GRACE LEADERSHIP
Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under Christ. We have a team (Vestry) voted on by the Parish that serves us and leads/oversees many of our ministries and steers our Church with transparency and strength. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
REV. CANON
AARON W. SMITH
The Rev. Canon Aaron W. Smith as well as his lovely wife, Meredith Smith and his 2 sons Ambrose and Clement joined Grace in August 2019.
Father Aaron has been on staff with the Diocese of Florida since February 2017. Working directly with the Bishop, Diocesan Staff, and churches across North Florida, his work has been to develop a culture of mission and outreach within the Diocese, including church planting, training, and mission development.
Aaron, originally from Ontario, Canada, and the son of an Episcopal priest, is married to Meredith, originally from California. They met in Nashville TN, while Aaron was attending Sewanee: The University of the South for seminary, and Meredith was working in publishing. They have served churches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Magnolia Springs, Alabama, prior to their time in Florida. His children attend Grace Episcopal Day School. Meredith Smith is the Director for Community Health Outreach.
YOUTH PASTORS
TODD AND MICHELLE CAMBRON
Youth Pastors, Todd Cambron and his Wife, Michelle, are responsible for overseeing Children’s and Youth Ministry including Sunday Children’s Chapel and Youth Meetings. Michelle and Todd met while attending college at the University of North Florida and have been married for 29 years. They have three grown children. Todd and Michelle have been in ministry together for the past 24 years, first as volunteer leaders then as the Youth Director/Pastor and Nursery Director at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. When they aren’t teaching or at church they enjoy quality family time, trips to the mountains, Disney World, football, and are pretty serious card and board game competitors. Above all else Todd and Michelle love their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and want to serve him.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
JIM WRIGHT
Jim Wright, a native of southern Illinois, received his Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Murray State University. He has been active in the liturgical music field for over 50 years. He was music director at several parishes in southern Illinois. He also taught private piano, organ and voice, general music in private schools, and was an adjunct faculty member of applied music at Belleville Area College.
He was accompanist for the Amelia Island Chorale and has done extensive accompanying and coaching in private music studios.
He served as Associate Music Director at San Jose Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida for eight years. Jim served as interim music director at St Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Fruit Cove, St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church. He has been Director of Music and Organist at Grace Church since 2014.
CHOIR DIRECTOR
LEONARD A. HILD
Leonard was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. From a very early age he enjoyed choral music, especially liturgical music. He completed a B.Mus. from Dalhousie University with a major in vocal performance, and a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto. Since 1980, Leonard has taught music (Band, Choir, Classroom Music, and Handbells) in a number of schools throughout North America. He has also sung in and conducted a number of Church and community choirs. Leonard is married to Lynn, his wife, for the past 42 years. Leonard considers a joy and an honor to help lead worship music here at Grace each Sunday morning.
2023 VESTRY
The Vestry serves as a governing body at the Bishop’s pleasure to oversee and work with the Priest on all things pertaining to Grace Episcopal. They are agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the parish to its clergy. Members serve varying lengths of terms from 1-3 years and are voted on during the Annual Church meeting.
Jason Hitt
Senior Warden
Carrie Kissinger
Junior Warden
Ben Cline
Roger Dockery
Ryan King
Mark Lampke
Pat McHugh
Helen Moore
Elizabeth Wright
Vestry Clerk
Doris Latour
Financials