The Rev. Dean Taylor

Interim Priest

Rev. Taylor is a native of Eufaula, Alabama and has spent most of his career as an Episcopal Priest in the Diocese of Atlanta. After college at the University of the South at Sewanee, a stint as a newspaper reporter and high school teacher/coach, and seminary at Virginia Theological Seminary, he spent twenty years as the rector of St. Mark’s in Dalton, Georgia.

He then embarked on a career as “Intentional Interim Rector” and has served 12 different parishes in that capacity, including St. John’s Memphis, St. Boniface, Sarasota, St. Davids and St. Catherine’s, Marietta, and Emmanuel, Athens, among others.

“An interim year,” he says, “can be a very fruitful time of parish self-examination, and lots and lots of celebration of who you are as a parish. It can actually be one of the most fulfilling—and even fun—times for the life of a parish!”

Fr. Dean has lived in Dunwoody for the past five years. His wife, Dawn, is the Chief Credit Officer for Bank South, and between them, they have five (employed!) children. In the past two years, they have been blessed with two granddaughters, whom they adore!

This summer they completed a bike tour of the Burgundy area of France, and they enjoy most all outdoor activities. Dean plays the cello and has recently joined the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra. He may be reached at 770-455-6523.

The Rev. Ceci Duke

Priest Associate for Contemplative Life and Interim Director for

Children, Youth & Families

After having served as a teacher, and then school counselor in the Gwinnett County Schools, Ceci entered the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in preparation for ordination to the priesthood.  In 1999, Ceci was ordained in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and served for two years as the associate rector at St. Patrick’s.  In subsequent years, Ceci was associate rector at St. Michael and All Angels in Stone Mountain, and St. Peter and St. Paul in Marietta.

In 2009, Ceci was called to be rector at Christ Church in Norcross where she served for thirteen joy-filled years before retiring in 2022.  Ceci’s deepest joy has been in walking with those who have a desire to grow in their relationship with God.  She has particularly enjoyed working in Christian Formation for all ages, Pastoral Care, and Preaching.

After retirement, Ceci received training at the Shalem Institute to become a spiritual director/companion.  She intends to set up a practice for individuals and groups here in the parish. Ceci and her husband, David, a filmmaker, live in Historic Norcross.

The Rev. Dr. Spenser Simrill

Priest Associate and Chaplain

Spencer is a former sixth grade teacher and was ordained in 1979. Over the years, he has served as a chaplain and founded a nursery school at Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia, birthplace of Habitat for Humanity. This experience was formative for both Spenser and his wife. He has led congregations in Louisville, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, Minnesota, Atlanta, and Canterbury Court.

Pastoral relationships are his first passion which is currently realized through his work with Malachi’s Storehouse where he serves as the chaplain. He loves meeting folks where they are and listening to their sacred stories. He loves the spirit of the St. Patrick’s community and believes we are a gift to him. Spenser is grateful for Christ’s love for all.

His second passion is for partnerships which resulted in cofounding the Louisville Area Peacemaking Council partnerships with the diocese of Cuba and Haiti. He recently taught with Stuart in Tanzania.

Spenser and Stuart have four children and three grandchildren. He enjoys golf, dancing, and hiking in the mountains of western North Carolina and Vermont with Stuart.