The Right Reverend Leo J Michael, a native of India, earned his bachelors in philosophy in Darjeeling. His work and experience included serving in orphanages, schools, parochial settings, and social service settings among the poverty-stricken from the hills of Darjeeling to villages of rural Tamil Nadu. After Michael had completed his years of practical training he entered his Theology formation at Kristu Jyoti (Christ the Light) College, Bangalore, which is affiliated with the Pontifical Salesian University of Rome. After eleven years of formation, he was ordained in 1992. The next eight years, along with his regular pastoral duties he served as youth director, counselor, teacher, principal and dean of Don Bosco Schools in various locales of South India, while earning his Master’s Degrees in English Literature, Education, and Counseling Psychology. Michael came to the United States in August 2000. He was appointed as Archdeacon of the UEC in April 2005 and then in April 2006 he was consecrated Bishop and served as Suffragan. November 2007, Bp. Michael was licensed to serve in the Holy Catholic Church-Anglican Rite assisting Bishop James McNeley in the Diocese of the Holy Trinity-Great Plains. Bp. Michael became Bishop Ordinary on June 12, 2008 upon the retirement of Bp. McNeley. August 2008 he became rector of St. James in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Late Rev. Dr. Herman Hattaway
Fr. Herman Morell Hattaway was born December 26, 1938. He was married August 19, 1961 to Margaret Anne. His earned his BA in 1961, his MA in 1963 and his Ph.D. 1969. Fr. Hattaway served active duty in the U.S. Army (infantry) from 1963 to 1965. He received the Vietnam Era Service Medal and National Defense Medal. Fr. Hattaway has been involved with the Boy Scouts for 54 years and wears his Army medals on Scout uniform, with other Scout awards, including the Eagle Award. Fr. Hattaway was employed from 1969 to 2003 by University of Missouri-Kansas City. He retired as Emeritus Professor of History and Religion Studies. He had quite many students earn their masters degree under his direction and he produced five PhD’s all now happy and well employed. Fr. Hattaway is the Assistant Priest at St. James and teaches Adult Christian Education every Sunday.
James F.B. Daniels, Chancellor
James F.B. Daniels Esq., has been serving as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Holy Trinity and Great Plains for four decades and continues to serve in the vestry of St. James Anglican Cathedral. All the beautiful wood work has been a labor of love by Mr. Daniels.
The Rt. Rev. James R. McNeley was born on December 30, 1931 in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was Confirmed in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on April 9, 1944 and served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956. He married Madelyn on December 26, 1953 and they have two daughters: Gina Karleskint of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Mary Katherine McNeley of Grant’s Pass, Oregon. They also have six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Bp. McNeley was Ordained to the Diaconate August 12, 1980 by The Rt. Rev. James O. Mote and Ordained to the Priesthood on July 16, 1981 by The Rt. Rev. Louis W. Falk. He served as Deacon and Priest at St. Francis Anglican Church in Fort Scott, Kansas from 1980 to 1984 and served as Archdeacon for 8 years under Archbishop Falk. McNeley served as Rector at St. James Anglican Church in Kansas City, Missouri from 1985 to 2003. He was Consecrated Bishop on January 25, 1992 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Retired as Bishop Ordinary in 2008. He entered everlasting rest on Friday evening, January 8, 2021, at the Girard Medical Center. He was 89. St. James Anglican Cathedral and the Diocese of Holy Trinity and Great Plains remains grateful for his leadership and ministry!