Church of the Epiphany
Staff & Leaders

Eric Machan Howd
Organist

Our organist, Eric Machan Howd, joined the Church of the Epiphany in 2023. Eric is a dedicated church musician and recitalist serving the Finger Lakes region, where he combines a deep technical mastery of the pipe organ with a lifelong commitment to liturgical music. Based in the Ithaca and Trumansburg area, Eric is known for his ability to weave together traditional hymnody, contemporary choral accompaniment, and virtuosic solo repertoire to enhance the spiritual experience of the worship service. As a pipe organist, Eric brings a nuanced understanding of the instrument’s physical and tonal complexities to his performances. His approach to the bench is marked by both precision and passion, ensuring that the "King of Instruments" serves as a powerful vessel for community prayer and celebration. Whether leading a congregation in song or performing complex preludes and postludes, his work is grounded in the belief that music is an essential bridge between the sacred and the everyday. Eric was trained as a classical pianist/accompanist by private instructors and Ithaca College School of Music faculty (Ithaca, NY); he is also a two-time graduate of the Royal Academy of Church Music where he learned from choir masters from Great Britain on the Princeton University campus; this two-week program culminated in a concert at St. Thomas church in New York City, NY. Beyond the organ loft, Eric is a multi-faceted creative and educator. His background in literary arts and film study informs his musical sensitivity, allowing him to approach liturgy with a keen eye for narrative and emotional resonance. He actively participates in the Ithaca arts community, frequently collaborating with local writers and performers to foster a vibrant cultural landscape. Eric continues to serve the local community through his music, bringing a spirit of excellence and a heart for service to every manual and pedal he touches.

April Massa
Deacon in Training

My name is Amber Massa and I am discerning a possible call to the vocational diaconate. Vocational deacons, in contrast with transitional deacons, are not ordained as priests, but have a distinct role in the Episcopal Church to "bring the needs of the world to the church and the gifts of the church to the world." (among other things!) I grew up in Iowa City, Iowa but I have lived in Tompkins County since 2001. I have been working for the Ithaca City School District for around 15 years, the last 10 of it as an Earth Science teacher at DeWitt Middle School. My wife and I have been married for 13 years. We have two older cats and one very rambunctious 3-year-old dog. My free time involves an eclectic mix of dog-walking/hiking, kayaking, watching hockey, knitting, and learning to play the bass guitar.

Kim Pollack
Administrative Assistant

Kim writes Epiphany's newsletter, answers emails, tends the website, and manages our social media. She grew up in church (literally at one point), as her dad is a pastor and her family has always been in ministry of some kind. Kim is mom to Judah and Ella and stepmom to Ben and Clay (all who have grown up and flown the nest). She lives with her husband Alan and six feral cats in Interlaken. ​Kim teaches yoga and runs her own wellness business, Delicata House. She loves reading, writing, gardening, songwriting, and other introvert activities.

Reverend Dr. April Stace
Rector