It is a time of transition within our Diocese, and we have a new clergy transition to announce.
We are pleased to announce that The Rev. Malcolm McLaurin has accepted the call to become the next Rector of The Church of the Holy Cross in Redmond, WA.
Malcolm has been a part of the Holy Cross community since 2021, initially serving as Curate before becoming Associate Rector. He was ordained in 2021 and holds a Master of Divinity from Sewanee: The University of the South. Before entering seminary, Malcolm served as Canon for Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Saint Mark’s Cathedral and was the founding Director of the Seattle Service Corps. Since 2000, he has devoted himself to the Episcopal Church in various roles, including Camp Director, campus chaplain, and minister for youth and children.
Malcolm’s decision to step into the role of Rector comes with the full support of his wife, Hannah, and their two sons, Eli (16) and Myles (14). As a family, they are excited to embark on this next chapter with the Holy Cross community and the Diocese of Olympia.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Malcolm shared: “I look forward to continuing the good work happening at Holy Cross and in the Diocese of Olympia! Through prayer and discernment, it became clear that my work here is not done, and I am thrilled to know that this feeling is mutual.”
Malcolm will succeed The Rev. Jim Eichner, who has faithfully served Holy Cross for over 20 years. Jim will transition into the role of Associate, ensuring a smooth leadership transition as Holy Cross enters this exciting new season.
Jim Eichner grew up on a diverse family dairy farm in Cedarburg, WI. He served as a Russian Linguist for the NSA in the USAF, at Eielson AFB, AK. He studied at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (Russian Studies, Alaska Native Languages) and served as the sexton of St. Matthew’s, Fairbanks, where he met his wife, Kim (Gilbert) Eichner. They have three grown children. After seminary (Trinity Ambridge, PA) he served as an assistant priest at Holy Comforter, Sumter, SC, and St. Mary’s, Lakewood, WA. Since 2002 he served Holy Cross, Redmond, WA. His diaconal avocation is the Food Bank Farm. The idea for the switcheroo comes from John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Jn 3:30
Please join us in welcoming The Rev. McLaurin and The Rev. Eichner to their new roles in the Diocese, and keep all congregations experiencing transition in your prayers.
