It is a time of transition within our Diocese, and we have a new clergy transition to announce.
The Rev. Hillary B. Kimsey is excited to accept a call to serve as vicar of St. Antony of Egypt Episcopal Church in Silverdale, WA. Her first Sunday will be October 8.
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Hillary was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition. She earned a BA in English and a BS in Secondary Education from the College of Charleston and dedicated several years to teaching high school English. During this period, Hillary’s spiritual journey led her to explore her faith and explore diverse Christian perspectives. Eventually, this exploration led her away from teaching to enroll in seminary at McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta in 2013.
During her initial year at seminary, a Navy transfer prompted Hillary’s spouse to relocate to Washington, so she transferred to The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology to complete her M. Div degree. Upon arrival in Washington, Hillary attended St. Paul’s in Bremerton and discovered a spiritual home in the Episcopal church. Bishop Greg Rickel confirmed her in 2015, and she graduated from seminary in 2017. An experience of deep grief led Hillary to pursue hospital chaplaincy after the death of a childhood friend from leukemia in 2012. She undertook a CPE internship at Palmetto (now Prisma) Health in Columbia, SC, during the summer of 2014 and a year-long chaplain residency at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle from 2017 to 2018. She completed field education at St. Bede’s in Port Orchard and served there as a transitional deacon. Her commitment to being with the sick and grieving extended to her role as a staff chaplain at Providence Swedish in Seattle from 2019 through 2023. Here, she provided spiritual care and emotional support to patients, families, and hospital staff through all manner of challenges, including the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. After being ordained to the priesthood on June 30, 2020, Hillary served as a curate at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ballard for two years and continues to serve there as Assistant to the Vicar.
When she’s not working, you can find Hillary immersed in a book series or writing her own fiction and poetry. She enjoys experimenting with recipes from her favorite baking shows and bringing these creations to church to share. Hillary embraces her inner geek by indulging in the latest superhero movies and fantasy tabletop games with her spouse and friends. She is frequently dragged all over Kitsap County by their beloved corgi.
Please join us in welcoming The Rev. Kimsey to her new role in the Diocese, and keep all congregations experiencing transition in your prayers.
