St. Peter’s Rosedale Wardens and Vestry
The Vestry is the “Board of Directors” for the parish corporation and is subject to the Diocesan and National Church Canons of the Episcopal Church. Members of the Vestry are agents and legal representatives of the parish who are elected by the congregation at the Annual General Meeting to manage corporate and financial matters as well as the parish property.
St Peter’s Vestry consists of 12 members, including the Rector, who is the Presiding Officer, two Wardens and a Clerk of the Vestry. The Treasurer, though not a Vestry member, plays an important role in the managing of the financial affairs of the parish and reviews the financial statements with the Vestry at the regular monthly meetings that is scheduled on the third Sunday of each month.
The members of the Vestry are assigned to three working groups, which seek to address the main areas that undergird the church’s functioning. These are: Administration & Governance, Stewardship and Mission & Evangelism.
Below is an introduction to our vestry members:
The Very Rev. Steve L. Foster, Rector
Born and raised in St. Thomas, Barbados, Father Steve Foster’s spiritual journey began at the tender age of 8 with his involvement in the youth group and other church missions.
In pursuit of his spiritual calling he attended The General Theological Seminary in NYC in 2001 and was ordained a Priest in December 2004.
After graduating from the Seminary, his first assignment was as a curate for Father P. Rawlins at the St. Georges Church in Hempstead, Long Island. While there, he was afforded the opportunity to display his creativity in ministry.
In 2006, Father Foster became the Priest-in-Charge at St. Boniface church in Lindenhurst, Long Island, a position he held for 6 years and eight months. One of the high points of this ministry was his pastoral interaction with the AA group who regularly held meetings at the premises.
He later sought to broaden his ministry by responding to a vacancy for a Rector at the St Peter?s Episcopal Church in Rosedale, Queens, in 2013. On June 28th 2014, he was instituted as its Sixth Rector.
Father Foster’s vision for St. Peter?s is to become a ?spring like? community, who nourishes, feeds and engages people. A place where all people feel welcomed, appreciated and loved. It is also his intention for St. Peters to expand beyond its physical boundaries to not only be known as the church in Rosedale, but the church of Rosedale.
Mrs. Lamarcia Parkin Bascombe, Warden
I have been a Registered Nurse for 36 years and currently manage a Trauma Program in a Level 2 trauma hospital in Brooklyn. I have been a member of St. Peters Episcopal Church since 1996, raising my daughter in the church and serving on the choir. I became a member of the Senior Choir in 1998, the Pastoral Care Committee since 2008 and joined the St. Luke`s Health Guild in 2013. I was elected a member of the Vestry in 2020. I served 5 years as a Vestry Member and Clerk of the Vestry before being nominated Warden in 2025. During my terms, I assist with the Event Planning Committee for Mother’s Day and the Annual Dinner Dance, while helping other committees with their events. In addition, I have served on the subcommittee of the vestry, Administration and Governance, with the goal of standardizing policies for the church`s operation. For over 10 years, I have hosted the Seniors celebration with the youths and young adults. With years of leadership, analytical and organizational experience, both in my career and involvement in various organizations within the church, the skills gained will be used to carry out the mission and vision of St. Peters Episcopal Church.
Gail Adams, Warden
I came to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in 2017 after my prior church (St. Lydia’s Episcopal Church) closed. I was looking for an Episcopal Church close to home, and St. Peter’s was the perfect fit. My first evening at St. Peter’s was to celebrate the Stations of the Cross. Rev. Foster and the St’s Peter’s Church family were very welcoming, even remembering my name after being told only once. They welcomed me with open arms, and I felt like I belonged. Shortly thereafter, I inquired about becoming a member, and the very next year, I was inducted and officially welcomed as a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The members of St. Peter’s have now become part of my extended family.
Together with my sister, we started the Legal Eagles Committee, providing free legal advice and consultation through seminars and guest speakers. I am also a founding member of the Yvonne Gittens Food Pantry, providing free pantry items for the church members and broader Rosedale community every Saturday.
As an elected member of the vestry, I enjoy working with other vestry members for the betterment of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Church Community.
Debra Quashie-McDowall, Vestry Member
Debra Quashie-McDowall is a Vestry Member at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and an active parishioner dedicated to faithful service and leadership. She participates in the Altar Guild, Audiovisual Team, and Summer Youth Program Committee, and also ministers as a Lay Reader. Guided by prayer and a desire to nurture the spiritual growth of the parish, Debra aims to serve God and the church community with faith and humility.
Elaine Henry, Vestry Member
Hello and welcome! My name is Elaine Henry and I’m one of the newest vestry members at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. I had been to many different Christian denomination churches, Presbyterian, Methodist, AME, Lutheran and Catholic looking for a place I felt comfortable. Fortunately, my place is close to home. I started attending in the mid 1990’s and I feel quite at home in this parish. I became involved as a lay reader and then in the St Luke’s Guild Health ministry and now the vestry. We are not a big congregation, but we are genuine and faithful. Our parish is intimate and friendly. Our current pastor, Father Foster is quite approachable and very helpful to our members.
We welcome everyone and hope that you can find a place here to also call home.
Shadiyah Evans, Vestry Member
I have been a member of St. Peter’s Church since birth. I was baptized by the fifth rector Father Chan in the late 80s. Growing up in the church I was very active in Sunday School, Junior Choir, and Youth Group. I was also a member of the Young Adults Group where I was of service to the less fortunate. I always love to attend 10am services and sing inspirational hymns that strengthens me and helps give me the motivation I need to continue doing the work. St. Peter’s encourages members to use their time, talent and treasure for the enrichment of the Parish. It is a big part of my life where I come for prayer, guidance and to break bread with my church family. The foundation that my parents and grandparents instilled in me is unyielding, especially the principles that teach me to keep God first in all that I do.
I welcome you to St. Peter’s Church!
Brenda Innis, Vestry Member
Phyllis Nicholas – Vestry Member
Marcelle Pennycooke, Vestry Member
Welcome to St. Peter’s.
I first came to St. Peter’s in 1987 while searching for a church to baptize my first child. Although the parish was in the midst of a rector search at the time, I was immediately drawn to the warmth and hospitality of the congregation. That spirit of welcome is what led me to stay and become an active member of this church family.
Today, we are blessed with a vibrant and dedicated rector, and St. Peter’s continues to be a thriving and active parish. Our church offers many meaningful ministries and outreach opportunities, serving both our members and the wider community. My children grew up participating in Sunday School and Youth Group, experiences that were an important part of their faith formation.
Over the years, I have been actively involved in parish life, serving as a member and current secretary of the Daughters of St. Peter. I was elected to the Vestry in 2023 and currently serve as Clerk of the Vestry.
After more than 30 years working as an IT professional, I am now retired. With God’s help, I hope to use my analytical and problem-solving skills to support the church in areas of administration, governance, and wherever I can best serve St. Peter’s and our community.