The Reverend Taylor M. Smith, Rector

The journey of The Rev. Taylor M. Smith to Saint James has been one marked by faith, commitment, and an enduring call to serve. A native of Buffalo, New York, with high school years spent in Summit, New Jersey, Father Taylor carried his northern roots south to Duke University in 1983. Post-graduation, he ventured into the banking industry as a commercial loan officer. This decade-long chapter in North Carolina laid the groundwork for his divine calling to the ministry.

Father Taylor’s spiritual leadership blossomed following his graduation from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1996, leading to his ordination in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. There, he began his heartfelt service in diocesan and parish ministry. His dedication to faith and community subsequently took him to Maryland, where he served as rector at Grace Church in Elkridge for 12 years, and St. Mark’s Church in Highland for nine years. These positions were more than titles; they represented his commitment to leading, teaching, and being a steadfast presence for all parishioners.

With his wife, Kathy—a lifelong Episcopalian herself with roots in Columbia, South Carolina—the Smith family embodies the spirit of community and faith. Kathy's career in marketing at Johns Hopkins Medicine led the family back to South Carolina, where she continues to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector. They've been married over 25 years and have two sons, Mason and Stafford, both thriving in the Charleston area, and their beloved rescue dog, Ellie, completing the family circle.

His vision for Saint James is to grow into a church that strives to follow Jesus' call in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me." and seeks to foster a welcoming and inclusive community, deepening spiritual growth and engagement among parishioners, actively serving the needs of the local community through outreach and social justice initiatives, preserving and celebrating the church's historical significance, and pursuing initiatives to enhance worship experiences and religious education programs.

With the conviction that relevance is the heartbeat of growth, Father Taylor is poised to guide Saint James in evolving to meet the needs and reflect the values of today’s society, ensuring that the church's message is as resonant and transformative now as it has ever been.