The Rev. David Griswold
The Rev. David Griswold was appointed by Bishop Marianne Budde in 2017 to serve as deacon at St. Columba’s. He serves in approximately one-third-time, non-stipendiary capacity.
David serves liturgically on Sundays, proclaiming the Gospel, preparing the table and occasionally preaching. He also leads the Bible, Coffee and Conversation group most Sundays and supports our community engagement, justice, formation and pastoral care ministries. David serves as staff liaison to St. C’s Community Engagement Ministry Council. His activities include work with our Refugee Response Ministry and among guests and volunteers of the Water Ministry, leading an ongoing Prayer and Bible Circle. David also leads a monthly weekday worship service with residents of Friendship Terrace. In 2024 he organized the parish’s first Racial Justice Pilgrimage to sites associated with the civil rights movement in Alabama. David may also serve beyond our walls to advance the mission of the diocese.
Coming to Washington in the 1980s to work as a congressional aide, he joined St. Margaret’s Church in DC and served as a lay leader for over 30 years, focusing especially on Christian education and community outreach. He served on the Board of Directors of the non-profit organization known today as Housing Up. After earning a Master of Theological Studies at Wesley Seminary in 2012, David participated in Clinical Pastoral Education at Sibley Hospital. Granted Postulancy in 2014, he completed Deacons’ School training, which included an internship with Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington.