ABOUT US

Wannabe writer. Lapsed academic. Bemused  priest. 

The Rev. Dr. Portia Hopkins is delighted to find herself serving as Chaplain at The Belfry. And she takes the “find herself” quite literally--she left a longtime career as an academic to embark on a new journey of discovery not just of herself, but discovery of what a space like The Belfry might become for others. And she very much hopes that others who read this will join her on that journey, discovering new things about themselves, about the sacred, about community, and about ways to make meaning in the world around us. 

Portia comes to The Belfry after many years as a university English professor and administrator. Her call to priesthood in the Episcopal Church came as something of a surprise to her, but the journey to ordination and beyond has proved rich and fulfilling beyond her wildest dreams. She brings many years of experience not only as administrator and teacher, but as informal pastor and spiritual companion to university students and faculty, and is excited to exercise those gifts at The Belfry.

Portia is family to three adult sons and their partners, one perfect grandson, and dog-mom to Belfry Dog Scout. She loves to read, write, think, take long walks and hikes, and hang out with old friends, or friends-she-hasn’t-met-yet. Her natural habitats are anywhere outside, especially the beach or under big trees; bookstores and libraries; and local coffee shops and breweries.