Meet the Staff & Vestry

We invite you to read about the hardworking members of the Staff & Vestry of St. Francis. These are the people who do the behind-the-scenes work of our church. Feel free to contact a Staff or Vestry member with questions or concerns!

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin
Bishop of Western North Carolina

Gary Coffey
Interim Rector for St. Francis

Kathryn McGowan
Parish Administrator

I have been a member of St. Francis for 43 years. I love this parish and I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up in such a loving and caring environment. I have been the Parish Administrator for 10 years and look forward to continuing this privilege in the years to come. My husband Terry and I have 5 kids and 1 grandson. ​

Don Corry
Senior Warden
(828)-289-7679

My wife and I retired to Rutherford County in 2004 after living and working in Durham, NC for 28 years as healthcare professionals. We were confirmed in 1975 in Shreveport La. at St, Marks Cathedral, served on various ministries at St. Philips in Durham, and were welcomed at St. Francis the first day we attended and love our church. I have been on Vestries at St. Philips and here at St. Francis, and I am privileged to been the Junior Warden and your Senior Warden for the last two years. Lyn and I have one daughter living in Charlotte, and our Granddaughter, Charlotte Nicole, who was baptized at St. Francis. I feel that it has been my greatest honor to work with the other Vestry members and staff with whom I have served. Thank you for allowing me to serve.

Blue Pittman
Junior Warden
(828)-447-5503

I have been a member of St. Francis since I was 3 years old. I was born in Hickory, NC. My wife Julie and I have twin 10-year old daughters named Sophie and Mia. I love our church, the people in our church, and I feel at peace in our church more than anywhere else I could be. My reason for serving on the Vestry is because of the love mentioned above. I believe this is a very important time in regards to the future growth of our church and I hope to be a positive influence as we move forward. I have served on the Vestry once before and have served on two discernment committees.

Jason Abrams
Vestry Member

Peace be with you! I'm honored, thankful and excited to serve on the St. Francis Vestry. I grew up here in Rutherfordton and was raised in the Methodist church. I'm a proud graduate of St. Francis Day School (1979 I think). When my wife Elizabeth and I were "church shopping" four years ago, we decided to go to St. Francis for a service before we made any decision about where we wanted to settle with two "noisy little boys". Y'all welcomed us and for that we are grateful. God Bless! 

Kathy Demas
Vestry Member

I have lived in Rutherfordton for 22 years now and been at St. Francis for 15 years. I consider it a privilege to be able to serve on this Vestry. St. Francis has been a special place for me and my children. I have 5 grown children and one granddaughter. I look forward to serving at St. Francis.

Linc McDaniel
Vestry Member

I am a native of Rutherford County and started attending St. Francis at the age of 11. I brought my high school sweet heart to St. Francis when I was 16 and a few years later, we were married by Fr. Murphy. We both attended UNC Asheville and graduate school at Clemson University, and after a few jobs, settled down and returned to Rutherford County. My husband Rob and I have three children: Mayden age 19, Macy age 17, and Owen age 14. I am a Sunday school teacher for the Middle school and High school youth, better known as EPIC. Serving on the vestry at St. Francis offers a unique opportunity to give back to a church that has given me so much. As a Sunday school teacher, my core of instruction is based on the phrase: "they will know we are Christians by our love.” I want to be able to apply this same phrase during my time on the vestry. ​

Anita Quinley
Vestry Member

My name is Anita Quinley. I was born and raised in Liverpool England. I am married to Charles (Bud). We have two children Andrew and Johanna, and three grandchildren. I have been a member of St Francis for 27 years. I have had the honor to serve on the vestry filling out a unexpired term of a vestry member, and then elected to serve a three year term. I have served on a search committee. I am member of the altar guild and prayer shawl ministry. I am the president of WNC Daughters of the King. I serve as a Eucharistic minister and as an usher. It is my honor and a privilege to serve St Francis with my fellow vestry members. 

Margie Roberts
​Vestry Member

After retiring from social services my husband John and I moved back to North Carolina in 2015 and have been a part of the St Francis parish since that time. I was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, but spent all of my adult years serving in the Methodist and Holiness traditions. Our early years of marriage were spent in Durham working at N.C. Memorial in Chapel Hill. In 1984 we made our home in Kingsport Tn where we resided until moving to Rutherfordton. We have one son and daughter in law who live in Raleigh raising our three wonderful, amazing, and beautiful grandchildren! As a newbie to the Episcopal church tradition and to vestry, I’m continuing to learn about the workings of our parish and opportunities in the community at large to provide help to any in need. My fellow vestry members are kind, committed and faithful in doing the work at hand with the love of Christ in their heart. I am blessed to join with them in this effort!

Liz Segers
​Vestry Member

I have been a member of St Francis Episcopal Church since I was fifteen years old. I have served on the vestry, at Welcome Table, the Community Thanksgiving Luncheon and chaired Christian Education, the Hospitality Committee, and coordinated Angel Tree Christmas. St Francis was ‘home’ since I walked in the door 48 years ago. My husband James and I have 7 children, 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, with 2 on the way. It is an honor to serve the people of St Francis. The love I have for this place is sometimes overwhelming and beyond my understanding. It is a comfort to be able to give something back. 

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What is the Vestry?
​The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The number of vestry members and the term of office varies from parish to parish. Vestry members are usually elected at the annual parish meeting. ​​The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.

Vestry Positions Explained
​The presiding officer of the vestry is the rector. There are usually two wardens. The senior warden leads the parish between rectors and is a support person for the rector. The junior warden often has responsibility for church property and buildings. A treasurer and a secretary or clerk may be chosen.