PAUL - Key Persons
As Custodian, Annie Smith is responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of our facilities.
Annie Smith graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina and later studied Healthcare and Nursing at Lenior Community College-Greene County in Kinston and Snow Hill, NC. Annie completed the Certified Nursing Assistant 1 and 2 programs as well as the Phlebotomy program.
As an entrepreneur, Annie began her own private business as a Caregiver in 2004. In 2007, she expanded her business to offer Housekeeping services. Annie has been serving as the contracted, part-time Housekeeper for Saint Paul Methodist Church since 2018. Effective June 1, 2021, Annie transitioned to become a full-time employee working as the Custodian at Saint Paul.
Annie has lived in the Pikeville and Seven Springs, NC areas since 1992. Annie currently resides in Seven Springs and has three children: Danielle (age 25), Jeffrey (age 23), and Nicholas, AKA "Skoochie," (age 13). Annie loves photography, fishing, and spending as much time with her family as possible.
Annie has always enjoyed the friendly and warm greetings from everyone at Saint Paul Methodist Church.
As Music Director, Holton Johnson serves as the church organist, accompanist, and is responsible for the overall music ministry of Saint Paul Methodist Church. He leads and conducts the Chancel Choir, the Handbell Choir, and the Children's Music program. He is a full-time member of the Ministry Team.
Whether he's behind a mouthpiece, in the choir hall, or with his hands on a keyboard, Holton Johnson's love for music expresses itself in every facet of his life. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi,
to parents who met on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during his father's military service, Holton grew up alongside his two younger brothers Andrew & Gabriel. Embracing his Mississippi roots, Holton embarked on a musical experience that has been expansive and moving.
Holton began that musical journey as a Euphonium player in his local school band program and grew to love music through the band. He later moved on to study at Mississippi Gulf Coast
Community College where he met his wife Katelyn, and earned his Associate of Arts degree in Music. While in community college, Holton discovered the world of choral music and began
studying voice and piano as well as continuing his studies on the euphonium. After Community College he moved on to study at The University of Southern Mississippi and received his
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education In 2021. He continued his academic career at the same institution and in 2023, earned his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting.
Throughout his studies, Holton performed as a soloist on Euphonium and as a vocalist, organist, and pianist. In addition to solo performances, he was also an ensemble member in every major ensemble in the university's School of Music and used his piano skills to accompany many others. During his graduate school studies, Holton also developed and refined his musical and
leadership skills through his work as a Graduate Assistant.
In 2019, while earning his bachelor's degree full-time, Holton began working as the Music Director at Columbia Presbyterian Church. This experience provided a foundation for his
journey as a Church Musician and as a Christian. He learned essential skills such as recruiting musicians, operating within budgets, managing sound equipment, and navigating streaming
worship services. In 2022, Holton accepted the position of Organist and Choirmaster at First Christian Church and took great strides in his growth as a church organist and choir director in
his time there. Both of those appointments were fundamental to his development as a church musician, and Christian.
While not practicing, Holton enjoys developing his Barista skills at home as well as watching a good show or movie. He is an animal lover and dreams of the day he gets to own his first pet.
He also enjoys playing the occasional video game, hiking, traveling, and cooking a good pot of gumbo. Holton and Katleyn were married June 17th, in their home state in MS. They enjoy
Job Titles:
- Director of Children 's Ministry
- Director of Children 's Ministry ( 724 ) 496 - 9495
Mary Catherine was an active member and volunteer at the church she attended in Sumter, SC, where she volunteered as the Pre-School Coordinator and was involved in the Awana Kids ministry program. From 2016-2018, Mary Catherine also served as the Lead Events Coordinator for the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program at Shaw Air Force Base where she coordinated events that connected moms in worship.
In 2021, Mary Catherine was elected as President of the Meadow Lane Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA). She developed close relationships with the elementary school administration and teachers and recruited other parents to also serve in the PTA. She focused on building morale and promoting a culture of positivity.
In February 2022, Mary Catherine was awarded the Bronze Presidential Award for her many hours of volunteer service at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and in the local Goldsboro community.
Much of Mary Catherine's family still resides in Pennsylvania and both of her siblings currently serve in branches of the military.
Mary Catherine and her husband have three children, Lily Elizabeth (age 12), Claire Hensley (age 8), and James Allen Kelley III, aka "Jak" (age 4).
Mary Catherine began her career at Saint Paul in July 2022.
As Senior Minister, Rev. Harry's primary roles are: Preaching & Teaching; Casting a vision for the congregation; and developing key lay leaders to serve the church effectively.
Rev. James H. Harry, "Rev. Jim," grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania and attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky where he ran on the Men's Track and Field team. Rev. Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and then taught the third grade at an elementary school in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
In 1991 Rev. Jim entered Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. He completed his field education at Orange Chapel-Clover Garden United Methodist Church and served as the Hospital Chaplain at Duke Veterans Affairs Hospital and Durham Regional Hospital. Rev. Jim earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1994 and later served as Chaplain for the North Carolina General Assembly House of Representatives for 12 years.
As Associate Minister, Pastor Rick's primary roles are: Minister of Youth and general Pastoral Care.
Job Titles:
- Lighthouse Music Director
As Lighthouse Music Director, Thomas Vick is the Music Director and band leader for our Lighthouse Worship service. The Lighthouse service is our 9:00 am non-traditional worship service which is held in Winslow Hall. Thomas has been employed with Saint Paul for over 15 years. Thomas can play the piano, sing, lead the band, and even juggle.