Staff

Rev. Melody Perdue

Rector

Melody was called as Rector of St. Paul’s in November of 2024, after serving as the Associate Rector at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach for 4 years. Ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Rob Skirving in the Diocese of East Carolina in 2020, Melody is delighted to return to and serve in her home Diocese.

Melody grew up in western Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Grove City College in Grove City, PA. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Bexley Seabury Seminary in Chicago, IL. She previously served churches as a youth pastor and worship leader in Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina since 1997.

Melody is an experienced worship leader, youth pastor, military and clergy spouse, and mother of 5 (Nate – William & Mary ’24; Sam – U.S. Army, Anna - VCU ’26; John – U.S. Coast Guard; and Lydia – John A. Holmes ‘26) She is married to The Rev. Hayes Perdue, an Episcopal priest and U.S. Navy chaplain, who retired in June of 2025 after 20 years of active-duty service.

Rev. Gary Stanley

Youth Pastor

Originally from Smithfield, Virginia, Gary has been in Edenton for over 35 years where he has served in different local churches in different capacities, mostly serving in youth ministry. Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Old Dominion University, then a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and has been ordained since the late 1980s.

Retiring after almost 30 years in January 2024, Gary also had a career in the mental health field where he was a provider and an administrator. After retiring from the mental health field, he began to provide chaplaincy services at Chowan and Bertie Hospitals. Gary has passionately served the youth and families at St. Paul's since 2018.

In May 2026, he celebrates 35 years of marriage to Sandra. Gary and Sandra have 2 adult children, Garrett and Abigail.

Rev. Gary Stanley, youth pastor at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Edenton, NC.webp

Michael Morgan

Director of Music & Organist

Michael Morgan joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in June, 2024. Prior to this appointment, Michael has served congregations in Eastern North Carolina in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Cooperative Baptist, Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), and United Methodist.

He studied organ at College of the Albemarle then transferred to Campbell University and majored in Church Music with an emphasis in Organ. One of his greatest passions is to lead and strengthen congregational singing. His musical career can be summed up in this: Music touches all – no matter their race, creed or color. It speaks where the spoken word cannot.

Michael lives in Shawboro, NC and lives on his family’s farm. He has two children; Macy Wade and Michael and one granddaughter Marya.

Kim Willis

Parish Administrator

Kim returned to St. Paul’s in the Spring of 2023 as Parish Administrator after having served as youth minister at St. Paul’s for 10 years. She is thrilled to be back after serving as parish administrator at Christ Church, Elizabeth city, and loves being helpful to the many wonderful parishioners.

A native of Raleigh, NC, she is proud to call Edenton and St. Paul's home for over 20 years. Kim graduated from UNC Wilmington and has been involved in marketing and real estate.

She enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water, traveling, and especially watching her 14 year old, Clayton, play sports.