Leadership

Clergy

The ministry of a priest “is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the Gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God.” (BCP, 856). We do all of this with God’s help. If you would like to learn more about the Episcopal Church at large, St. Paul’s, or either of our priests, please reach out to them.

The Rev. Tambria (Tammy) Lee

Rector

The Rev. Tambria (Tammy) Lee

The Rev. Tambria (Tammy) Lee

Rector

I have served God and the church since 1984. I have been a youth director, lay associate, parish associate, and campus chaplain. I have served as Rector of Saint Paul’s since January 2019. I was raised on a small North Florida Island, which bears more than a striking resemblance to Beaufort if having had a Pouggie plant, large brown bugs, and way too much humidity are any indication. I am the granddaughter of a Methodist church musician who allowed me to sit by her side on the piano bench and would play hymns on demand. My mother was a Georgia Sweet Potato Queen and fabulous cook, and my father was a Salvage Dealer and local politician/ folk hero who collected a little bit of everything and challenged equally as much. Both prepared me for a life in the church which has never been dull! I believe Christ died to take away our sins, not our minds, that God loves us relentlessly, and that there is nothing we can say or do that will separate us from God’s grace and love.

Contact Tammy if you:

• want to talk about that over coffee
• have ideas for turning trash into treasures for the Harvest Bazaar
• want to just take a walk on Front Street

The Rev. Ashley Simpson

Associate Rector for Parish Ministry

The Rev. Ashley Simpson

The Rev. Ashley Simpson

Associate Rector for Parish Ministry

I grew up in the Episcopal Church and was recently ordained to the priesthood. I have been serving the people of St. Paul’s since June of 2022. However, this is not my first time worshipping with the wonderful people of this parish. For a brief time eight years ago, I served as the part-time Director of Youth Ministries while teaching environmental science full-time. While I am the Associate for Parish Ministry, my primary areas of oversight include children’s and youth programming. If you are curious about how to address me, you can call me Ashley, Mother Ashley, or Reverend Ashley. I answer to any name but prefer to be called Ashley.

Contact Ashley if you:

• want to find out more about Children’s & Youth Ministries
• want to talk about Marine Biology and our beautiful coastline (especially sharks)
• are interested in whether or not Dolly Parton is a saint

Staff

The work of the phenomenal staff at St. Paul’s is to facilitate and support the ministries of our parishioners and the day-to-day life of our parish. They oversee music, financial operations, the upkeep of our facilities, and parish communications. They are essential members of our team.

Matt Hill

Director of Music and Organist

Matt Hill

Matt Hill

Director of Music and Organist

I have been serving parishes as a musician for almost 20 years having started at St. Paul’s Episcopal in Greenville, NC in 2003. Since August 2022, I’ve be serving St. Paul’s in Beaufort as their director of music and organist. In this role, I work with the St. Paul’s Choir, the St. Paul’s Choristers and Royal School of Church Music Program, and the St. Paul’s Handbell Choir. Outside of church music, I am a member of the board of directors for the American Music Festival, a non-profit organization promoting classical music through concerts and music education in the Crystal Coast communities.

Contact Matt if you:

• Are interested in learning more or participating in the choir, the chorister program, and/or handbell choir.
• Are an instrumentalist who wants know about playing for church or in the community.
• Want to learn about the American Music Festival’s work in the community and how you can be involved.