Alumni Spotlight: The Rev. Matthew Dayton Welch (MDiv ’15)
Among the thousands of alumni of The General Theological Seminary, many stories of transformation and resilience stand out, illustrating the profound impact of faith and dedication. Among them is Matthew Dayton-Welch, a graduate of the class of 2015, whose journey to GTS and beyond has been marked by profound faith and dedication to his calling.
Fr. Matthew is originally from Oklahoma and was ordained out of the Diocese of Washington DC after doing discernment work in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Currently, Matthew serves as the rector of the Church of the Epiphany on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
He describes his role with a sense of mission and purpose: "Epiphany several years ago moved out of its building and made a new home in a much larger, thoroughly renovated but still historic church about a block away. That move—during a pandemic and rector search—created quite a bit of disorienting change for the parish community, and so my ultimate task is to create faithful stability so that we are better positioned to grow." His leadership during this transition reflects his commitment to nurturing a thriving church community!
Matthew's time at GTS was not without its challenges. "Lemme say the hard thing here: my tenure at General was marred by internal turmoil that impacted my formation greatly. I wouldn't have hoped for that," he candidly recalls. Despite the difficulties, he finds profound meaning in his experiences: "When I look at the sum value of my time at General, I can say that it showed me how to love a broken thing. And I think that lesson is paramount for any priest, first because we are broken people, but also people called by God to love other broken people." This perspective has shaped his ministry, teaching him patience and deep compassion.
One of Matthew's most cherished memories from GTS is his time spent in the chapel. "I loved the chapel at night. I found my best prayers were in that place, lit by a few bulbs here and there, and moonlight pouring through stained glass. I felt most at home in those moments—home in the arms of Jesus like that lamb in the reredos behind the altar, carried in Christ's arms," he shares. These moments of quiet reflection and prayer continue to ground him in his ministry.
Matthew's education at GTS provided a solid theological foundation. "There was an orthodoxy in my education that continues to ground me now. I fear for the Episcopal Church when it showcases its gimmicks more than its Gospel," he explains. His commitment to a traditional and substantive approach to theology and ministry is evident in his leadership. "The curriculum for me at General was very nuts and bolts, and I am always struck when those nuts and bolts land like fresh manna on hungry souls in the pews."
His advice to current students reflects his wisdom and experience: "Let God drive. Ambition is great and necessary and admirable. But priestly ambition that's not rooted in the Spirit's instruction can begin to look a lot like personal ambition. And it's hard to draw people to Jesus when we're standing in the way."
Outside of his professional life, Matthew has a deep connection to the Holy Land. "I love the Holy Land and visit often. I serve on the board of a children's center in the Old City of Jerusalem that provides trauma therapy to marginalized kids, and it's life-giving," he shares. His dedication to this cause highlights his commitment to global ministry and social justice.
Looking to the future, Matthew envisions a path guided by divine love. "Loved by God. That's all I want to let myself imagine. I'll go where God wants me to. And I'm in no rush," he says with a sense of peace and trust.
Matthew Dayton-Welch's story is a vivid testament to the transformative power of education and community at General Theological Seminary, where students are equipped to lead the Church and serve the world with compassion and faith.