Mother Michelle looking forward to serving Episcopal congregation

By Tim Huether

Michelle Dayton is the new minister assigned to serve the Episcopal congregation here in Martin and on the Pine Ridge Reservation, setting her feet on new ground Aug. 1.

Mother Michelle and her husband, Lee, moved here from Ohio, where they both were very active in the professional world. Michelle spent 25 years as an Emergency Room doctor and Lee as an attorney.

She was ordained in the Episcopal diocese of Southern Ohio two years ago and served as a Priest in Charge of Trinity Episcopal Church in Newark, Ohio, since her ordination. At the time of her ordination in 2020, she stopped practicing medicine full time, although she continues to maintain her license.

“I was one of those covid ordinands,” laughed Michelle. “I was ordained and began my ministry all during covid, which meant nothing looked like I thought it would look like. We were doing things outside, navigating technology, in masks...oh my goodness!”

To view the full story, pick up a Booster or call us for a subscription, (605) 685-6866.