The Reverend Paul R. Abernathy

Priest

A native of St. Louis, MO, Father Paul received his BA in political science from Westminster College, Fulton, MO, and his MDiv from The General Theological Seminary, NYC. In 1978 ordained a priest, Father Paul served congregations for forty-two years, in Columbia, MO, Chicago, IL, Charleston, SC, and Washington, DC. Beginning March 1, 2020, he served as the Assistant to the Rector for Father Rob. With Father Rob's retirement, Father Paul is now our Priest. 


Fr. Paul’s theology and ethics are centered around the themes of love and justice, unconditional benevolence and equity for all people, incarnate in the life and ministry of Jesus. In 2013, Fr. Paul published a book of sermons, For the Living of These Days. He is joyously married above his station of life to the former Pontheolla Mack of Bishopville, SC, who always is the best reason to know him. Their daughter, Kristin, resides in Baltimore, MD.  fatherpaul@stmatthewsepiscopal.org

  • JANE BIRD, PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

    The position of Church Administrator is held by Jane Bird, who maintains the connection between the community and the church. jbird@stmatthewsepiscopal.org


  • LISA FOWLER, PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

    Lisa Fowler, our Preschool Director, is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of the young children in her care. With years of experience in early childhood education, Lisa understands first hand the importance of play, education, and social development in her teaching philosophy, and that of the St. Matthew's Preschool. The program she oversees and supports ensures that children are engaged in activities that promote learning and fun, creating a joyful and stimulating environment. Lisa is also deeply committed to making the family experience a positive one, keeping families informed and involved in their child's progress. She works tirelessly to ensure that the needs of every child are met and that the school runs smoothly. She loves, and is loved by her students, and Lisa is an advocate and supporter for her fellow teachers, fostering a collaborative and caring community. lfowler@stmatthewsepiscopal.org

  • DONNA SIMPSON, MUSIC DIRECTOR

    Donna has served as church organist and choirmaster at St. Matthews for 16 years. She is from Rockford, Illinois and a music education major from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where she met her husband Mark, a native of Spartanburg. They have two children, a son and a daughter, and five grandchildren.

Vestry

Vestry meetings are every third Tuesday at 6:30pm

A Vestry’s mission is both spiritual, working with the Clergy to discern God’s call for the Parish; and temporal, in their stewardship of church property and resources. Vestry members fulfill responsibilities inherent in the mission of St. Matthew's by working with individuals and groups within the Parish, and within the broader community.


St. Matthew's Vestry Members  2026

Will Boyd

Senior Warden, 2024-26.


Jeremy Soto

Property, 2025-27.


Laura McGee

Stewardship, 2025-27.


Rob Rhoden

Christian Formation, 2025-27.


Mary deGuzman-Paul

Worship, 2025-27.


Grace Keller

Hospitality, 2024-26.


Susan Englert

Communications, 2026-28.


Sherrie Foster

Pastoral Care, 2026-28.


Henry Roberts

Outreach, 2026-28.


Non-voting:

Heather Yevcak. Finance and Administration.


Leesa Simmons. Vestry Clerk.


Minutes are posted on the bulletin board at church.

Contact Information is in the Grapevine.