The Rev. Ray Buchanan

The Rev. Ray Buchanan brings decades of pastoral experience, wisdom, compassion, and humor to the life of St. Margaret’s.

Ray was ordained a deacon in 1984 and a priest in 1985. The son of a United Methodist minister, he grew up throughout Middle Tennessee, moving frequently during his childhood. Though initially hesitant about following in his father’s footsteps, Ray eventually embraced his own call to ordained ministry in his late teens and began the ordination process in the United Methodist Church. While completing his undergraduate studies, he served two Methodist congregations as a student pastor.

A summer studying at the University of Kent at Canterbury became a turning point in his spiritual journey. During divinity school, Ray encountered The Episcopal Church and discovered what he describes as his spiritual home. Since then, his ministry has included parish leadership, hospital chaplaincy, work in drug treatment centers, counseling, and psychotherapy.

Ray holds degrees from Martin Methodist College, Tennessee Technological University, Duke Divinity School, and Vermont College.

Ray and his wife, Nancy Jacobson Buchanan, moved to Prairieville in 2024 after spending a decade in Fort Myers, Florida. Nancy, a Baton Rouge native and retired medical speech therapist, shares Ray’s deep love for community, hospitality, and faith. Together they bring warmth, kindness, and joy to parish life at St. Margaret’s.

They especially love the welcoming spirit and diversity of the congregation and have been deeply moved by the worship life of the parish. In their free time, Ray enjoys walking, running, cooking, laughing, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with Nancy, their cat Arlo, and the rest of their family, including their son Jon and four grandchildren.

If you meet Fr. Ray on a Sunday morning, don’t be surprised if the conversation quickly turns to theology, food, storytelling, or laughter. His ministry is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and a deep belief in the grace of God at work in everyday life.