The Reverend Eddie Slayton Pastoral Associate Growing up in a city neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fr. Eddie came to saving faith in the living Christ and also experienced a powerful move of the Holy Spirit while worshiping in a Pentecostal setting.  During these teen years he also felt a strong call into ordained ministry, a call that he initially resisted.  At the University of Pittsburgh, Fr. Eddie studied English with an emphasis on medieval literature; it was during those years that he began the journey on a path that would eventually lead him into the Episcopal priesthood: “I chose a career in education–it was a kind of concession to God. As a teacher I was going to ‘minister’ to kids without going the whole way and actually becoming a pastor.”  Eight years of teaching middle and high school English confirmed to Eddie that he needed to enter ordained ministry: “Though teaching was satisfying, it seemed that I was always working with people – students, parents and faculty – who needed to hear the good news about Jesus, but I was limited in what I could do about that.  It felt like I was putting little band–aids on major spiritual wounds.”  The turning point was a course he took while working on a Master’s degree in the evenings: “It was a prophetic literature class at Duquesne University, and we were studying Amos.  By the end of the study I was hooked; Marla (his wife) and I started to research seminaries in the Pittsburgh area.”  Fr. Eddie entered Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, located near Pittsburgh, with the intention of earning his degree locally while preparing to be ordained in the Assemblies of God.  The path took an unexpected turn when it became obvious that he was actually being called into the Episcopal Church: “After my first theology course it became crystal clear – I was, and am, an Anglican.”  Over the next three years (a very steep learning curve!) Eddie prepared for the priesthood, eventually serving three separate parishes in a variety of roles.  In July 2006 he accepted the call to become Trinity's associate.  Fr. Eddie has been married to his wife, Marla (another Pittsburgh native), for six years.  She is a nurse practitioner with an extensive background in both internal and renal medicine.  They have a son, Domenic, and a daughter, Madeline.  Eddie’s interests include fly–fishing, swimming for fitness, and historical fiction.  Father Eddie’s e-mail is eslayton@trinitytariffville.org Back to “Clergy and Staff” Page Trinity Episcopal Church,  11 Church Street,  Tarrifville, CT 06081 Telephone:  (860)651-0201,  FAX:  (860)651-0203 E-Mail:  trinitychurch@trinitytariffville.org