Robert Pace, a former McMurry University history professor, and an Episcopal priest, has been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Pace is rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth. His is the first case of COVID-19 diagnosed in Tarrant County.

Robert Pace

Pace previously was rector of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Amarillo before accepting the position in Fort Worth in December.

Pace is guaranteed at home after hospitalization. His wife, the Rev. Dr. Jill Walters, also an Episcopal priest, has tested negative, but will remain in self-quarantine at home. Bishop Scott Mayer is in touch with the family and offering pastoral care. Mayer, who lives in Abilene, is bishop of both the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas, which includes Abilene.

To read the complete news release from Trinity Episcopal Church, click here.

To read statements concerning response to the cornonavirus from the bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas and the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, click here.