Three years ago, Fr. Jim began his ministry at St. Thomas. At the time, Carleene Skipper (then church journalist) wrote a short Spotlight article introducing him to our parish family. Since then, much has happened and many new people have joined our church….so…. this month:
A Spotlight Update
On
Father Jim Taylor
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, to James and Ellen Taylor, Jim was a much-loved only child. He has fond memories of a happy childhood, riding his bike, playing with his friends from dawn to dusk ….a typical childhood in a much safer world.
His school years were somewhat nomadic thanks to the fact that the Wilmington School district facilities were overburdened by enormous population growth, and the struggle to keep a racial balance in the schools. Having begun school at the overcrowded Wrightsville Beach Elementary, just weeks later he was transferred to College Park Elementary where he remained for grades 1 & 2. Grades 3 & 4 were spent at Bradley Creek Elementary, followed by being bused downtown to Tileston for grades 5 & 6. Grades 7 & 8 were spent at Noble Junior High, then onto D. C. Virgo to the 9th Grade Center. Finally, grades 10, 11 & 12 were spent at New Hanover High School - the oldest High School in the county.
Moving from the 9th grade center to New Hanover High, meant leaving established friendships and having to make new friends. While some young people might be traumatized by that, it wasn't the case for the young James who was blessed with natural friendliness. That gift has stayed with him, as seen when, wide smile in place, he greets all newcomers with "Hi, I'm Jim Taylor…"
When asked about his favourite subjects in school, the wide smile was once again in evidence as he answered "Football." When the journalist rolled her eyes in a "well-I-should-have-seen-that-coming" way…he obligingly added "and computers, and accounting…" New Hanover High had good sports facilities, he honed his racqetball skills, participated in track events such as shot-put and discus, lifted weights, bowled, played his beloved football, and generally enjoyed all outdoor activities.
Many of you know Ms. Yvonne as Fr. Jim's mum. Ms. Yvonne's husband and Fr. Jim's dad worked together; the two families were neighbouring friends; and the children of both families played together. The families are still close today. The two families attended the same church, which was half a mile from their homes. When Jim was just 12 years old, his real mum, Ellen, died. Ms. Yvonne became more of a mum and a mentor in his life, especially his church life. In fact it was Ms. Yvonne who first suggested and encouraged him to consider going to the seminary to become an Episcopal priest. She saw his involvement in church, knew he was a good, spiritual person with a genuine love of The Lord.
Fr. Jim credits the Rev. Chris Mason, the Rev. John Mott and the Rev. Blaney Pridgen with helping him to discern his call to the priesthood. Fr. Jim met Chris Mason through the Youth Ministry. The two worked well together and Chris got him involved in Diocesan events. Together they began many successful programmes. One of Jim's favourite events, in which he participated for several years, was Winter Light at Kanuga….which begins the day after Christmas and goes on to New Year's Day. He still speaks of it today as an excellent experience.
Jim began his studies at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Following his mentors advice, he majored in English - knowing that it would be good groundwork for his theological studies, with a minor in Computers.
During his H.S. football years, Jim had injured his knee. He continued to play injured, which, while an amazing display of team spirit, had a very bad effect on his knee. Consequently, although he had opportunities to play football in college, his knee was too badly damaged and his playing days were over. He didn't participate in sports in college, but, having a strong work ethic, went to work - as he had done in High School - doing construction work; building small 'home docks'….the kind often seen here, a kind of planked mini-pier. He also worked for a time in a shoe shop, and at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant. He especially enjoyed the outdoor work.
After graduating from college, he went to work for a computer and telephone system company. Working in the secular world didn't diminish the feeling that he was called to the ministry. During his time of serious self-evaluation, he had asked himself: what work he was passionate about; what sparked his creativity; and what fueled his energy. The answer in each case was The Church.
In 1989, Jim entered the Virginia Seminary. He remembers the time there as good years: exploring Spirituality and Theology at deeper levels than ever before; interacting with other intelligent people who were equally committed to the ministry; the exchange of ideas and philosophies; and the formation of lasting friendships.
