Ocean City Tabernacle Names New President

The Ocean City Tabernacle announced the name of its new president at the last worship service of summer 2013 on Sunday.

The Rev. Rick Carlson — an ordained minister who has lived and worked in Minnesota and Florida — will lead the Tabernacle after Dr. Richard Stanislaw retires in December.

Todd Chamberlain, chairman of the Tabernacle Board of Trustees, said the selection of Carlson came after a nine-month nationwide search that included candidates visiting Ocean City in August. 

"I have fallen in love with Ocean City Tabernacle," Carlson said on Sunday, noting its deep and rich history.

The Tabernacle is an interdenominational center for worship and events that dates back to the founding of Ocean City as a Christian retreat. It remains a vital part of the business, social and religious community on the island.

Carlson thanked Stanislaw for his work and called him "a good man who has done great things."

"He doesn't have especially big feet, but he leaves behind huge shoes to fill," Carlson said.

He said he's looking forward to learning about the community and has a "vision for doing great things."

Carlson comes to Ocean City with his wife, Pat. The Carlsons have two grown children, Kyle and Kelsey.

He has a B.A. in music education from Seattle Pacific University; Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. His education also includes: graduate studies in composing/arranging at Grove School of Music; a master of divinity at Bethel University Seminary; ordination to the Word and Sacrament, 2005, Evangelical Covenant Church.

His career includes both sound production and ministry. He comes most recently from Faith Covenant Church in St. Petersburg, Fla.