2024 Vestry Slate

Here is the slate of new Vestry members for 2024. Click the arrow next to their name to read more about each candidate.

  • Family: I am originally from Easley, SC. My parents are still there, and so is one of my brothers, his wife, and my two nephews. My other brother and his wife live on John’s Island. When I’m not at St. Martin’s, I enjoy playing tennis at Rockbridge, and doing other activities outdoors.

    Work: I have been a teacher since 2007, mostly in Richland Two. I currently work at North Springs Elementary School. Because I am a Carolina fan that works on Clemson Rd. and worships on Clemson Ave., I am convinced that God has a sense of humor

    Why you want to serve on St. Martin's vestry: My hope is that by serving on the vestry at St. Martin’s, I can give back to the church that has given me so much.

    Previous areas of involvement at St. Martin’s: I am currently a member of the choir, EfM, and the Buildings and Grounds Committee. I also participate in the Circle of Welcome group and MORE Justice. My goal is to support all of St. Martin’s ministries, as well as discover new ways we can make Christ known to our community.

    What you love about St. Martin's and why: I have found an incredible spiritual home here that has been a blessing, and the people here are truly remarkable. The outreach we do, the services we provide through the Community House, and of course the support we provide to each other is like nothing I’ve ever seen.

    When you joined St. Martin's: I have been a parishioner at St. Martin’s since 2021.

  • Family: My name is Dottie Adams. My wife, Angela, and I have been married 13 years. We have an 11 year old daughter, Callie, who is in 6th grade at Hand Middle School and an 8 year old son, Cooper, who is in 3rd grade at Meadowfield Elementary School. I'm originally from Columbia and went to Dreher High School. I went to Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. I have Master's degrees from College of Charleston and The Citadel. I lived in Charleston and the surrounding area for 17 years after college.

    Work: I am an educator and am in my 23rd year of teaching. I currently teach 8th Grade Science at Hand Middle School in Richland School District One. I have been there for 8 years and prior to that, I taught in the Lowcountry at College Park Middle for 15 years. There, I taught 7th grade science, 7th grade math, 8th grade science, Astronomy, and Pre-Engineering. At Hand, I am currently the science department chair and a team leader and I am National Board Certified.

    Why you want to serve on St. Martin's vestry: I want to be on vestry to learn more about how the outwardly-focused ministries, as well as programs that serve members, all fit together within the overall vision of St. Martin's: being a place where all are welcome. I want to ensure St. Martin's is a place where all families continue to be represented. I also hope to use my strengths in organization, finances, and planning to serve the members of St. Martin's as a vestry member.

    Previous areas of involvement at St. Martin’s: I have actively volunteered in various facets of the Children's Ministry: nursery, Godly Play, and 3-4-5 Sunday School, as well as special events. I represented St. Martin's at a M.O.R.E. Justice Community Problems Assembly, speaking about issues in public education. Our family has also helped host a Lenten Soup Supper. I have participated with St. Martin's in the last two Columbia Pride parades. Currently, my son and I are in charge of Lemonade on the Lawn on Sunday mornings.

    What you love about St. Martin’s and why: What I love about St. Martin's is that this church is truly the Body of Christ. Each Sunday we hear sermons about loving others, caring for those in need, learning from our mistakes, and most importantly, the unwavering love of God. We also hear how this church is our "home" and that means taking care of it and each other like we are family. This common goal means that St. Martin's is a place where members feel at home and like there is a place for them to worship, grow, and be cared for. Additionally, there is a reminder that we are also called to love and care for others outside of the church. I am amazed by all of the ministries present at St. Martin's to assist the community. The examples Father Mitch, Mother Caitlyn, and parishioners provide for me at St. Martin's helps me to grow in my own journey of loving and caring for others.

    When you joined St. Martin's: My family joined St. Martin's in the summer of 2016, when we moved to Columbia from North Charleston. Before that, we attended, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston.

  • Family: Daughter Elizabeth Nance and her husband Steven live in Auburn, Ga with my four grandchildren Twins Ella, and Zane (18), Granddaughter Cora (13), and Broc (11). Elizabeth was confirmed at St. Martin's. My Son, Jonathan Whitton, lives in NY,NY and works in the field of Broadway General Management. Jonathan was also confirmed at St. Martin's.

    My youngest Daughter Rebekah Whitton lives in San Francisco with her husband John Robinson. Rebekah is a veterinary Charge nurse at Mission Pet Hospital, SF. Rebekah was baptized at St. Martin's.

    Last, but absolutely not least, my two year old "we don't know what's all up in there" rescue pup Saoirse who is steadfast in her ability to assist me in solving any and all problems. Saoirse was Blessed at St Martin's.

    Work: In 2020 I retired after seventeen years in my position at South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) in Facilities Management as the Agency's Site Assessment Coordinator. My duties included property maintenance, redesign, office COVID protocols, security etc. at all SCDHHS offices across the state.

    Before coming to SCDHHS I was Director of Property Management at Asbill-Christopher Development for nine years.

    Why you want to serve on St. Martin’s vestry: In my forty plus years as a St. Martin's parishioner I would be honored to have an opportunity to give back to our parish and its mission.

    Areas of previous involvement at St. Martin’s: Over the years I have taught children's Sunday school and assisted with parish events. For several years I have been on Altar Guild, a parish front desk volunteer, Sunday greeter and usher.

    What you love about St. Martin’s and why: I honestly don't believe there is a church family like St. Martin's anywhere. We are always welcoming and embrace the needs and joys of each other. I feel God at work in my heart here. This is my church home.

    When you joined St. Martin’s: This Presbyterian/Methodist was confirmed an Episcopalian at St Martin's June 6, 1982.

  • Family: I live in the Lower Richland community with my wife, Anne M. Vickers, who is the former Head of Sandhills School and works with the school now as their Orton-Gillingham Fellow. I have a daughter, Heather McIntosh Tate, a teacher who lives in Asheville, NC with her husband Chris. We have two granddaughters, one who works for Merrill Lynch and one who works for Google. I am a member of The Rotary Club of Forest Acres, the St. Andrews Society of the City of Columbia, and the Robert Burns Society of the Midlands.

    Work: I served as Assistant Dean for University Advancement at the University of South Carolina Sumter. In that capacity, I served as the chief development, public relations, and alumni relations officer of USC Sumter. Prior to joining USC Sumter, I was Vice President of Development, Marketing, and Public Relations for Discovery Place, Inc., in Charlotte, NC, from 1991 to 2002. I retired from the University in 2013.

    Why you want to serve on St. Martin’s vestry: I believe I can bring my experience as an Episcopalian to the vestry and work with Mitch and the vestry to maintain the awesome growth we have seen under Mitch's leadership.

    Areas of previous involvement at St. Martin’s: I serve as a lector and an usher. I served on the Captial Campaign Committee and have recently joined the Building and Grounds Committee. I worked with Tim Carrier on our Community Garden. I am trying to organize a Coffee Hour committee and program.

    What you love about St. Martin’s: The main reason I joined St. Martins was an open and welcoming environment. I love the diversity of our Parish family most of all. All are welcome at this parish and that's what I love the most.

    When you joined St. Martin’s: 2018.