Clergy and Staff

Clergy

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

Laura F. Gettys experiences her priesthood particularly through the Sacraments and the countless other ways sacramental moments enter our lives - holy ground is everywhere, especially through one another’s sacred stories.

Believing that all are God’s hands and feet in the world, our communal relationships and shared stories are ways we find healing and transformation for community and world. Laura is passionate about creating opportunities to experience this reality by partnering with groups and individuals to educate, worship, and have a little fun. She has partnered with Memphis Christian Pastors Network (MCPN), The Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH), The Overton Park Conservancy, and is a current board member and past Board President for the Lynching Sites Project of Memphis.

She has lived in East Africa where she learned from and worked with those with HIV/AIDS. She is published in Maryknoll Journal Institute. Laura is trained in mediation and conflict resolution, Family Systems Thinking, and Crucial Conversations.

Prior to returning to Memphis, Laura served at Trinity Episcopal School Charlotte NC, Church of the Epiphany Washington DC, Christ Church Alexandria VA, and St. Peter’s Church Oxford, MS.

Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Religious Studies from Rhodes College and a Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary.

Born and raised in Memphis, she and her husband have two boys ages seven and nine; life is never dull.

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.