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

The Rev. Toni Belhu
Rector for St. Francis

Kathryn McGowan
Parish Administrator

I have been a member of St. Francis for 45 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 13 years and look forward to continuing this privilege in the years to come. My husband Terry and I have 5 children and 1 grandson. ​

Stephanie Williams
​Senior Warden

My name is Stephanie Williams and I have been at St. Francis Church for almost 25 years.  I was baptized as an adult at St. Francis one week before my marriage to Richard in August of 1995.  Richard and I have been blessed to live right across the street from this beautiful church the past 20 years while raising our children, Darby and Brett.  Over the years I have helped in many different facets of the church serving on various committees and Vestry.  It would be an honor to serve on the Vestry of St. Francis Church.

Steve Ross
Junior Warden

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I entered the US Naval Academy from Adrian, Michigan, graduating in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and served thirty one years in the submarine service including command of USS Boise (SSN 764) and command of Joint Maritime Facility Cornwall England. After retiring from the Navy, I was the Director of Operations for a specialty bakery in Norfolk Virginia before moving to Rutherfordton, North Carolina. I currently am a NJROTC instructor at McDowell High in Marion, North Carolina. I am married to Allison Ross and we have two sons, James who resides in Georgia with his wife Amanda and their son Liam, and Patrick who resides in Virginia with his wife Laura Marie and their daughters Adelle and MacKenzie and sons Beau and Brooks.

Rebecca Melton
Vestry Member

My name is Rebecca Melton. I have been a member of this congregation for 55 years. Throughout this time, I have served as an acolyte (both youth and adult), on the Altar Guild, as an Usher, on a Discernment Committee, and Director of Joiful Noyze. I am also a member of the Phoebe Chapter of the Daughters of the King. I have two wonderful daughters and a precocious granddaughter. I miss our in-person fellowship and pray we will all stay safe until we can be together again. FHS+​

Nancy Bole
Vestry Member

My name is Nancy Bole and I became a member of St. Francis at 5 months old when my parents moved from Seward, Alaska where I was baptized. I married Rob Bole at the age of twenty and for the next nineteen years, I followed him around the world until he retired from the Air Force in 1989. We have been back at St. Francis since he retired. I have served on the Vestry in the past, am currently the leader of the acolytes, a lay reader, and a chalicist. I will be honored to be on the Vestry.
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Doug Tribou
Vestry Member

My wife Linda and I moved to Rutherfordton twelve years ago after I retired from the Coast Guard and we have been members of St. Francis ever since. We had no connections to Rutherfordton prior to moving here but quickly learned why they call it "small town friendly". I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in Maryland almost 20 years ago. We have two grown daughters, Corinne who lives in Tryon and Danielle who just recently moved to Rutherfordton from Columbus, OH. I have worked for Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity as an employee and volunteer since moving here and I enjoy helping others and being involved in the community in which we live. I love my church family here at St. Francis, which has been an important part of our lives here. Linda & I are both involved in many of the ministries here at St. Francis and I look forward to serving as part of the vestry.  ​

Linda Jeanne Harrill
Vestry Member

Hello, my name is Linda Jeanne Harrill, born and reared in Spindale.  Most of my career was teaching in Winchester, Va. Nearing retirement, I was confirmed at Christ Church in 1998, and a couple of years later, Bishop Jose’ became Assistant Priest there. When I retired, I returned to Spindale and live in my family home.  I love being a part of the St. Francis family and taking part in various ministries.  It is a privilege to serve on the Vestry, and I thank you for this opportunity.

Rob McDaniel
Treasurer

I am a native of Rutherford County and started attending St. Francis with my high school sweetheart when I was 17, 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 wife Linc and I have three children: Mayden age 19, Macy age 17, and Owen age 14. I am looking forward to working with the vestry. 

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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.