Clergy & Staff
Andy Andrews
Dean of the Cathedral
At the cathedral since: December 2007
Where I grew up: Greenville, Mississippi
Ordained: 1996
Schools: undergrad at the University of Mississippi; M.Div. at The Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, Texas; Doctor of Ministry, Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Full name: William Earl Andrews III (my grandmother thought it would be cool for an Andrews to be nicknamed “Andy”)
I became a priest: To help myself and others keep our hearts open to the profound love and blessings of God. I believe the Episcopal Church is one of the healthiest and vibrant ways to help us all to become most like Christ – fully alive human beings doing miraculous things to help build God’s reign on earth.
Lesson I learned from a mentor: To breathe and trust that all things work together for good – Romans 8:28
Lesson I learned from a cathedral member: To write down all the miracles in your life before you forget them.
Important transformations in my life: A mystical experience of God’s profound presence in the Grove at Ole Miss; marrying my amazing wife; having three crazy and adorable children; taking up jogging
Books on my nightstand: Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman; Romans (Sacra Pagina Series, volume 6); A New Earth by Eckert Tolle; St. Mary’s Cathedral 1858-1958 by John H. Davis
CD in my player: U2 concert bootleg from Denver 1997
Laura Foster Gettys
Canon Pastor
Schools: Virginia Theological Seminary - Class of 2005, Rhodes College - English/Religious Studies, St. Mary's Episcopal School - Class of 1994
Drew Woodruff
Deacon
I love St. Mary's and I want her to be a beacon of hope to the poor and marginalized in Memphis.
Ministries: Overseeing the Pop-Top and shoe ministry, Liaison to the Haiti Partnership.
At the cathedral since: 1978
Hometown: Memphis
Ordained: 2007
Education: Memphis State University BBA; Plumbers Local Union 17 Apprentice School; Memphis Theological Seminary MAR.
I became a deacon to: Help those whom God sends to our cathedral seeking help. To help us to live up to our Motto, " A House of Prayer for ALL People since 1858." Also to try and join in a mystical way our altar and the streets of Memphis.
Lesson learned from a fellow cathedral member: That one is never to old to begin serving at our altar.
Most important transformations in my life: My marriage to my wife, Linda and watching my daughter grow up to become a beautiful soul. My decision to attend seminary. My ordination to the Diaconate. My Epiphany I had at the Men's Conference.
Favorite books: Mysterious Island by Jules Verne, Roasting in Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey and The Letters Mother Teresa.
Music in my player: The Ramones Greatest Hits
Something my fellow Cathedralites don't know about me (yet): I love professional wrestling on TV.
