Cathedral Clergy & Staff
The Rt. Rev. Bonnie A. Perry
Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan
313.833.4435
BishopPerry@edomi.org
The Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry comes from a Marine family and has lived in California, Hawaii, Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and most recently, Chicago.
Perry earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the College of the Holy Cross, a Jesuit college in Worcester, Massachusetts. After graduation, she served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in West Oakland and Skid Row, Los Angeles. Feeling called to ordained ministry and wrestling with being a Roman Catholic woman, she followed her call to ministry by matriculating at Union Theological Seminary in New York City where she met her spouse, Susan Harlow. In her final year in seminary, Perry was received into the Episcopal Church. In addition to her Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, Perry also has a Doctor or Ministry (specializing in Congregational Development) from Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL.
Following her ordination as deacon and then as priest in 1990 in the Diocese of Newark, Perry served three churches in New Jersey: Christ Church, Hackensack, Christ Church, Ridgewood and St. Peter’s Clifton. In 1992, she moved to Chicago to follow her spouse, who had accepted a seminary faculty position.
For the next 27 years, Perry led the congregation of All Saints’, Chicago, growing the community from 35 people, to one of the largest and the most active congregations in the Diocese of Chicago. All Saints’ is blessed with a diverse and youthful congregation, with an average age of 38. All Saints’ has served its community in many ways, including the creation of Ravenswood Community Services, a ministry that offers a weekly family style dinner for 125 neighbors and groceries for another 200 + neighbors living on the North side of the city of Chicago. In addition, the congregation is deeply involved in community organizing, advocacy for access to quality public education for all children, full inclusion for LGBT people around the world and access to education and medical care for the people living in the diocese of Renk in South Sudan.
Perry teaches a class at Bexley-Seabury Seminary on Reimaging Congregations in Mission, which addresses the paradigms for effective ministry in the 21st century. She is also a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post.
On June 1, 2019, Perry was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan by the lay people and the clergy of the diocese at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit. She is the first woman and first lesbian priest to be elected bishop in the diocese’s 185-year history.
In addition to her work as a clergy person, Perry is also an internationally recognized sea kayak coach and guide, holding top coaching and guiding credentials in both the British Canoe Union (BCU) and the American Canoe Association (ACA).
Perry coaches and guides regularly around the world in such places as Baja, Mexico, the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, the West coast of Scotland, the Inner and Outer Hebrides’; as well as New Zealand and Canada. She is sponsored by Kokatat, Werner Paddles, Seals Spray Skirts and Riverside Kayak Connection, located in Wyandotte, MI.
Perry is one of a handful of women in North American to hold the British Canoe Union’s: Advanced Sea Kayak Leader, Advanced Water Coach, and Advanced Water Provider/Assessor.
Perry resides in the city of Detroit and is married to The Rev. Dr. M. Susan Harlow, a United Church of Christ Pastor. Together, they have an Australian Shepherd named Tali and a long-haired, miniature dachshund named Owen.
Jeremy David Tarrant
Canon Precentor, Organist and Choirmaster
313.833.7547
jtarrant@detroitcathedral.org
Jeremy David Tarrant joined the Cathedral staff in 1994 as Assistant Organist. Since 2000, he has served as Organist and Choirmaster, and in April of 2007 he was seated as Canon Precentor of the Cathedral in thanksgiving and recognition of his role in the liturgical and musical life of the Cathedral community. He is the founding director of the Cathedral Choir School of Metropolitan Detroit.
Jeremy David Tarrant is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music where he earned the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in organ performance and church music in the classes of Robert Glasgow and James Kibbie. His other instructors include Betty R. Pursley and Corliss Arnold. He has had additional coaching with Lynne Davis.
Mr. Tarrant is in frequent demand as a teacher and clinician, and regularly serves on the faculties of the summer courses offered by the Royal School of Church Music in America, as well as the American Guild of Organists summer Pipe Organ Encounters. He has served on the faculties of Oakland University and the University of Michigan.
An active concert organist, Jeremy David Tarrant has performed widely in North America and France. His debut solo recording of Widor’s Symphonie VII, along with music of Litaize and Vierne, was released in early 2018 to enthusiastic critical acclaim.
In July, 2014 Mr. Tarrant conducted the Cathedral Choir during its residency at Chichester Cathedral in England. This tour included concerts and services in Canterbury and Southwark Cathedrals. On the choir’s two CD releases, Nowell Sing We, and Evensong for All Saints, he is featured as organ soloist as well as conductor.
Jeremy David Tarrant is represented by Seven Eight Artists.
Edward Poston
Associate Organist and Communications Coordinator
313.831.5000 | ext. 3052
eposton@detroitcathedral.org
Edward Poston is a native of Clearfield, Utah. He holds a bachelor degree in Organ Performance from Brigham Young University-Idaho, and a Master’s degree in Church Music and Organ from the University of Kansas.
Edward began piano studies at age four, and began playing the organ at age eight. In high school, he played the violin and cello, and conducted his high school where he gained a love for orchestral conducting. During the past fourteen years, Edward has served Protestant and Catholic denominations as organist and music director in Utah, Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri. He recently served as the first Associate Director of the Bales Chorale Society at the University of Kansas from 2024-2025.
Additionally, Mr. Poston has accompanied various collegiate choirs, vocal soloists, instrumentalists, ballet classes, and rehearsals for Broadway musicals. He is a doctoral student at the University of Kansas studying Church Music and Organ and is currently doing dissertation work on LDS hymnody in the 21st century. A budding hymnologist, Edward will present a section featuring the new 2027 LDS hymnal, “Hymns for Home and Church” at the 2026 Hymn Society Conference in Princeton, New Jersey. Edward began as Associate Organist and Communications Manager at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul on August 17th, 2025.
