The Very Reverend David J.A. Halt was called to serve as the XXIII Rector of Saint James Episcopal Church of Texarkana, beginning August 1, 2020. 

Fr. Dave came to us from the parish of the Diocese of Springfield, where he had served faithfully as Rector for the preceding ten years.  Prior to this he had served in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

Fr. Dave was born in Toledo, Ohio and raised on a hog farm in Michigan. He attended a small high school where he was involved in theatre, football, wrestling, track, and forensics (debate). He is a graduate of Spring Arbor University (BA 1995), United Theological Seminary (MATS 2002), and Bexley Hall (MDIV 2003).  Fr. Dave engaged in post-Graduate studies in Patristics with the Antiochian House of Studies, under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Veniamin. 

He is enthusiastic about the study of Patristic and Mystical Theology, especially the Early Church's interpretation and application of Scripture and Tradition. He is currently working on a monograph on the subject of the Ecclesiology of Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos.

Fr. Dave was ordained to the Priesthood on 19 June 2004 in Southern Ohio, and has served several congregations over the past 20+ years. He served 12 years as member of the Ohio Army National Guard, where he earned his spurs with the 2nd Squadron 107th Cavalry, and supported the 155th Chemical Battalion (CERFP).

He is a member of Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, serves on the Board of Directors of Randy Sams, and in prior homes, has worked with community organizations in multiple capacities including board work and fundraising.  Over the years he has served in various diocesan offices: Dean of a rural deanery, member of Council, Ecumenical Officer, and the Commission on Ministry in the Diocese of Springfield.

He has engaged in multiple short-term missions partnerships in Russia, St. Vincent, and Tanzania, including developing partnerships with Dioceses and Parishes of the Anglican Communion and Orthodox Church. 

He has coached football and baseball, and is a member of TASO Football officiating all levels of youth and high school football. He enjoys reading, outdoor activities,  and likes to read, enjoy outdoor activities, and home improvement projects.

He has completed the journey to Everest Base Camp, Nepal, trekked Kilimanjaro, and plans to attempt Aconcagua, Argentina in early 2025.

Baptized in the Assemblies of God and ordained in the Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church Taylor has served in a pastoral capacity for seven years at large and small churches, including college ministry at the University of Arkansas, and how felt the call to serve God in the Anglican Communion.  Taylor is presently a postulant for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church.   

Married for nearly six years, he and his wife Bessie met in El Salvador where he has visited seven times. They are hoping to have children soon, if God allows. Her home town is Ahuachapán, El Salvador. Taylor’s hometown is Hot Springs, AR, but spent time in Arkadelphia earning a B.A. in Political Science at Henderson State University, Fayetteville for his first Masters in International Relations at the University of Arkansas, and finally seminary at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.

As Parish Administrator, Sandra is the organizing force in keeping things running smoothly around the Church.   

If you need assistance with something at the Church, she is our first point-of-contact and may be reached by phone at the parish office, or by email by clicking the icon below.

Andrew joined the St. James staff as Organist and Director of Music in October of 2008. Andrew also serves as the executive director of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since April 2008, and on the adjunct faculty of Texas A&M University—Texarkana.

Andrew holds the Bachelor of Music degree from Ouachita Baptist University and the Master of Arts in Music degree from the University of North Texas. Additionally, Mr. Clark has done post-graduate work in choral conducting, under James Jordan, at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey; and in organ and hymnology at Southwestern Seminary, in Ft. Worth, Texas.