After discussion and prayerful consideration, the Wardens and Vestry unanimously elected The Very Rev. Dr. Walter V. Hillebrand as the 12th Rector of Grace Church effective September 1, 2014.  His outstanding work as the spiritual leader of Grace as priest-in-charge, coupled with his management skills insured his election.  Fr. Walter is now entering his 11th year as Rector, 8th year as Head of School and 5th year as Dean of the South East Nassau Episcopal Deanery.

Fr. Walter's election was wholeheartedly supported by Bishop Lawrence Provenzano, who officiated at his institution on November 1, 2014.

Fr. Walter began his tenure at Grace Church as Priest-in -Charge in May 2013.

Fr. Walter, originally from Italy, possesses vast professional experiences and skills in Parish Ministry, Pastoral Care and Counseling. In addition, Fr. Walter has an extensive background in Business Administration and General Management.

The Very Rev. Dr. Walter V. Hillebrand comes to Grace Church, Massapequa through Trinity - St.John's in Hewlett and Christ Church in Lynbrook where he served as Curate and later as Assistant Rector.  His responsibilities in his previous posts included revamping and enhancing the Christian Education Program, developing a Vacation Bible School, offering Pastoral Counseling to the community, overseeing Trinity Cemetery, holding monthly Ultreya for Cursillistas as well as being responsible for implementing policies and procedures for the Day Care Center at Christ Church in Lynbrook.

Fluent in English, Italian and German, he brings a unique combination of past business experience and a broad perspective of ministries with challenges similar to those at Grace Church. 

In addition to the Master of Divinity degree which he earned at New York Theological Seminary (NYTS), Father Walter holds two Master degrees -one in Business Management and Economics from CCI Munich-Bavaria, Germany, and a second Masters in General Management from the University of Salzburg, Austria.  In June 2014, Fr. Walter was awarded his Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Ministry focusing on Preaching by New York Theological Seminary.

In September, 2019 Fr. Walter was appointed Dean of the South East Nassau Episcopal Deanery by Bishop Larry Provenzano of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.  

Fr. Walter and his wife, Aissa, and his children Emmanuel and Amalia are residing in the Rectory.

“I am humbled and thankful to be called to this important office.  Thank you to the Wardens and Vestry for their trust.  Together with the Vestry and Wardens, I have been put in charge of this precious gift, to make a long term commitment, to take care of it, and to nourish it so that generations to come will also be able to enjoy this sparkling jewel called Grace.  The challenge I would like to put on our generation's shoulders is that when the time comes to hand the church onto the next generation, Grace Church will be flourishing even more than when we received it. God Bless You All, " The Very Reverend Doctor Walter V. Hillebrand.