Leadership
Clergy
The Rev. Dr. Marshall A. Jolly, Rector
The Rev. Dr. Marshall A. Jolly began his ministry as the 19th rector of St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church on All Saints’ Day in 2023. Marshall has broad experience serving in local, diocesan, statewide, and churchwide leadership positions, and is also President of the parish’s 3K-12th Grade College Preparatory Day School, Mead Hall Episcopal School. Prior to his arrival in Aiken, Marshall served churches in the Dioceses of Western North Carolina, Lexington, and Atlanta.
A native of Paris, Kentucky, Marshall is a proud alum of both Transylvania University (BA, American Studies) and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology (DMin, MDiv, Certificate in Anglican Studies). He enjoys running, reading, and cooking, is a novice tennis player, and in an effort to become more patient and humble, Marshall has recently taken up golf. Most important and life-giving of all, he is married to Elizabeth, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Their household is managed by Hambrick, a little Himalayan cat with a huge personality. Contact him for:
- Pastoral Care Concerns
- Wedding & Funeral Planning
- Administrative Matters
- Anything On Your Mind!
The Rev. Joseph Whitehurst, Associate Rector
Joseph Whitehurst graduated from the University of South Carolina. He has his Masters of Divinity from Seabury Western Theological Seminary. In addition to serving at St. Thaddeus, Joseph is chaplain and director of spiritual life at the parish day school, Mead Hall. Contact him for:
- Pastoral Care Concerns
- Questions about Acolytes
- Summer Youth Mission Trip
- Anything On Your Mind!
The Rev. Dr. Frank Sawyer, Head of Mead Hall School
The Rev. Dr. Frank Sawyer became Mead Hall’s Head of School in 2019. He is married to Ginnelle, and they have two daughters, a 2023 graduate of Mead Hall and another in the Class of 2027. Dr. Sawyer is committed to the mission of Mead Hall to provide students with an education that promotes academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual growth. Dr. Sawyer was ordained in the Anglican Church of Canada and has spent most of his ministry in schools. Over the years he has taught scripture, theology, world religions, philosophy, history, and senior project. Contact him for:
- Information about Mead Hall Episcopal School
Staff
SONDRA BOYER, Parish Administrator
Sondra is the executive assistant to the Rector, providing administrative support for his ministry in the church, school, and community. She also serves as the communications director for the parish. Contact her for:
- Appointments with Fr. Marshall
- Bulletin & Email Announcements
- Questions about Membership
- Scheduling Events at the Parish
- Questions about the Graveyard
DENISE KINARD, Finance and Facilities ADMINISTRATOR
Denise oversees financial and physical ministries for the parish. She handles accounts payable, giving statements, human resources, payroll, and maintenance matters for the parish. Contact her for:
- HR-Related Matters
- Giving Statements
- Maintenance Requests
- Reimbursement Requests
- Budget Requests
- Information Regarding Planned Giving
DON DUPÉE, Choirmaster & Organist
Don leads the choir and accompanies on the organ during the 11:15 am service, as well as providing occasional accompaniment during the summer months. Don also provides music for special events, including weddings and funerals. Contact him for:
- Inquiries Related to the Choir and/or Organ
- Arranging Accompaniment for Special Services
- Wedding & Funeral Planning
JAY JONES, Rector's Assistant for Ministry
Jay provides administrative support to Children & Youth Ministries, as well as assisting the Rector with special projects. Contact Jay for:
- Inquiries Related to Children & Youth Ministry
- Inquiries Related to the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)
- Questions About Nursery
- Special Projects
Vestry
- Marianne Swearingen, Senior Warden (2026)
- Larry Wyont, Junior Warden (2025)
- Ray Buchholz (2025)
- JR Ludwick (2027)
- Susan Elder (2026)
- Will Gibbs (2026)
- Cathy Harte (2027)
- Boyd Wiedenman (2027)
- Barbara McKnight (2025)
- Susan Stribling, Clerk (2027)
- Ellison Weist (2025)
- Morgan Whiteside (2026)
- Claudia Adams, Treasurer (non-voting member)