The Rev. Paul Keene

Assistant Rector

Prior to coming to Christ Church in Short Hills, Paul served at St. Luke’s, Darien as a seminarian intern with a special focus on Christian formation and adult education. In Boston he served as the Minister of Music and Director of Choirs at St. Peter’s, Cambridge before serving there as Administrator and Minister for Digital Worship during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Paul brings with him his love of performance, hospitality, ministry, and education. His lay ministry constituted restaurant and hospitality work, professional performance, and education. While in Boston he had the distinct pleasure of managing the Seaport Elite II and Boston Elite, two private yachts on the Boston harbor—he loves weddings! He regularly sang under the direction of Anne Azéma in the Boston Camerata and Jennifer Lester in the Seraphim Singers. As a recitalist, he focused on 17th and early 18th century English and French repertoires: William Lawes, Henry Lawes, Purcell, John Blow, Handel, Lully, Charpentier, Clérambault, & Rameau. 

Paul grew up in the Navy and has lived all over including Oahu, Hawaii and Naples, Italy. He came to call Boston home after moving there following his graduation from college. He and his husband, Dr. Corey Clapp—an atmospheric scientist, met in Boston and now live in Maplewood. They enjoy conversations, trying new restaurants, and gathering around a table with friends—new and old. Paul is sponsored by the Diocese of Massachusetts for ordination and was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate by Bishop Carol Gallagher.

Paul attended seminary at Berkeley Divinity School and Yale Divinity School where he earned both a Diploma in Anglican Studies and Master of Divinity. He was awarded the E. William Muehl Prize for excellence in Preaching and the St. Luke’s Award for excellence in Liturgical Leadership. Prior to seminary, he earned a Master of Music in early music performance at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA, and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA.

Paul is committed to the development of Christian discipleship through prayer, education, service, and fellowship; and he is thankful to be able to steward Christ’s ministry alongside the people of Christ Church in Short Hills.