Father Chase has served as the Rector of St. John’s since August 2019.

Born and raised in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, he grew up in the Episcopal Church, where he was deeply formed in faith through his involvement as an acolyte and chorister. He is a proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy (Beat Army!) and spent eight years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, serving in Virginia, Florida, and Italy. During his time in the Navy, he discerned a call to ordained ministry.

Following his transition from active duty, Father Chase pursued theological studies at the General Theological Seminary in New York City before transferring to the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 2016.

Before coming to Decatur, he served at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, Florida, first as Curate and later as Associate Rector. Passionate about empowering and equipping the laity, he is dedicated to fostering their ministries both within the Church and in the world.

Father Chase is married to Jeanne, an Atlanta native, and together find great joy in raising their son, Jonathan. In his free time, Chase enjoys cooking, camping, and traveling.

256-353-9615 Ext. 102
 chase@stjohnsdecatur.org

A native of Huntsville, AL, Sarah grew up at The Church of the Nativity where she developed an early love of the church as an acolyte and chorister. She went on to graduate from Birmingham-Southern College (Forward, Ever!) and later from Virginia Theological Seminary. Along the way, she spent meaningful time as a Reconciliation Intern at Coventry Cathedral in England and worked as a Ministry Assistant at Christ Episcopal Church in Exeter, NH.

Sarah joined the staff in June 2021, and she absolutely loves serving and working alongside the good people of St. John’s. On a diocesan level, she is involved in the work of the Commission on Ministry, the Women’s Leadership Planning Team, and the LGBTQ+ Ministry Team.

When she’s not working, Sarah is most likely curled up with a good crime novel or spending time with her wife, Jen. You might find them at The Princess Theatre or spending time with their two dogs, Abby and Cooper.

256-353-9615 Ext. 103
 sarah@stjohnsdecatur.org

A native of Mississippi, Sam was late coming to the Church. It was only due to the relentless invitations of three children he taught that he begrudgingly attended a local parish where his life was changed (which is why he’s still passionate about working with children and youth to this day!).

Sam attended Mississippi State University and the University of North Alabama before a (failed) attempt at doctoral studies at UNC-Chapel Hill; he dropped out to attend seminary at Candler School of Theology instead.

Sam joined the St. John’s staff in 2022 as youth minister and now works in children’s/youth, family, and outreach ministries.

Outside of St. John’s, Sam is a ladies’ man—his life revolves around his wife Holly, his two daughters, and their female Goldendoodle, Riley. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

256-353-9615 Ext. 111
 sam@stjohnsdecatur.org

256-353-9615 Ext. 105
 mary@stjohnsdecatur.org

256-353-9615 Ext. 101
vickie@stjohnsdecatur.org