Our Leadership
The dedicated clergy, staff, and ministers who guide St. Francis by the Sea
Rev. Mary Kay Brown
Rector
Rev. Mary Kay Brown, Rector
Rev. Mary Kay Brown has served as part-time Rector at St. Francis since October 2025. She received her MDiv from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2008, and previously served as rector at St. David's Episcopal Church in Ashburn, VA. Her first career, as a medical social worker, focused on trauma and hospice care. She and her husband, Mark, live in Emerald Isle and have two adult children.
Mary Kay is committed to vibrant, inclusive worship and to deepening relationships with God and one another through Christ. She is delighted to be part of the St. Francis by the Sea community. Mary Kay loves questions and welcomes conversation. Her favorite question is: Where is God in this? She finds God in music, reading, traveling, learning, friendships, walking, and everything to do with the beach.
Rev. Christine Carlin
Priest in Residence
Rev. Christine Carlin, Priest in Residence
My love of history brought me to James Madison University and Kent State University for degrees in English and American history. My career in the church began with lay ministry at St. Luke's in Bethesda, MD. I then attended Virginia Theological Seminary and went on to serve parishes in Louisville, KY; Boston, MA; Greensboro, Greenville, NC; and Havelock. I am currently Priest in Residence at St. Francis.
I enjoy sports, history, music, and sharing time with friends.
Rev. Robin Smith
Deacon
Rev. Robin Smith, Deacon
The Rev. Deacon Robin Loflin Smith lives with her husband, Terry, in Pine Knoll Shores. Robin was ordained in 2023 and was delighted to return to her home church to serve as Deacon. She sings in the Diocese choir, Schola Cantorum; serves as a mentor for Education for Ministry classes; works with ministry candidates in formation in the Diocese School for Ministry; and volunteers with Martha's Mission Cupboard.
Robin earned a B.A. from UNCG, an M.A. from Appalachian, and a doctorate from UNCG. She has been a classroom teacher and educational consultant and spent most of her career at Salem College, where she was Associate Professor and Dean of Graduate Studies and Dean of Undergraduate Studies. She completed seminary studies at Sewanee School of Theology.
As Deacon, she has a ministry of servanthood, promoting care of those in need outside the church, as well as roles in worship that include proclaiming the gospel, leading intercessions, waiting the eucharistic table, and preaching. Robin and Terry enjoy traveling and love spending time with their family, including son Eric, daughter-in-law Esther, daughter Sara, son-in-law George, and grandson Elio.
Craig Everett
Director of Music
Craig Everett, Director of Music
Craig Everett has served as choir director and organist at St. Francis by the Sea for the past 8 years. After teaching high school band for 33 years, he worked for an additional 10 years as the Arts Education Director for the Carteret County Public School System — a total of 43 years in public education. In 2017, Craig was voted into the North Carolina Bandmaster Association Hall of Fame.
Craig continues to be an active band adjudicator, clinician, and conductor in the southeast for marching and concert band assessments, as well as regional honor bands. He graduated from Atlantic Christian College in 1980 with degrees in music education and sacred music, and earned his Master's Degree in music education from East Carolina University.
He began playing the organ for his home church in Robersonville at age 14. Always a teacher at heart, Craig has a passion for worship planning and producing memorable, meaningful music that prepares one's heart for worship.
Stover Morris
Parish Manager
Stover Morris, Parish Manager
After studying engineering at Virginia Tech, my initial career was in management, then distribution, and evolved to sales. A life decision to spend more time with family led to a relocation to the beach. My wife Marion and I have enjoyed life in Carteret County for 42 years. We have one daughter and are blessed with two grandchildren.
My outside interests are woodworking, exercise, home maintenance, and above all — being happy.
Rev. Robin Smith • Rev. Mary Kay Brown • Rev. Christine Carlin
We'd Love to Meet You
Join us for worship on Sundays at 10:00 AM. Our clergy and staff are always happy to connect — questions, conversations, and visitors are warmly welcomed.
Contact UsOUR LEADERSHIP
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Meet the dedicated clergy, staff, and musicians who guide and serve St. Francis by the Sea.
