The parish of St. Paul’s welcomes their new Rector, the Rev. Kate Byrd, and her family, Drew (husband), Libbie (4 year old daughter), Thomas and Patrick (19 month old twins), and their two dogs Sissy (Labra-doodle) and Radar (Shih Tzu Bichon). Rev. Kate is a native of Arlington, VA and grew up at Christ Church in Alexandria. As a cradle Episcopalian, Rev. Kate has a long-held love and appreciation for the Anglican Communion and our Episcopal traditions. A graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA, Rev. Kate completed her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology and soon after began her Masters of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary. During her first summer off from seminary, Rev. Kate worked at Camp Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC where she met her husband Drew. Since ordination in 2014, Rev. Kate has served in Lexington, KY at Christ Church Cathedral (Associate for Youth and Young Adults), Whitefish Bay, WI at Christ Church Episcopal (Associate Rector), and Goldsboro, NC at St. Francis Church (Priest in Charge). In 2019, with the expectancy of twins and her husband’s new position at Johnston Health, the Byrd family moved to Smithfield, Drew’s hometown. A native of Smithfield, Drew is passionate about his hometown, and the two are excited to raise their three children here. When he’s not at work you can find Drew at Health Quest, on the Parks and Rec board, riding his mower around their yard, or doing woodwork in his garage. In her spare time, you can find Rev. Kate on a run through Smithfield’s Greenway, practicing yoga with her toddler, working with the Junior Women’s League, or completing a craft project. All five Byrds, and their two dogs, enjoy hiking at the local parks, going out for ice cream, and soaking up the sun in their backyard. Rev. Kate is passionate about the Jesus Movement and sharing the love of God at St. Paul’s, in the community, and beyond. She can’t wait to meet you and get to know all of your gifts, ministerial interests, and working together.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church 