Fr. Matthew Garrison
Senior Pastor (Rector)
Having spent nearly eighteen years working with Young Life (a relational ministry to teens), I see ministry is most effective when done in relationship. I'm grateful for St. Francis' allowing me to be a pastor not just of our parish, but a pastor to the community. My family has been blessed to develop relationships with families throughout Sanford in our time here.
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I have been blessed to have been married for more than 25 years to Trina. Our three kids--Eli, Josiah and Gillian--keep us running to football games, theater productions, soccer matches, and on the occasional Cook Out milkshake run. We move at a hectic pace, but my wife keeps us grounded, and is the glue that holds everything together.
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When I'm not attending one of our kids games or show, I enjoy hiking, fly fishing, soccer, and reading.
Archdeacon Daniel W. Hardin was born in Dayton, Ohio. His education includes: Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems from DeVry University, Columbus, Ohio (1997); Master of Divinity, Ashland Theological Seminary (2001); and Master of Science, Community Counseling, Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia (2011). He is a priest serving with the Anglican Church in North America. Dan is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He entered active duty military service in 1987 as an armored crewman where he served four years with the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), at Fort Polk, Louisiana. From 1991 to 2003, he served in the Ohio Army National Guard as a chaplain assistant, chaplain candidate, and battalion chaplain while pursuing military ministry credentials. In 2003 he returned to active duty as a chaplain. He deployed with 1-501 PIR to Iraq in 2006 where he served as the Forward Operating Base Chaplain of FOB Iskandariyah. He retired from active duty after 37 years of military service as a Colonel. His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Dan married Ann M. Herbert of Centerville, Ohio, in 1988. They have four children and five grandchildren.
Fr. Dan Hardin
Assisting Priest
Leslie Hanna
Music Director & Director of Children's Ministries
Gordy Reese
Director of Communications
A Sanford native, I grew up attending First Presbyterian Church where my grandfather, Dr. Lynn McIver, was clerk of the session for over 50 years. I am honored to follow in his footsteps by serving as clerk of the vestry here at St. Francis.
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I attended Salem College and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In my early working years I lived in Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Durham, but we moved back home to Sanford in 1988.
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I am happily married to Tom Reese and we are blessed to have our family—Sarah Reese Womack (husband, Brian) and John McIver Reese (wife, Caitlin, and daughter, Etta Anne)—living here as well.
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We are thankful to be a part of the loving church family worshiping here at St. Francis with its focus on word and sacrament, biblically faithful teaching, Bible study and service.
I am a graduate (as well as an annoying superfan) of Baylor University, where I received my undergraduate degree in religion. I also received an MA in Christian Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
I have a beautiful wife, Danielle, and daughter, Colleen, whom I love very much.
Along with serving the students of St. Francis, I volunteer with Young Life and teach at a classical co-op school in the area.
For fun, I love to watch college football, write music, and talk about Texas.
Andrew Bass
Director of Student Ministries
Bob Nelson
Treasurer
I am a charter member of St. Francis where I have served as treasurer as well as a lector and chalice bearer since our founding in 2015.
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I am a former submariner with the United States Navy, a graduate of the University of Florida, and a retired CPA.
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My wife, Peggy, and I have lived in Sanford since 1974, raising our two daughters, Pam and Jennifer, here in Sanford. We are now enjoying watching our grandchildren growing up close by--when we are not indulging our passion for travel.
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I am also a past president of the Sanford Chamber of Commerce and an active member of the Lions Club. I served several years as the Lee County Fair manager.
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I am a Sanford native with a B.A. from Campbell University
in music education. I have taught piano for over forty years and served as organist for Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church since 1977 and for St. Francis Anglican Parish since its inception in 2015.
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My family includes husband, Billy Parten, and son Jason. I enjoy gardening, working with special needs youth and adults each summer at Happy Day Camp (for five decades!) and shagging with the Sanford Area Society of Shaggers and at North Myrtle Beach.
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From the beginning, members of St. Francis have welcomed me--and all visitors--with open arms. It is a wonderful church family. Clearly the members love the Lord and He is very present in all they do. I encourage everyone who might be looking for a church home to "Come and see" if St. Francis might be just what they are looking for.
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Rosemary Parten
Organist
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