, NY. Prior to that, he was the ministerial coordinator of Worship Arts Production and Adult Lifespan Spiritual Exploration at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, VT, where he completed his internship. Rev. Verdis is in preliminary fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association and was ordained in 2023 by the congregations of the First Unitarian and First Universalist Churches of Rochester, and the Unitarian Church of Montpelier.

Prior to being ordained, Rev. Verdis was very active and had executive leadership roles in community/non-profit organizations including the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), Campus Compact, and The Democracy Commitment (TDC). He began his academic career by teaching History and African American Studies for ten years at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY. 

Rev. Verdis holds a Master of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School specializing in Faith Formation Pedagogy, a master’s degree in African American Studies from the University at Buffalo, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in history from Brockport University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Boston University. 

Rev. Verdis is a member and/or board member of AUUMM, BLUU, DRUUM, UUMA, UU Christian Fellowship, and was the Choir Director for the 2025 General Assembly. He is a member of UUA Appointments Committee and is on the panel for the Fund for a Just Society. He also serves as Executive and Artistic Director of the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir. 

Rev. Verdis' sermons are inspiring and his worship services are very well-crafted. He has a very calm, pastoral presence and deep interest in helping people through transitions. The three elements of congregational life that resonate with him the most are worship/music/arts, life span faith formation and social justice. He comes to us eager to guide us through our interim period and at the same time, eager to learn from us about the functioning of our healthy, vibrant and engaged congregation. 

Perry Montrose has been a religious educator for twenty years, serving four different congregations, with ten of those years leading Faith Formation at All Souls. It is his focus to create a space where children, youth, and adults have the freedom to discover and express their individuality, within a faith community that meaningfully connects them around common values. Perry believes in the transforming power of love in our world and embraces the responsibility to “side with love.” He commits to creating a Faith Formation ministry that welcomes each family as they are and encourages authentic spiritual growth.

You can reach Perry by clicking on the email icon above his picture.

Tammy joined the All Souls staff as Office Administrator in December 2017. Tammy brings a wealth of experience having worked in municipal positions in her hometown of Griswold, CT. You can reach Tammy at office@allsouls.net

Please join in welcoming Jac Harris-Stone (they / them) as All Souls' new choir director.  Jac is an accomplished professional musician who plays several instruments including the bass trombone, piano, and organ, as well as being an experienced choir director.  As importantly, they are an engaging and enthusiastic person.  

Jac started the week of August 12, 2024.  We're excited to begin this new chapter of All Souls' story with Jac. 

Arlene Stoltz joined the staff of All Souls in November, 2013 as our Faith Formation Administrator. Prior to coming to All Souls, Arlene worked in non-profit development for over 15 years assisting behavioral health and developmental disability organizations to meet their missions and goals.  She also worked in the field of publishing for several years, and she holds a BA from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana.  She enjoys all things water-related, from swimming and boating, to kayaking and water skiing.  Arlene lives in Waterford with her husband Tom.

Jesse joined the All Souls staff in 2013. Where would we be without Jesse?!

Bil Groth has been providing music for our Sunday morning worship services and accompanying the weekly evening choir rehearsals since 2006. After completing studies in jazz improvisation and composition at the Berklee College of Music, he spent 15 years as a professional musician in Memphis, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia before returning to his home state of Connecticut. Bil continues to enjoy motivating and inspiring his piano students and presently performs with four area bands, including his own jazz group.

Gery Elliott has served as organist and accompanist for All Souls since 1976. In addition to sharing his musical talents at All Souls, he is an instrumental music teacher and band director in the public schools of Douglas, MA, having worked there since 1985. Gery is also the summer organist at Weekapaug Chapel in Westerly, RI.

Adam joined the All Souls staff in June 2022 as our assistant technical director.  Welcome Adam!

Georgie joined the All Souls staff as our bookkeeper in 2024.  Welcome Georgie!

Angela joined the All Souls staff in October 2024.  Welcome Angela!

In June 2025 Reverend Carolyn Patierno completed 24 years of ministry with All Souls New London. On June 22nd, 2025 at our Flower Communion service we also held a Release of Covenant ritual as Rev. Carolyn officially entered retirement.  Below is a little bit about Rev. Carolyn.  

The Reverend Carolyn Patierno served All Souls from 2001 - 2025.  This call was her first having graduated from the Pacific School of Religion in 2001.  In the course of her tenure, the congregation experienced a range of transitions including buying, renovating, and then settling into a new home, hosting and sharing space with a local non-profit that serves homeless men and women, staffing for growth and transitions, and an ever evolving congregation.  All of these kept congregational life interesting and dynamic!

Prior to seminary, Reverend Carolyn was an HIV prevention & sexuality educator.  This work meant traveling throughout the United States and abroad as a trainer and health advocate.   Previous experiences that also influenced her ministry include having been an actor and preschool teacher.  She was raised Roman Catholic and found Unitarian Universalism as a college student in 1981. 

Within our walls Reverend Carolyn had a particular commitment to children and youth and their spiritual and religious exploration.  She led the Coming of Age program and each week during the service shared the Story for All Ages.  As well, she took very seriously the connection between a faithful life and one that is dedicated to the creation of a more just world.  Beyond our walls she served as a founding Board member of the New London Homeless Hospitality Center as well as other ministries dedicated to creating peace.  She currently serves as board president of the Immigration Advocacy Support Center in New London.  

And she likes to have fun, celebrate, to pay attention and reflect on all that is our lives.  Worship engaged all of these commitments and Sunday mornings was Reverend Carolyn’s favorite time of the week.