Reverend Dr. Dawn Chesser
Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Dawn Chesser is an ordained elder and currently a member of the Holston Annual Conference.
Dawn grew up in Arkansas, but moved to Northern Illinois to attend Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Dawn served for nineteen years in the Chicago metropolitan area as a member of the Northern Illinois Conference. From 2013-2018, Dawn was the Director of Preaching Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.
A creative worship designer and well-seasoned preacher of the Word, Dawn has led congregations ranging from urban to suburban to rural, large, medium, and small, in varied worship styles. She also served for a short time in campus ministry. While completing her PhD in liturgical studies she taught at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Candler School of Theology and Tennessee Wesleyan College.
She lives in Fountain City with her husband Scot Danforth and their three dogs and two cats. Dawn and Scot have two adult sons.
Wendel Werner
Music Director and Pianist
Wendel Werner received his Bachelor of Music in Studio Music and Jazz and his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Tennessee. While at the University, he studied with renowned jazz musicians, Donald Brown and Jerry Coker.
An accomplished composer and arranger, Mr. Werner has written for the Knoxville Children’s Show Choir, Knoxville Showstoppers, UT Singers, Knoxville Community Chorus, and the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association. A proponent of jazz, Mr. Werner has performed frequently for “Alive After Five,” series of jazz programs at the Knoxville Museum of Art as well as directed numerous musicals there.
Werner has started several vocal and instrumental groups and toured extensively behind several of his own albums. His most recent group, Wendel Werner and the Strange Relationship, composed of three horn players and four vocalists, performs a variety of music styles.
Michelle Grimm
Administrative Assistant
Michelle has lived in Knoxville for the past 20+ years, and raised her 3 daughters here. She enjoys singing, baking, painting, quilting, sewing and helping others. She has truly felt like she has found her home here at St. Paul and is happy to welcome you to the church and help answer any questions you may have. She is a member of the handbell and adult choirs, is part of the worship planning team and the technology, worship, arts and music team. Michelle loves St Paul and has truly enjoyed making this her church home. Be sure to stop by the church office and say Hi to her and Oca, the church dog, if you come to St Paul.
Aaron Collins
Building Manager
Aaron Collins graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and a minor in Appalachian Studies. Aaron has worked in the social work field since 2009. This work has ranged from working with at risk youth in rural Southwest Virginia to working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in urban Newark, NJ. Aaron, along with his husband and 2 dogs have lived in Knoxville for 7 years. During the past 7 years, Aaron worked with The Department of Children’s Service (DCS) and Tennessee Early Intervention (TEIS). Aaron served in the US Army Reserves for 12 years as a Military Police Officer. Aaron has taken a leap into the unknown, as he knows God has called him to make a change in his life. Aaron is excited to work at St Paul and to use his skills in service to God. He enjoys several hobbies and his favorite is genealogy and family history. Aaron considers himself a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.
Anna Caroline Causey
Youth Pastor
Anna Caroline Causey originally started attending St Paul in the fall of 2021. It swiftly became clear to her, the congregation, and the church leadership that St Paul was where she was meant to be. She is a member of the Choir, handbell choir, Worship Leadership Team, Technology Worship Arts and Music Team, and Church Council. In 2023, Anna Caroline was tasked with starting a youth ministry at St Paul. Through the grace of God, a small but dedicated group has emerged that meets regularly for both lessons and fellowship.
Anna Caroline lives in Knoxville with her two daughters and her dog, Clarence (who serves as the official mascot of both the choir and the youth group).