The Rev. John Bentley returned to St. Martin’s after a long career serving in the Diocese of Texas. He has served in ministry at St. Martin’s for a combined total of 22 years.

The Rev. Bentley is a native Texan and received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of North Texas (then North Texas State University) in 1972 and a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in Virginia in 1975.

Following his ordination to the Deaconate, he came to St. Martin’s and served under the Rev. Dr. J. Thomas Bagby as an Assistant to the Rector (1975-1977). Ordained to the Priesthood at St. Martin’s in 1976, he then served as the Rector of St. Peter’s in Brenham from 1977-1984 and as the Rector of St. Dunstan’s in Houston from 1984-2004.

The Rev. Bentley and his wife, Pam, sing in the Parish Choir on most Sundays and they received the Star Award at the Annual Meeting on January 28, 2024. They have two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren.