The Reverend Canon Neal P. Longe began his service as Rector of St. Ann's on January 1, 2012. Prior to being called to serve at St. Ann's, Father Neal was the associate priest at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Colonie, NY.
Fr. Neal was born and raised in Johnstown, NY not far from St. Ann's, and sponsored for ordination by St. John's, Johnstown. He and Lisa, his wife were married in 2004 and they have two teenage children Maria and Noah.
Fr. Neal holds a Master of Arts Degree in Theology from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA . He also holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Psychology from the Crane School of Music College at Potsdam, as well as an Associates degree in Nursing from Fulton-Montgomery Community College at Johnstown, NY. Fr. Neal is a Registered Nurse and has worked in the Emergency Department, the Intensive Care Unit, and Occupational Health.
Fr. Neal serves the parish in many ways, sharing the love of Jesus and connecting people to Christ, transforming people, families, and communities. Fr. Neal is passionate about preaching, leading bible studies, and teaching. Pastoral care is an integral part of all the ministries he is inolved in.
In March 2024, Fr. Neal was appointed by the Bishop to serve as Canon to the Ordinary for Resource Developement. In that role he supports the Bishop and the Diocese with Pastoral Care, Consitutional and Canonical issues, finances, property, and administration. Fr. Neal served as the Dean of the Western Mohawk Deanery for 10 years. He also has served the Diocese in a variety of other leadership roles. Fr. Neal is also blessed to serve as Priest-in-charge for St. Peter's by the Lake Summer Chapel in Old Forge.
With a heart for First Responders, Fr. Neal serves as a Deputy Fire Coordinator - Chaplain with the Montgomery County Fire Service and Office of Emergency Management, as well as Chaplain to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Amsterdam Fire Department, Amsterdam Police Department, and the Capital District Fraternal Order of Police.
Fr. Neal holds a third degree black belt (III Dan) in Taekwon-Do. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and their two dogs, connecting with friends, and furthering his education by reading and listening to podcasts.