WELCOME FATHER EARNEST!​

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We are pleased to announce that after 3 years without a permanent priest, the selection committee and vestry have selected Fr. Earnest Graham as the new rector.  Fr. Graham replaces Fr. Edmund Pickup, St. Paul's Interim Priest for the last 30 months.

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Prior to his acceptance of the call from St. Paul’s, Fr. Earnest served for ten years on the staff at the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina as Canon for Regional Ministry.  His mission, among other duties, was to assist small congregations to grow in talent and treasure, and to train communicants in lay ministry, especially preaching. 

Before his work in the Diocese of North Carolina, which includes the city Charlotte, Fr. Earnest held various clergy positions at Christ Church in Alexandria, VA, St. Francis church in Great Falls, VA, Interim Rector at St. John’s in Chuckatuck, VA, Rector at St. Matthews in Chesterfield, VA, and Interim Rector at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church in Toano, VA.

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With degrees in Art and History, Fr. Earnest started out as a graphic artist, and continues to publish religious cartoons, translating several books in comic format. Among his publications is a book titled The Stations of the Cross and these can be viewed at earnestillustrations.com. He is currently working on selections from Psalms in various art forms. He states that, “Drawing still nourishes my mind and soul.”

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Fr. Earnest will begin his work at St. Paul’s on August 1, 2026, and the congregation couldn’t be happier.  He lives in Charlotte with his spouse and their two dogs, Ruairidh (Rory) a Cairn Terrier, and Bebee, a Mini Golden doodle. His son, Evan, lives in Richmond, VA.