Meet Our Clergy

The Reverend Beth Franklin began serving as the 15th Rector of St. James’s on Sunday, September 28, 2025. She is the first female to serve in this position in the church’s history.

A native of Alexandria, Beth grew up in the Diocese of Virginia. From a young age her parents instilled in her that participation was the most important part of worshipping in community. As a result, she was very active in the church, community, and Diocese, including serving as a counselor at various Shrine Mont camps.

Beth attended William & Mary as an undergrad, receiving a BA in Sociology. She attended Yale for her Masters of Divinity and Diploma of Anglican Studies. Ordained in 2009, Beth’s first call took her to the Diocese of Texas where she served as an Associate Priest at St. David’s, Austin.

Her next call was as Missioner to the Episcopal Student Center at the University of Texas, where Beth served for five years. She is still convinced that this is the most fun job in all of the Episcopal Church! After her work at UT, she served on the Bishop’s Staff Missioner for Congregational Initiatives for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. In this role, Beth oversaw all campus missions in the Diocese, including the start of six new campus ministries, and traveled throughout the state working to enhance congregational ministry. Beth served as rector at St. Michael’s in Arlington, Virginia from 2017-2025. She loved being involved in every aspect of communal life for this thriving neighborhood congregation.

Beth is trained as facilitator in The Daring Way TM, the work of Dr. Brene Brown. She was a co-founder of Magdalene House, Austin, a community for survivors of human trafficking. When she’s not at church, Beth may be found exploring local trails, reading a book, or chasing her boys. Beth is married to Nic, who is from the panhandle of Texas. Their sons, Warner (4) and Pierson (2) are their greatest joy.

804-355-1779 ext. 318

Blake grew up just outside of Chattanooga, TN. He then attended Furman University, where he studied Business Administration and Religion and went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School with a certificate in Anglican Studies. Blake joined the staff of St. James’s in the fall of 2020, first as a Lay Chaplain, and then as an Associate Rector following his ordination in 2022. Blake is married to Kilpy Singer, who is also a priest in the diocese, and they have a daughter Finley and a crazy dog named Milo. In his spare time, Blake enjoys spending time with his family outside, going on runs with Milo, and playing soccer.

804-355-1779 ext. 321