Antonio Alberto Regist

The Reverend Antonio (Tony) Regist was born in Ancon, Panama (former U.S. Canal Zone) from children of former slaves who were brought for the construction of Panama Railroad and Panama Canal by the United States. A cradle Episcopalian whose childhood Christian faith called him into serving as an acolyte, youth leader, lay minister and eventually serve on vestry (warden), standing committee, cursillo teams and Companion Diocese (Maine, Arizona & Mississippi) Committee (President). Went to segregated grade-schools in the Canal Zone and later continue on to studied and graduated at the Panama Canal Industrial Training- Marine Electrical/Engineer, U.S. Canal Zone College obtaining an electrical engineering technology degree; Nova Southeastern University with a B.S Business Degree in Management; honorary Marine Engineer Degree from Escuela Nautica de Panama; Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest (‘03); Oblate School of Theology - M.Div.; and completed a resident chaplaincy at the VA Hospitals enabling to become a Certified Clinical Member of ACPE. After working as an electrician, marine engineer, inspector for ocean transiting vessels, chief engineer, and partnership labor-management council chairman was able to obtain an early retirement from the U.S. Federal Government in 2000 due to the transfer of the Panama Canal. Was the first Black to occupy the position as chief engineer in charge of the U.S Dredge Mindi the most powerful pipeline-dredge in the world at the time of re-powering and was also the first Black to be the port-representative for District No.1 Marine Engineer Beneficial Association based in Washington D.C. After ordination as a deacon August 12, 2000 and serving for a year at San Juan and San Simon Episcopal Church in Panama came to the continental United States to further my education with my wife the late Felmina Regist and my children Tony Jr., Patrick, and Annette. Served at Santa Fe S.A., St. Margaret S.A., VA-Chaplain, St. Philip’s S.A. (interim rector 2009-2012) and St. Philip’s College Campus Ministry. Well known for the "La Posada" Program for Campus Ministry, organizer of the New Artemisia Bowden UBE Diocesan Chapter and a graduate level work research publication “Challenge for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas in San Antonio: Ministering to Hispanics in Traditionally English-Speaking Churches”.