Interviewee:
The Reverend Nathan Ives (he/him/his)
In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative.
Though St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church has been in Salem since 1733, we are a thriving and diverse community of faith that believes in living out Jesus’ call to love your neighbor as yourself every day. We do this by feeding the homeless, by ensuring those without winter coats get one before our frigid weather sets in, by helping those living on the edge pay for laundromat services, by giving away free diapers to young mothers in need, and by standing in the breach with folks in financial need when there is nowhere else to turn. We also share the truth. The truth about the Gospel, the truth about our history from the very earliest days in then Naumkeag, now Salem, and the truth about our complicity in the American Slave Trade so that justice can prevail, reparations can be made and so racism can be vanquished. All are welcome here where the arts are celebrated, every person is deeply valued, and community is fostered.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do. Share your passions for your business, organization, or initiative.
I feel blessed to have been called to serve the community of St. Peter’s-San Pedro, not far from where I grew up on the North Shore and a scant street from where my ancestors landed in 1668. Serving those in need in Salem through our liturgies, outreach and advocacy is an opportunity of a lifetime. While we are helping our neighbors we are also exploring how to bring green energy and efficiency to a 292-year-old property and support our neighbors and those in need in doing so. I operate from a perspective of thankfulness, so sharing my time and talents with Salem and its people is a true joy.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that had an impact on you?
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer is an incredible book that I just read. It spoke to me on many levels and, in my opinion, ought to be something taught in school to our kids as they mature.
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
Despite being as old a community of faith as we are, 292 years old and counting, we are a vibrant church today that worships in two languages and many cultures, and where everyone belongs, and where we all work together to serve those most in need in our community today.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
