Reverend Bill Garrison

Father Bill Garrison

I come to ordained ministry later in life, but I have felt the call since my early twenties. For the last thirty years or so, prior to ordination, I have been involved in the commercial floor covering and ceramic tile business, owning my own company for the last twelve of those years. I never felt that I was worthy, or smart enough, or holy enough to become an ordained person. Well, God kept tugging at my heart strings, and I finally ventured down the discernment path, went back to school, and I joyfully find myself at St. Margaret’s today.

Favorite place outside of church: I love northern New Mexico. I am awed by the bigness of it, and the beauty of the light and the mountains. I also love the food. It is a very spiritual place for me.

My time off: I have been going to school for years so the idea of time off is a little strange, but I enjoy reading and I try to get to the gym several times a week.

First Job: I worked as a plumber’s helper for a summer before my senior year in high school and then found a job selling shoes after that.

What I will ask Jesus when we meet: I know you have a good sense of humor, so why wasn’t more of that reported in the Bible?

My most prized possessions: My trophies and pictures from coaching football.

My time closest to God: The same thing has happened twice in my life. Once when I was a child in the fourth grade and again when I was a sophomore in college. I was in bed as a child the first time, and in the chapel at church the second time, when I felt keenly the presence of God. The second time is also when I would say I became a Christian.

The person I’d like most to meet: I have a hard time picking between Plato, Newton, or Socrates.

My responsibilities: This is a simple one; whatever Father Edwards wants me to do. I will be teaching in the school and ministering in the church, and aiding Father Edwards in achieving his vision for the parish and the school.

My Family: My wife Sherry and I have been blessed with five children, and seven grandchildren. We are empty nesters and enjoying the blessings of the freedom to be with each other, and the opportunity to enjoy our grandchildren when they are around.

Nobody knows: I coached Pop Warner football for 19 years in Yorba Linda, 13-15 year olds, and have won seven Orange County Championships, and a couple of regional championships, with our team, The Aztecs.

My Education: I went to the University of New Mexico, and returned to school a few years ago, graduating from the University of Phoenix with a Degree in Business Management. I also hold a Masters in Divinity from the Claremont School of Theology.

My favorite movie: Again this is a hard choice, but I love Field of Dreams, and Gladiator.

The best thing about being a Christian: God’s overflowing nature gives us a window to God’s self, in the life of Jesus, so that we might see and know God better.

Being here at St. Margaret’s: I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this parish, and school, under the direction of Father Edwards. The atmosphere here is refreshing and life giving.