Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Reverend Jenny Newman to serve as the next rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Port Royal. Jenny brings a diverse and unique background to this call, most recently serving in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in a dual role as rector of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension and chaplain for the Episcopal campus ministry at the University of Southern Mississippi. She will begin her time with St. Mark’s on November 1, 2025.

The bishop shared her excitement about this call. “I am absolutely thrilled that the vestry of St. Mark’s has elected and asked me to call the Reverend Jenny Newman to serve as their rector,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “Reverend Newman brings a breadth of experience, a deep commitment to the work of building the church, and a strong track record of ministry. She hails from my home diocese of Mississippi, and I quickly learned how deeply respected and loved she is across that diocese. We are blessed that she has accepted this call, and I look forward to welcoming her to the parish of St. Mark’s and to our diocese.” 

In the announcement from St. Mark’s earlier shared earlier today, the church noted that their new rector is “an engaging preacher who combines her thorough knowledge of Scripture with storytelling to explicate the Gospel and its application to daily life.” It continues: “She is a creative, collaborative leader who knows how to chart a course and how to correct one. She is committed to her core to service and outreach. Jenny brings uncommon maturity, intelligence, warmth, energy and presence to her ministry.” Read the full announcement at this link.

Jenny is enthusiastically anticipating becoming part of the St. Mark’s community. “From the moment I read the profile, I felt an undeniable tug toward St. Mark’s,” said Newman. “The search committee and leadership have astounded me with their thoughtful, wholehearted, and prayerful engagement, and I am deeply grateful to be linking arms and hearts with them in the good work happening here. What a delight it will be to get to know the people of St. Mark’s and the Diocese of South Carolina; I can only imagine what good things lie ahead!”

Ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Mississippi in 2021, Jenny earned a Master of Divinity from the Seminary of the Southwest in that same year and a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from William Carey University in 2001. She also holds a Master of Science in counseling psychology from Mississippi College (2008) and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry through Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a concentration in leadership.

Jenny lives with Bailey, her 14-year-old Westie. She has two younger brothers and two nephews and a niece whom she loves to spoil. In her spare time, she enjoys ocean kayaking, hiking, travel, music and seeing wonder in the world.