Avella Presents State Proclamation to Zion Episcopal's Retiring Rector

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, honored the long-time rector at Douglaston’s Zion Episcopal Church last weekend following the recent announcement that he planned to retire.

The church, located at 243-01 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston, held a reception on July 23 to honor Rev. Patrick Holtkamp, who has served as rector since 1992.

Avella presented the rector with a state Senate proclamation to recognize his years of dedication to northeast Queens.

Holtkamp was born in St. Louis, but moved to New York City with his wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters in 1982.

He became a priest in the Episcopal Church six years later and worked with the Episcopal Church Building Fund and Holy Trinity Parish in Manhattan before transferring to the Douglaston house of worship.

During his time at Zion, Holtkamp has been active with local civic groups and has been a member of the board of directors for Family Consultation Services for more than 11 years. He also took part in an adopt-a-family program that involved providing for needy children at Christmas and throughout the year.