Interim Rector Father Stephen Carlsen
Here for a year or more at St. Paul’s
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER
There’s a new Rector at the altar of one of Key West’s largest and oldest congregations.
But there is a catch: He’ll only be here for a year, or a little longer, depending on the needs of the church.
Father Stephen Carlsen will serve as the Interim Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., until a full-time replacement for the outgoing Father Larry Hooper can be chosen. Father Carlsen celebrated his first Mass at St. Paul’s on May 5 after moving here from Indianapolis with his wife Jen.
“Neither one of us has been here before,” Father Carlsen said. “So I guess you could say that we’re still on our first trip to Key West.”

FATHER CARLSEN

It hasn’t taken long for the couple to adjust to island living, however. Armed with a one year pass to Fort Zach Taylor State Park the Carlsens enjoy watching those gorgeous Key West sunsets while making dinner on the beach.
“We love the fact that people here applaud as the sun sets,” Father Carlsen said. “ I view that as a religious moment, and that it is like people are saying ‘thanks’ to the Lord for all the beauty around us.
Father Carlsen is also a self-described “bicycle geek” who is looking forward to exploring his new home on two wheels. He and Jen took a sabbatical at one point in order to take part in a six month bike tour of South America and Mexico.
“We were actually in the middle of the polar vortex when this opportunity presented itself,” Father Carlsen said. “My response to that was ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me!’”
Father Carlsen grew up in the Midwest and was ordained in the Diocese of Chicago. He served as the Pastor of a Colorado church before his 12-year stint as the Dean at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis. He and his wife have two sons on the mainland who are preparing to graduate from college.
“They’re not moving down here with us, but they’re looking forward to frequent visits,” Father Carlsen said.

St. Paul’s marks Father Carlsen’s first time serving as an Interim Rector, a position many Episcopal priests volunteer to undertake during their careers with the church.
“It’s a new challenge for me, and I’m really enjoying it so far,” Father Carlsen said.
The idea of the Interim Pastor is to smooth the transitional phase of the changing of the guard as a permanent replacement for the outgoing Rector can be decided upon, an process that generally takes about a year – though some priests have been known to serve as Interim Pastors at various parishes for the entirety of their ecclesiastical careers.
Besides the year-round cycling weather and reverence to the setting sun, Father Carlsen is enjoying getting to know both his congregation and the wider Key West community.
“We really do love the culture down here,” he said. “There are multiple layers to it. As a priest I get invited to take part in the community right away, as people get married, and take part in other sacraments. I’m also excited that I’ll be here to help the congregation celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Paul’s, in February.”
Father Carlsen will also be reaching out to other religious groups here, including his Episcopal brethren at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, on Center Street.
“I’ll be happy to fill in there should the need arise,” Father Carlsen said. “As well as at other Episcopal churches throughout the Keys.
“Like any community, Key West has its share of challenges, such as the skyrocketing cost of living. Some people are working three jobs to make ends meet, which can be stressful for  individuals and families. I extend the hand of friendship to those who look to the church for guidance during trying times, and I’m going to be looking for ways that St. Paul’s can be good neighbors, reaching out to all Key Westers.”
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