our leaders

our Rector

St. Matthias' is excited to welcome the Rev. Dr. Erin Kirby as its new rector. Most recently, Rev. Kirby was Associate Rector of St. James Parish, Wilmington, NC.

Erin obtained her theological training at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, CA (2008-11) under the sponsorship of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Valle Crucis, NC. Her second year of training was spent abroad at an Anglican seminary, Ripon College Cuddesdon, located in the English village of Cuddesdon with field placements in Littlemore and London.

Upon receiving her Master of Divinity degree in 2011, Erin returned to England to serve as Junior Dean at Ripon College Cuddesdon and served as a curate in the Church of England, on the Dorchester Abby Team in the cluster of churches including St. Peter's Marsh Baldon, St. Lawrence, Toot Baldon, and St. Mary and St. Berin at Berinsfield. Upon her return to the United States in 2012, she was ordained to the priesthood, serving as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Shrewsbury, MA, before being called to St. James-Wilmington.

Prior to her theological training, Erin was employed in higher education at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC (1995-2005), where she served as webmaster and adjunct faculty member, while earning her doctorate in education. From 2005-08 Erin served as Assistant Professor of Education at Lees McRae College, Banner Elk, NC.

our Vestry

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The 2016-17 Vestry is comprised of (standing) Jane Trotter, Senior Warden Chris Clark, Reverend Erin Kirby, John Randolph, Karen Larson, Junior Warden Beth Jacobson, Emily Field; (seated) Treasurer Gordon Hermanson, Mike Sabin, Mike Pecore.
St. Matthias' has a board of directors that is called a Vestry. The Vestry meets monthly in order to:
  • Guide activities of the parish by discussion and informed decisions
  • Serve on committees to facilitate the activities and achieve the goals of the parish
  • Maintain communications between the congregation and the Vestry regarding information and decisions and presenting concerns or ideas
  • Present reports on committees and activities
  • Assists with Sunday services in various ways

The Vestry is made up of the Rector, the Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and six other representatives elected from the congregation. The Senior Warden is the lead Vestry person, and the Junior Warden assists the Senior Warden with his/her duties of leadership. The church Treasurer also attends the meetings.

The rather peculiar term 'warden' comes from 17th century England where one of their chief duties was to unlock the church doors for worship and other events.

Vestry members are the eyes and ears of the congregation, attuned to our common spiritual health. Serving on the Vestry is not only a privilege, but also a wonderful opportunity to become more fully engaged in the life of your church. Anyone wanting to know more or wishing to serve on the Vestry should speak with one of the Wardens.
" At St. Matthias’, everybody is a leader, even though they might not have a title. The Vestry is made up of regular members of the church."
   Isaiah Brokenleg