Clergy & Staff
The Reverend Andrew J. Hege, Rector
rector@stmaryofthehills.org
The Reverend Andrew J. Hege began serving as Rector of St. Mary of the Hills on Pentecost, June 9, 2019. Hege is originally from Thomasville, North Carolina and, prior to his call to Blowing Rock, he served as Assistant to the Rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, Kentucky. He is a graduate of Montreat College, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and Virginia Theological Seminary.
Fr. Andrew’s greatest joy as a priest is the privilege of walking through life’s many seasons with people and communities. He is a passionate follower of Jesus, committed to the belief that we are all called to the holy work of sharing God’s love, mercy, and justice in the world.
In nearly five years at Good Shepherd, the Reverend Hege was a part significant growth in the life of the parish and has developed new programs of preparation for youth and adult confirmation. He also led the formation of a Justice Ministry Team that joined with nearly two thousand people from twenty congregations in Lexington to organize for just solutions to community problems.
In spare time, Fr. Andrew is an avid reader, a runner, and a lover of golf. Andrew is married to Amanda, a Registered Dietitian and native of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have two children, Eleanor and David.
The Reverend Samuel V. Tallman, Priest Associate
sam@stmaryofthehills.org
James Bumgardner, DMA, Director of Music
jmzdrl@gmail.com
Jim has been director of music/choirmaster/organist at St Mary of the Hills since 1985. Jim holds a DMA in Vocal Performance from UNC Greensboro, and teaches on the voice faculty at both UNCG and Guilford College. Previous teaching posts include UNC-Chapel Hill and Appalachian State University. Jim also works as an operatic conductor, and is presently chorus master for Greensboro Opera. Past appointments have been as resident vocal coach and collaborative pianist for National Opera Company, director of music for Watauga High School Drama Department, director of music/conductor/chorus master for Horn in the West outdoor drama, and conductor/choirmaster for Summer Music chamber series in Blowing Rock. Jim’s professional affiliations include membership in the Association of Anglican Musicians and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He is a standing judge in choral music for the Governor’s School of North Carolina.
Lindsey Herring, Christian Formation Coordinator
formation@stmaryofthehills.org
A native of Birmingham, AL, Lindsey graduated from the University of Alabama with a douple-major in English and Journalism and a minor in Liberal Arts. She studied at UNC Chapel Hill after receiving a Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Fellowship. Prior to landing in Western North Carolina, she lived in the Tampa Bay area, Colorado, Washington state and Alabama. She's been a freelance creative writer and editor for more than a decade and held positions that include editor, copywriter, technical writer, legal writer and marketing manager.
Lindsey's desire to make a positive impact on the world eventually led her to work in the religious and nonprofit sectors of her home town, Birmingham. She has worked in such organizations for more than seven years and continues to ba an advocate for the underserved.
A graduate of the Metagem Institute, Lindsey is a Certified Spiritual Director who is passionate about cultivating a deeper sense of spirituality and connection with all that surrounds us. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and engaging in prayer practices that nourish her soul.
Lindsey enjoys family time, playing with her canine companions Lily and Louie, photography, reading, writing poetry and knitting winter hats in her free time.
Greta Wilson, Parish Administrator
Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Greta grew up on the coast and then attended Salem College in Winston Salem. After college, she packed her bags and attended law school at the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama and so enjoyed the state that she stayed in the area. Greta was a practicing attorney and assistant District Attorney in Birmingham until May 2000. After moving to Blowing Rock, Greta started volunteering in the church office and then when an opportunity was presented she accepted the position of parish administrator. Greta says, “To me St. Mary’s is people from different walks of life who come together, grow spiritually and do many good things.”
Bill Devereux, Facilities Manager
bill@stmaryofthehills.org
Contact Bill for questions about the building and its use and for assistance with set-up for gatherings.