Who We Are
Our parish family includes people who have lived in Spartanburg for generations, and those who have recently moved here. Some of us were raised in the Episcopal Church, while others have come from other traditions. We’ve all found a home at the Advent; a community discovering God’s purpose for each one of us while walking in love as Christ loved us.
The Episcopal Church of the Advent and Spartanburg have grown up together.
The city was incorporated in 1831; although by 1840, Episcopal services were being held in the area, there had yet to be an established Parish in Spartanburg. In 1848, the Episcopal families in the District of Spartanburg were admitted into the Diocese of South Carolina as the Church of the Advent. In 1922, as the population of the state grew, it would become part of the newly established Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Since then, “the Advent” (as we’re known locally) has continued to grow, adapt, and thrive in response to the needs of our surrounding community.
Meet Our Clergy
Fr. Richard Proctor, OA came to The Advent in December 2025 after serving as the Rector of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach, FL for ten years. He is married to the Rev’d Emily Rose Proctor, who is a Presbyterian (USA) minister. They have two children – Julian and Madeleine.
Richard was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL and received his early childhood and young adult faith formation as a 4th-generation member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Richard received his formal education at the University of the South (Sewanee), Florida State University, Columbia Theological Seminary (MDiv), and the General Theological Seminary (STM). He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary with a focus of Benedictine monasticism both prior to and within the Anglican tradition.
In 2022, after a four-year novitiate process, Richard took his lifelong vows with the Order of the Ascension, dispersed Episcopal Religious Community whose members take a promise ”to seek the presence of Jesus Christ in the people, things and circumstances of life through stability, obedience and conversion of life.”
Richard is passionate about the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as it relates to individuals and organizations, as well as Bowen Family Systems Theory. This work has greatly enhanced his ministry as a priest, husband, father, and son. Other areas of continuing education and interest include Parish and Organization Development, Godly Play, Contemplative Prayer, and how the Rule of Benedict can be applied to parish and family life.
Prior to becoming an Episcopal priest, Richard was a professional musician (drummer and songwriter), touring the United States and Europe with the band Tishamingo. He also loves collecting records and inshore fishing. Richard’s substack blog is Rhythm & Grace/@frproconthedrums.
Paula was called in 2017 to lead Advent’s Pastoral Care ministries. Although Paula is originally from Virginia, she spent most of her formative years in Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her BA from Furman University and her MEd from Converse College. In 1994, after receiving her MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, she was ordained as a Baptist minister.
While in seminary, Paula discovered a deep passion for pastoral care and went on to serve as a chaplain in several places in the Southeast. Her spiritual journey eventually led her to Boone, North Carolina where she served as Director of Christian Education at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. While there, Paula discovered how liturgy and ritual offer profound comfort, healing, and transformation, especially during life’s transitions.
After earning a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, VA, Paula was ordained to the priesthood in 2016. Before her call to the Advent, she served as curate at St. James Parish, Wilmington, North Carolina. Paula and her husband, T., a retired chemistry professor, share a house with two very spoiled toy poodles, Jack and Colby. In addition to enjoying movies and Broadway shows with T., Paula likes the challenge and stress relief of Burn Bootcamps.
The Reverend Deacon Al Hipp is a cradle Episcopalian who grew up in Greenville. He and his wife, Karen, have been married for 34 years and are the proud parents of three sons: Tom, Jack, and Sam. Al and Karen live in Tryon, North Carolina. In addition to his ministry, Al works as a residential contractor.
Meet Our Staff