The Very Reverend Joseph C. Alsay
Dean of the Cathedral
313.831.5000
jalsay@detroitcathedral.org
The Very Reverend Joseph C. Alsay joins us from St. Augustine of Canterbury in Oklahoma City, where he served as rector since 2010. He takes over as the eleventh dean for the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, succeeding Dean Scott Hunter, who retired in June 2024 after 17 years in the position.
Alsay said he is excited to join a congregation known for its vibrant music, community outreach and diverse representation. “For 200 years you have been a linchpin in Detroit and an anchor for the Diocese of Michigan. It is my privilege to take on the mantle of ministry and work with you as we continue to build up the kingdom of God in Detroit and beyond,” Alsay said.
Alsay becomes the cathedral’s first Black dean, a move praised by Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Bishop Bonnie A. Perry. “Electing Joseph Alsay to lead the Cathedral Church of St. Paul is a bold, historic choice, and the perfect next step for this community of faith to become the soul of the city and heartbeat of our diocese. I could not be more delighted!”
Alsay received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Alsay made history on Aug. 6, 2005, at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. At 10 a.m. that day he was married in the cathedral to the former Cecelia K. Gray of Philadelphia. Two hours later, after a small reception, he stood in the same spot and was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
On Jan. 15, 2011 — the same day that year as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday — Alsay joined the Episcopal Church as part of the Called to Common Mission agreement. In Oklahoma, Alsay was known for his passion, positive energy and leadership. During his time at St. Augustine of Canterbury, he developed new programs, increased membership and moved the congregation from mission to parish status.
Alsay’s official start at the cathedral was Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, the first Sunday of Advent. In addition to his wife, Cecelia, joining Alsay will be children Zoe, Zipporah and Caleb, who says the family “can’t wait to go to Michigan” in a video posted by Alsay.
“We look forward to welcoming Dean Elect Alsay into our cathedral family and to the ways his gifts and vision will help guide us in this new season to come,” said John LaDuke, senior warden, Cathedral Church of St. Paul.
The Reverend Anthony Estes
Detroit Church Partnership Missioner
313.833.7548
aestes@detroitcathedral.org
Anthony’s spiritual journey has been rooted in deep faith and a strong sense of calling, leading to his ordination as a Deacon in this Cathedral in December 2018, and as a Priest in June 2019. A proud native of Detroit, Anthony holds a Master of Divinity from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
He currently serves as the Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church and St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, both in Detroit, through his work with The Detroit Church Partnership. He also serves as Associate and Partnership Missioner here at the Cathedral, helping to foster collaboration and shared mission across congregations.
In addition to his pastoral work, Anthony volunteers as a chaplain with the Detroit Police Chaplain Corps, offering spiritual care and presence within the community. He is married to Brittany, and together they share a commitment to faith, family, and service.
Meriem Lanseur
Financial Administrator
313.833.7542
mlanseur@detroitcathedral.org
Meriem Lanseur is a seasoned operations and finance professional with a longstanding dedication to public service, community engagement, and organizational integrity and she brings over a decade of experience in operational leadership, financial oversight, and strategic administration to this position. This new role as Financial Administrator is one that reflects both her technical expertise and her deep commitment to the Cathedral’s mission of spiritual inclusion and community stewardship. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Lanseur served in operations management in the healthcare, trust administration, and hospitality industries, where she directed a multidisciplinary teams and oversaw complex financial processes including budgeting, payroll, disbursements, and revenue management. These roles sharpened her organizational and interpersonal skills and deepened her understanding of high-stakes financial oversight, team management, and high-impact community engagement.
In addition to her administrative and financial acumen, Ms. Lanseur is also an accomplished musician and dedicated civic participant. She has served as a staff singer with the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, a chorus member with the Detroit Opera, and a freelance musician across a wide range of liturgical and performance contexts. Her community involvement includes work as an election official, campaign volunteer, and precinct director—underscoring a career-long commitment to equity, representation, and service.
Ms. Lanseur holds a Master of Music from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University. As she steps into her new role, she remains guided by a clear professional and personal philosophy: that the internal governance and financial stewardship of an institution must be treated with the same care, dignity, and attention as the people it serves. She is honored to continue building toward a future of abundance, integrity, and collective flourishing at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.
Erin McClellan
Parish Coordinator
313.833.4409
emcclellan@detroitcathedral.org
Erin McClellan has been a part of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul community since 2001, when she first joined as an 11-year-old treble in the Cathedral’s music program. Her long-standing connection with the Cathedral has deeply shaped her love for its people, its mission, and its evolving ministries.
In 2021, Erin joined the Cathedral’s Chapter staff as Operations Assistant, where she played a key role in supporting daily operations and caring for both the facility and its staff. Her professional experience includes extensive administrative and leadership work, having served as Executive Assistant at The Henry Ford in Dearborn and receiving comprehensive training in operations, customer service, and management.
Now serving as the Cathedral’s Parish Coordinator, Erin brings warmth, structure, and vision to her work—helping to strengthen the life of the Cathedral through clear communication, collaboration, and care. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys cooking, biking, camping, and cherishes time spent with her son.
“I’m so excited to get started in my new role and I pray that we all continue to work together closely in this wonderful community to provide a safe place to worship, grow, and get closer to God, who has brought us together.”