Clergy & Staff
Our Clergy
The Rev. Mitch Smith
Rector
The Reverend Mitchell Smith became the sixth rector of St. Martin’s in July 2017. He came here from Trinity Episcopal Church of New Orleans where he served as senior associate priest for six years. Mitch, as he is known, is originally from Florida. He attended Western Illinois University on a swimming scholarship where he met his wife, Denise. After receiving his B.A. in political science with a minor in religious studies, he continued his education at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Illinois where he received his Master of Divinity degree. Mitch's first call was to Trinity Episcopal Church in Waterloo, Iowa, where he served as rector for five years. Mitch and Denise are also the proud parents of Noah and Lydia.
If you happen to be looking for Mitch on a Sunday afternoon, he's likely to be spending time with his family, or stomping about in the woods.
The Rev. Caitlyn Keith
Associate Rector
Caitlyn joined the St. Martin’s staff in 2019. She grew up on the High Plains of Colorado but came East to attend the College of William and Mary where she earned a B.A. in religious studies, focusing on Hebrew scriptures and Christian ethics. Caitlyn was formed for priesthood at Yale Divinity School where she met Scott, her theater-maker husband. A lifelong Episcopalian, Caitlyn is proud to have served in the Episcopal Service Corps and on the United Thank Offering board. Previous side hustles have included rock climbing teacher, craft beer marketer, youth minister, and dog trainer.
If you are looking for Caitlyn on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll find her romping around with her Wheaten Terriers, Bentley & Hopps, or “supervising” her husband’s dinner preparations.
Dianna Deaderick
Deacon
The Rev. Deacon Dianna LaMance Deaderick is a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina (EDUSC), and came to St. Martin’s in 2022 after serving nearly 11 years as the deacon at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in downtown Columbia. She is a retired National Board-certified teacher with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Berea College in Berea, KY, and a master's degree in family literacy from the University of South Carolina.
While at St. Luke's, Deacon Dianna was instrumental in the church being recognized by the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition as the first HIV/AIDS Welcoming Parish in the country. She was also the founder (2016) and executive director of the Fresh Start Ministry, an outreach ministry of St. Luke's that provides free laundry services, showers, food, clothing, HIV testing and basic health screenings to those of us living in poverty in the Historic Waverly Neighborhood of Columbia.
On Sundays you can find Dianna watching the Chicago Cubs (with scorebook in hand), reading a good book, or playing in her garden.
Jeremy Mount
Assisting Priest
Chaplain Jeremy Mount was ordained a transitional Deacon in June 2022. He holds a Bachelors degree in Religion from Union College and a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He served on multiple United Methodist Church staffs and from 2011 to 2015 he was the lead pastor for a Bar Church Community known as Worship on the Water within the Flora-Bama (World Renown Honky Tonk Bar). After five years of serving there, Jeremy was called to come back on active duty to serve as an Army Chaplain.
Jeremy is married to his best friend and wife (27 years) Elissa Steffen Mount of Waynesville, North Carolina. They have four children. Daughter Brianna and Son-in-Law Jake McGraw both CPTs in the United States Air Force stationed in Washington DC. Steffen is a 1LT in the United States Air Force stationed at Joint Base Charleston flying C-17s. Isaiah(14) and Zoe(12) are still stuck at home with their parents.
Our Staff
Alex Cato
Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries
Alex joined the St. Martin's staff in 2021. Originally from a small town in Georgia, Alex moved to Columbia from San Antonio, where she served as youth minister at Travis Park United Methodist Church. She graduated from the University of West Georgia with a B.S. degree in mass communications and went on to earn her Master of Arts degree in youth ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Alex has a heart for creating safe, inclusive spaces for children and youth, and walking alongside them on their faith journeys.
If you are looking for Alex on a Sunday afternoon, you might find her at brunch with her wife Jane, taking their Aussiedoodle Sprout on a walk, or catching up on the latest episode of Survivor.
Pam Hair
Director Royal School of Church Music Program
Specially trained in the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) program, Pam has been leading young choristers for the past 21 years, and training St. Martin’s children since 2003. She is also active in RSCM at the national level, teaching each year at the RSCM summer program in Raleigh. In RSCM, children are taught both the technical aspects of church music and the deeper meaning behind the music they are learning. Pam has an undergraduate degree from Winthrop College and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing a second master’s from USC as an education specialist. Pam is married to Richard, and they have one daughter, Maggie. The Hairs became members of St. Martin’s in 2011.
On a Sunday afternoon, you might find Pam reading on the front porch of the home she and Richard built in Blythewood, or enjoying a long walk in the country.
Robyn Holt
Staff and Finance Administrator
Robyn Holt is a native of South Carolina who lived in several other states while growing up. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. degree in sociology, but has spent the last 17 years working in finance. She is married to JD and has two children, Davis and Ellie. Robyn and JD have been active in the Scout program at St. Martin's for several years as well as Trenholm Little League at Trenholm Park. Robyn enjoys camping and spending time with her family.
When she's not doing these things, you're likely to find her enjoying a book on a Sunday afternoon. She is an avid reader.
Clayton P. King
Parish Administrator
Clayton brings over 28 years of corporate management and marketing experience, having worked in high-tech, private industry, and nonprofit organizations in office administration and graphic design/communications.
He is a native Texan who is also a musician, stage performer, and cabaret singer. He and his husband, Jeffery, relocated to Columbia in 2009 and are actively involved in Midlands theatre and local cabaret spots around town. He is also an admitted karaoke junkie.
When not at work, he is likely to be found sitting with Jeffery, spoiling their Standard Schnauzers, Chaplin and Garbo, on what is arguably the best front porch in all of Columbia.
Helen Kline
Director, St. Martin’s Preschool
Helen comes to us with many years of program management experience in directing faith-based preschool programs. She holds degrees in Business Administration as well as Early Childhood Care and Education. Helen is experienced in building community among staff and families through engaging activities and events. She is committed to relationship-based, positive work environments, and has a history of helping schools work towards increased enrollment, optimal learning experiences for children, and greater teacher retention. Helen is passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment for children where she can share the love of Jesus with them through her words and actions.
Helen is a wife, mother, and dedicated follower of Christ. Being an alumna of the University of South Carolina, Helen is an avid Gamecock fan. She enjoys reading, arts and crafts, and participating in the lady's ministry at her church in her spare time.
Jim Morgan
Officer for Development and Communication
Jim is originally from South Georgia but moved to South Carolina to attend Wofford College, where he completed a B.A. in religion before attending Duke Divinity School. In the past, Jim served as a hospital and hospice chaplain, on staff in several United Methodist congregations, and most recently as a church communications director.
Jim and his wife, Becky, moved to Columbia in 2021. They have two children, Charlie and Sammy. When they're not working, you’ll find them swimming in Lake Murray or walking the riverwalk with their trusty hound, Bert.
Jim is also a musician with a love of Appalachian music and culture. In his free time, he plays and teaches a number of traditional Appalachian stringed instruments.
Ronnie Dale Wise
Director of Music Ministries
Ronnie Dale Wise served as Director of Music and Organist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wilmington, NC for ten years, where he expanded the choral program, developed a concert series, and formed the current Wilmington Boys Choir. Prior to his time at St. Paul's, he served as Director of Worship and the Arts and Principal Organist at Boone United Methodist Church in Boone, NC for eleven years. He studied at Appalachian State University and Westminster Choir College. He has played organ recitals in the U.S., England and France. Ronnie has often served as a guest conductor for handbell choirs and school choral programs. In his spare time, he loves horseback riding, kayaking, and walking his dog, Zoë.