Before entering seminary, candidates were encouraged to experience life and work in the secular world, so, although in his late 20's, Jim was the second youngest in his class. During his first summer, he was assigned to Clinical Pastoral education for ten weeks. He went to Duke Medical Center, Urology and Plastic Surgery, which turned out to be an eye-opening, hard summer, but a good experience. Seminarians would be subjected to a Verbatim after each session, answering questions about how they dealt with the patients, in turn learning how to be better chaplains. One of the most valuable lessons Jim learned was that: Silence is o.k…. Not to take it personally if a patient chose not to talk. Even in silence, a patient may draw strength and comfort from the chaplain's presence.
During the first year of seminary, students are pretty much on their own financially, expected to pay their own way and prove themselves. For the 2nd and 3rd years scholarships are available based on the academic grades of the 1st year. The Financial Aid lady persuaded Jim to apply for scholarships. Jim applied for three, hoping that he would be awarded one of them towards his tuition, room and board, which was then $14,500 a year. When he returned from his Clinicals, he was excited to find he had been awarded the largest amount, which would pay for his final two years tuition, room and board. It says much about him, that he was one of only two people to receive full scholarships that year. It also meant that when he left the seminary he would be debtfree. He credits the scholarship application experience with giving him a good grounding in financial aid and skills in problem solving. He still worked on campus in his spare time. Always a morning person, he worked for two years in the cafeteria serving breakfast, and also waited tables for special events. He juggled studies and work with his field work in the parish.
In 1992, Jim was ordained and was called to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Farmville. Five years later he was called to Grace Episcopal in Whiteville, after which he was called to be associate rector at St. John's in Fayetteville….from where he was called to St. Thomas in 2003.
Much has happened in the last three years. Some examples:
The congregation has increased significantly; there have been several successful programmes put into place; Bible study is better attended than ever; VBS attendance has rocketed; St. Thomas is increasingly becoming part of the fabric of North Charleston.
When the Bishop asked Fr. Jim to 'do something about the curb appeal of the church'….he didn't mean 'plant some flowers'…..he really wanted the parish to rebuild, encouraging us to believe that funds would be available to assist with the project. When funding was denied, Fr. Jim reminded us of his own philosophy: this is a marathon, not a sprint. ….and things happen in God's time. Fr. Jim and the team then determined that they would enhance what we have, one step at a time.
Fr. Jim's blithe insouciance in the face of obstacles helped us enormously when the initial plans for the reworking of Montague Avenue showed that there would be no parking in front of the church AT ALL. ….not even a ' cut-in' to park a hearse, or a wedding vehicle, or even an ambulance. He immediately requested that the planner make an adjustment. When that was denied because it would cost the city $30,000.00, he didn't give up, he kept talking….it paid off and we now have a 'cut-in'.
Fr. Jim feels that there is much to do, limited only by the willingness of people to participate. He continues to feel energized and enthusiastic for his ministry and very happy to be at St. Thomas. His hope and dream for St. Thomas is that it continues to grow and spread the Good News of the Gospel and Jesus Christ. He hopes that our parish family continues to grow in numbers, continuing to be a loving, caring parish.
He wants our parish family to know he is committed to them, committed to God's calling and to St. Thomas.
When asked what he is most proud of, he replies on a personal level that it was his ordination. For his ministry, it was having 'sown seeds'….working with Youth; starting the Soup Kitchen in Farmville; starting an Easter Sunrise Service with our local churches; seeing St. Thomas - and its budget - grow….work that will continue to reap blessings for a long time.
When asked if he could see himself as a Bishop one day, Fr. Jim thought for a time, then responded how sympathetic he felt towards the people who recently went through the selection process in our own Diocese, and what a long, difficult walk it was. Of course, one never knows where one will be called or what one will be called to do, but the impression is that he would relish the challenge should God so desire.
Meanwhile, he is happy at St. Thomas, grateful for a good staff, good church leadership and the support of the parish family.
Once again, it is impossible to tell someone's entire story in a Spotlight article, but I hope this gives you some idea of who Fr. Jim is, and his commitment to the Church and the St. Thomas parish family. In turn, it is to be hoped that he fully understands how much he is a part of our parish family, and how much he is appreciated.