LEADERSHIP
OUR STAFF
Chris Files
Pastor
Chris is a native New Englander, having grown up about half way between Boston and Cape Cod. Chris’ faith life was shaped by his loving parents and his faith community at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Hanover, MA.
When Chris went away to college at Hofstra University he quickly became involved with the Protestant Community on campus. Chris graduated from Hofstra in 1997 with a BA in philosophy, and went on to seminary at what was then the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now United Lutheran Seminary). He graduated in 2002, served his internship (and then some) at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Norwich, CT, before being called to serve as pastor here at Trinity, where he has been serving since 2007.
Chris is a father of two, and is recently remarried (October 2022). He loves boating (and the water in general), enjoys exploring new places, and is a fan of rock music of varying sorts.
Barbara Dorr
Parish Secretary
Barbara grew up in Milford, and has been a member of Trinity since 1955. She raised both of her sons in this church. Barbara has served Trinity as its Parish Secretary since 1982, taking over for Ginny Dolny who preceded her. Barbara now has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, whom she loves to spend time with. In her spare time, she also enjoys cross stitching, reading, and stamp collecting.
Reid Simmons
Minister of Music
Reid is a choral conductor and organist known for expressive leadership, thoughtful programming, and a passion for sacred, secular, and communal music-making. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting at the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music.
From 2022 to 2025, Reid served as Director of Music at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Wallingford, PA, where he conducted the choir, led worship from the organ, conducted choral concerts, and organized recitals featuring guest musicians. He also founded and conducted the Love Concert, an annual choral event supporting LGBTQIA+ social justice.
A native of Pennsylvania, Reid holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Organ Performance from West Chester University. During his undergraduate studies, he sang and accompanied for vocal ensembles, performed in keyboard recitals, and received multiple awards for excellence in teaching, leadership, and performance. He has led choirs in both church and academic settings and was also selected for the 2025 ACDA National Student Conducting Masterclass. Reid is passionate about creating music that uplifts, connects, and inspires.
Outside of music, Reid enjoys cooking, exploring outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends, especially on the Chesapeake Bay.
[Reid will start in September 2025! Many thanks to our Interim Minister of Music, Sharon Smith, for her sharing her gifts with us!]
LAY LEADERSHIP
Kathleen Chapman
Council President
Kathleen grew up in Mystic, moved to Milford in 1976 after marrying her husband Austin, has resided in Orange since 1990 and has attended Trinity since 1980. Kathleen received a BS in Business Administration from Central CT State University and after briefly working as a paralegal graduated from Sacred Heart University’s two-year paralegal certification studies program. She is now happily retired after a 20+ year career as a paralegal specializing in financial services industry.
Kathleen has two children and three grandchildren and enjoys spending time with family, weaving, reading, and gardening.