he Rev. Dr. C. Derek Pringle came to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in 1999. Father Pringle was born and brought up in Ireland. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin where he received both his bachelor and masters degrees, he majored in Philosophy. Economics and theological studies were also part of these degree programs. In 1971, he received a Divinity Testamonium and was Ordained as an Anglican Priest to the Archdiocese of Dublin. After three years, Father Derek transferred to the Diocese of Niagara in Ontario, Canada, and served as Rector of three parishes there prior to moving south to Virginia. In 1996, Father Derek completed a Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min) graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary. His doctoral thesis focused on the training and equipping of the laity for ministry.

ather Derek is married to Pam who is also from Dublin, Ireland. Pam teaches in the School of Business at Christopher Newport University. Derek and Pam have three children: Ryan is a HIgh School teacher while Alex and Sarah are at university.

Active in the local community, Father Derek is president the Executive Board of the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center. He is active in ecumenical relations with area churches. In the Diocese, he participates in a variety of clergy groups and currently serves on the Executive of SOVECA (Clergy Association).
Believing his strength to be in the field of pastoral ministry, Father Derek’s strong desire is to give leadership so that the congregation is nurtured in the place of worship and equipped to reach out and serve God in their daily lives.
Father Derek’s office has an open door. If you would like to meet with him or gain more information about the life and ministry of Emmanuel, you will be most welcome. Just call the office for an appointment.