Clergy and Staff

Clergy

Laura Foster Gettys, Interim Dean
lgettys [at] stmarysmemphis [dot] org

Schools: Virginia Theological Seminary - Class of 2005, Rhodes College - English/Religious Studies, St. Mary's Episcopal School - Class of 1994

Favorite Quote: "Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. -MLK, Jr

Something you don't know about me: I jumped out of a perfectly good airplane one time.

Patrick Williams, Canon Pastor

pwilliams [at] stmarysmemphis [dot] org

The Rev. Patrick J. Williams is a native of Jackson, TN. After completing undergraduate studies at Tennessee State University, he obtained a graduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Patrick then moved to New York City and worked in the financial services industry for approximately ten years. In May 2013, he obtained a Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and shortly thereafter returned to New York to begin ministry at St. Philip’s Church (Harlem), where he served until June of 2017. Patrick joined the staff of St. Mary’s Cathedral in September 2017 as Canon for Welcome and Evangelism.

In his down time, Rev. Williams enjoys exploring new places (especially restaurants), spending time with family and good friends, and watching Netflix. Patrick shares life with his wife, Natalie, and daughter, Camille.

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 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.