Dear Friends in Christ,

I am overjoyed to have received and accepted the call from your Vestry to become your next Rector. I look forward to starting a new chapter with the people of St. Paul’s by the Sea.

While I eagerly await the chance to meet you all in person, I would like to give you a small introduction. I was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Amherst County. I am a cradle Episcopalian, having been baptized, confirmed, and ordained to the diaconate all at St. Barnabas in Lynchburg. I’m married to Abby, who is originally from Richmond, Virginia. Abby is a Baptist pastor and has served Broadneck Baptist in Annapolis for the past 15 years.

Together, we are raising two wonderful children. William is nine years old and loves martial arts, video games, being outdoors and science. Hannah is six and loves dancing, her stuffed animals, and riding her bike. They both love their two cats, Scrumpy and CC.

I attended St. Andrew’s Presbyterian College (now St. Andrew’s University) in Laurinburg, North Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. I am a 2009 graduate of The School of Theology at The University of the South: Sewanee. After my ordination to the priesthood, I served as curate and then as Assistant Rector at St. James, Monkton in the Diocese of Maryland. After that, I was called as Rector of St. Stephen’s-Severn Parish in Crownsville, Maryland, just outside of Annapolis. I have served St. Stephen’s for the past eight years, where we weathered a global pandemic together, but have come out on the other side stronger by really focusing on being a community of faith.

I am eager to get to know you all better and begin our relationship in January. My wife’s sister has lived in Ponte Vedra Beach for the past ten years. My family and I have very fond memories of our many trips to the Jacksonville area and are excited to call it home.

As you get to know me, and what I am all about, you will learn how much I value being in community and being in relationship. I told the search committee and members of the vestry that there are four things I don’t think a congregation can hear enough – Please, thank you, I love you, and I’m sorry. You can only say those things with honesty and integrity when you truly get to know a parish, and I look forward to getting to know you all and being a part of your parish family.

Through my interviews and call process with St. Paul’s by the Sea, I knew that something exciting was happening. My wife and I both felt the call of the Holy Spirit. On our way back home to Maryland after visiting in October, we both looked at each other and said: “I think this is happening!” And that feeling didn’t come from your beautiful church building or the many wonderful programs and ministries you have. The call came from listening to the people of St. Paul’s, learning who you are, and the love you have for each other and for this remarkable parish. That is special, that is holy, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

Please keep us all in your prayers these next few weeks as you all will be in mine,

Victor+

The Rev. Victor Hailey