Clergy & Staff

The Rev. Kate Byrd

A native of Arlington, VA, Rev. Kate grew up at Christ Church in Alexandria, VA. As a cradle Episcopalian, 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, she 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, Kate worked at Camp Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC where she met her husband Drew. Kate and Drew’s family includes daughter Libbie, twins Thomas and Patrick, and their two dogs Sissy (Labra-doodle) and Radar (Shih Tzu Bichon). Since ordination in 2014, Kate has served in Lexington, KY at Christ Church Cathedral, Whitefish Bay, WI at Christ Church Episcopal, and Goldsboro, NC at St. Francis Church.

The Byrd’s moved to Smithfield in 2019 when Drew began a new position at Johnston Health. A native of Smithfield, Drew is passionate about his hometown, and the two feel blessed 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 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. Kate is passionate about the Jesus Movement and sharing the love of God at St. Paul’s, in the community, and beyond.

Christine Evans

A native of Greenville, NC Christine grew up attending two different Baptist Churches within Pitt County; one with her paternal grandmother and the other with her Mom. During some of her middle school and all of her high school years, Christine attended youth group and went on various mission trips throughout the South. A graduate of Pitt Community College in Winterville NC, she completed her Associates in Human Services and soon after her Bachelors in Family and Community Services from East Carolina University. Christine's background is primarily from the Community College system having worked at Pitt Community, Wayne Community and also Johnston Community College in various roles. Christine currently resides in Princeton with her husband Brent, daughter Lyla Grace, and two cats; Loki and Thor. The Evans's enjoy going to Sneads Ferry to take the boat out to the sandbar, going to various late model or Nascar races, and spending time with family on the farm.

Judy Rains

Judy Rains began working at St. Paul's as Finance Manager in February of 2024. A native of Wilson, NC, Judy, her husband Danny, and their four dogs, now reside in Kenly, NC. And their adult daughter travels the country as she manages Broadway Tours.

Before St. Paul's, Judy spent most of her career in the pharmaceutical industry, working for Merck Pharmaceuticals. While at Merck, she went back to school, attending Barton College and earning her Accounting degree. Judy has a diverse accounting background having worked in public accounting, HR, accounts payable, payroll, and cost accounting in both small businesses and large corporations. She retired from pharmaceuticals to open her own drapery business. Working with many decorators in the Raleigh and Chapel Hill areas, she produced all types of window treatments, bedding, and pillows.

In her spare time you will find Judy quilting or teaching quilting classes at shops in Raleigh, Wilmington, and Virginia. She is a certified instructor for Jacqueline deJong’s BeColourful quilt collection. Judy is always happy to share her pictures and her love of all things fabric. When she is not out in her “she shed” quilting, you will find her loving on her puppies.

Todd Johnson

K. Todd Johnson has been a church musician for most of his life. He grew up in the Cleveland community of Johnston County and earned degrees from Campbell University and N.C. State University. At Campbell, he studied organ under Mrs. Susan Horton and Dr. Daniel Hester, and he studied voice under Dr. Robert Piper. An organist and music director in Baptist and Methodist churches in Johnston and Wake Counties for over 30 years, he served as an occasional substitute organist at St. Paul’s before assuming the part-time role of music director and organist in September 2023.

He was a founding board member of Neuse Charter School in 2006 and taught music there several years. He is Executive Director of the Johnston County Heritage Center and Museum and a former Executive Director of the Ava Gardner Museum. He and his wife, the former Donna Barfield of Garner, are parents of three adult children, and they also have one grandson. They live in Smithfield in the historic Woodall-Fleming House.

Summer Ferrell

The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson