2025 Vestry Slate

Here is the slate of new Vestry candidates to begin serving in 2025. Click the arrow next to their name to read more about each candidate.

Pete Stewart
Tim Carrier
Mary Virginia Tynan
Robert Dozier

  • I was born in 1949 in Miami, Florida. My parents were founding members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where my father was a Deacon and Director of Education. My mother served on various church committees. I served as an acolyte, attended EYC, and spent part of every summer as a camper or counselor at Camp Kanuga.

    When I was ten years old, my father entered Seabury Western Theological Seminary and, three years later, was ordained as an Episcopal Priest. After his ordination our family moved throughout southern Florida as he served churches in Longwood, Bradenton and Melbourne Beach until his retirement. He focused on service to his congregants and increasing Christian education at each of his parishes.

    After graduating high school I attended Manatee Community College and Florida Atlantic University majoring in Business Administration. My goal though was to become an architect.

    In 1972 I moved to Columbia, South Carolina to take a position as a draftsman with a local architect. At the time South Carolina allowed one to become a State registered architect after twelve years of apprenticeship. I put in my time and received my registration in 1984. Also, during this time, I attended the University of South Carolina where I received a BA in Studio Art. For the last ten years I have been the sole proprietor of a very successful firm specializing in architectural design of industrial, commercial and educational facilities.

    When I moved to Columbia, I was unable to find an Episcopal Church that was the right fit for my family and joined Shandon United Methodist Church. I was very impressed with Reverend Bill Reid and the programs offered there. While I was at Shandon UMC I served on various committees including Finance and Buildings and Grounds. I also served as an advisor to various facility renovation projects including re-roofing of the Sanctuary, pipe organ installation and Sanctuary acoustical upgrades. I was also an MYF counselor and have many fond memories of MYF trips, summer outreach programs and directing the youth in producing plays for the enjoyment of the community.

    After visiting St Martin’s three years ago, my wife Denise and I realized what a special parish St. Martin’s is and are very excited to be part of St. Martin’s. Denise has been a member of the Membership Committee. I have been active in serving Lenten Suppers and delivering food to Harvest Hope Food Bank. Last year we enjoyed the fellowship of a Foyer Group, Movie Review Group and music on the Point.

    It is my hope that you will consider my experience as worthy of your vote. SMIF is a wonderful, welcoming place which celebrates the Gospel with joy and compassion. It would be my goal to help it in any way I can.

    Thank you for your consideration for this very important position.

  • Tim Carrier has been a member of St. Martin’s for about 5 years. Previously a member at other Episcopal churches in Columbia since the late 80’s, he and his wife Shari Hutchinson were drawn to this parish because of its inclusive atmosphere, extensive outreach programs, and the warm and welcoming clergy and congregation.  Since joining, Tim has enjoyed managing the Sharing Garden, growing food to share with the parish and those in need in the greater Columbia area. This ministry inspired him to become a Clemson-Certified Master Gardener and to serve on the board of the Richland County Master Gardener Association, and to become active in the National Episcopal Church’s Agrarian Ministries’ Good News Gardens program. In addition, Tim is currently serving on the SMIF Building and Grounds Committee, engaging in its activities to preserve and enhance the campus.

    Currently retired, Tim’s spent his career in state and federal government service, as a media professional, creating and overseeing instructional media, documentary, and news production.  His pastimes include gardening, cooking, reading, travel, and spoiling two dogs. His favorite Bible verses are Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:26-28, along with any verses that mention ostriches.

  • Family: My name is Mary Virginia Tynan. My husband, John, and I have been married for 19 years. We are a “Furman statistic” as we met at Furman and married the summer after graduation. We have two amazing kids that you see around campus, Jack, age 13, who is an acolyte and member of EYC and Ida, age 9, who is in youth choir and 3-4-5 with me. 

    Work: I went to Furman for undergraduate and received my Masters from Clemson University in clinical mental health. I currently work for a company in Chicago, ConceiveAbilities, as a clinic coordinator and match manager helping all families realize their dreams of growing through egg donation and surrogacy. 

    Why do you want to serve on St. Martin’s vestry: I would be honored to serve on the vestry and learn more about the intricacies of our mission and vision as a church as we continue to grow and how we can use that growth to strengthen both our community and our church family. 

    Previous areas of involvement: I am currently a member of the youth and children’s committee and teach our 3-4-5 class on Sunday mornings. I also volunteer with EYC and my family has volunteered to cook for Lenten suppers and helps host our new St. Nick and St. Lucy party. We also love to participate in Kanuga each year. 

    What you love about St. Martin’s and why: I love that St. Martin’s is a family. We may be a big, messy family at times, but I know that when I walk through those doors not only am I at home, my children are at home as well. We are allowed to come as we are. St. Martin’s is a place that welcomes you and welcomes all!

  • I have been a lifelong Episcopalian all of my 79 years, and have been a member of St. James Church, Marietta, GA and St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Columbia, SC.

    I was a member of the Vestry at both churches and most recently the Senior Warden at St. Martin’s in 2022. I am or have been on other various committees at the church during my 45 years at St. Martin’s.

    I am a retired real estate appraiser where my business was in Columbia for approximately 45 years. I held the appraisal designations of MAI & SRA awarded by the Appraisal lnstitute. I have appraised residential; commercial; industrial, condominiums and multi-family properties mainly in the southeastern United States.

    I retired from the US Air Force as a Command Pilot and Lt. Colonel after 29 years of service. I finished my service in the South Carolina Air National Guard flying the C-130.

    I have been happily married to Ellen Seastrunk Dozier, have two adult children, and seven grand children. We have made our home in Columbia since 1977 when my family moved to Columbia from Marietta GA.

    I graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in history.

    With the life experiences and talents that God has given me, I am confident I can serve and contribute on St. Martin’s Vestry.