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Rev. Dr. Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman called to lead Second Presbyterian Church of Richmond, VA

The congregation of Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, has joyfully voted to welcome the Rev. Dr. Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman as their next pastor, starting in October 2024. Hartman is currently serving as Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church Statesboro.
Ja’Kori Cope
Ja’Kori Cope
rev-hartmen
The new Reverend/ Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman

In an exciting development for the Presbyterian community, the congregation of Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, has voted to call the Rev. Dr. Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman as their next pastor. Hartman, who is currently serving as Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church in Statesboro, Georgia, will officially take on her new role in October 2024.

The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) of Second Presbyterian is thrilled to welcome Hartman, highlighting her unique combination of experience, faith, and leadership skills. "Taylor brings an incredible energy, deep compassion, and a thoughtful pastoral presence," said a representative from the PNC. "Her dedication to social justice and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life make her an ideal fit for our congregation."

A Kentucky native, Hartman’s journey to ministry has been marked by academic excellence and a passion for community service. She holds a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, where she received the Billings Preaching Award, and recently completed a Doctorate in Ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Her work in public theology and creative writing earned her the Richard J. Rapp Memorial Award upon graduation.

During her time in Statesboro, Hartman has made a lasting impact. Under her leadership, First Presbyterian became the first Matthew 25 church in the Savannah Presbytery, a designation reflecting its commitment to social justice, poverty relief, and racial equity.

Rev. Dr. Hartman’s leadership extends beyond the local congregation, as she is actively involved in the broader PC(USA) community. She currently serves on the Montreat Board of Directors, chairs the Board Life Committee, and has been a speaker at various conferences, including the Holy Shift Conference in 2023.

In addition to her many accolades, Hartman is also a dynamic preacher known for her ability to tackle difficult topics with grace, honesty, and vulnerability. "Her sermons are thoughtful, biblically sound, and engaging," the PNC noted.

Hartman will be moving to Richmond with her husband, Blair, an art educator, and their two children, Hank and Ruthie. The family is looking forward to this new chapter, as is the congregation at Second Presbyterian.

For more information about Rev. Dr. Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman and to follow her journey to Richmond, visit Second Presbyterian’s pastoral transition page.