3/3/2015
It is with great joy and thanks to God that Holy Trinity Church, Swanton announces that it has called the Rev. J. Robert Spainhour as our next rector. Fr. Rob is a North Carolina boy by birth, having moved with his mother and two siblings when he was 7 to just south of Charleston, South Carolina. He is the eldest of five, two brothers and two sisters. He grew up in the Charleston area, attended the last two-room wooden schoolhouse in South Carolina, and later finished at the College of Charleston with a B.A. In History (American emphasis), and shortly thereafter an M. Ed. from the Citadel in Charleston. Rob received his M. Div. from Trinity Episcopal Seminary in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. Those three years in Pennsylvania gave him some notion of northern cold, but he trusts we will show him how to attach snow shoes, tire chains and the like. He asks that we be patient while he learns. On the other hand, he can show us how to survive 90+ degree weather, which he’s been told comes our way periodically, with charm and aplomb.
He is the proud father of two daughters, Avery and Cantey, who are 29 and 27 respectively, and also the grandfather of Hawkins (3-year-old boy) and Skylar (2-year-old girl). Fr. Rob is entering his 23rd year of ministry in the Priesthood this December. He has served as a Rector, bi-vocational Priest, High School teacher, Assistant Middle School Principal and lastly as a High School Principal for 8 years. He loves antiques and restoration. On his visit to Vermont, he felt the parish had done a beautiful job on the additions to Holy Trinity and its restoration, and of course St. John’s, Highgate peaked his historic interest. He is still in awe after realizing the very mountain chain upon which he owns some family property in Western North Carolina is the same Appalachian Chain running through our area.
Rob is a jogger, and deeply passionate about good health. He will confess that he periodically prescribes for himself a dose of Krispy Kreme donuts now and then, or whatever confectionery (with Maple) he can get his hands upon. Please note the maple reference. He is learning. In time he will add Ben and Jerry’s to the list! He has been quite active in Diocesan matters and in time, with Bishop Ely’s approval, would intend to do so here. In addition, Fr. Rob enjoys getting active in the local community.