SMPC Announces Transitional Pastor

Note: This letter was emailed to SMPC members and friends on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Dear SMPC Members and Friends,

On behalf of the Transition Committee, I am excited to announce that Dr. Sanford (Sandy) Hull has accepted the Transitional Pastor position at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church, effective Monday, December 1, 2025. His first Sunday preaching will be on Sunday, December 7.

Dr. Sandy Hull and his wife, Belinda

We are filled with hope as we welcome Sandy to SMPC and look forward to him meeting all of you, this wonderful community of faith, as he leads us through the interim period between Dr. Matt Brown’s retirement and our next senior pastor, bringing his experience, warmth, and positivity.

Sandy brings a wealth of experience to this role. He most recently served as Transitional Pastor at Palmetto Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant, SC. Previously, he served as senior pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church, Jenkintown, PA (2007-2022); The Community Church of Smoke Rise, Kinnelon, NJ (2001-2006); and Brookdale Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph, MO (1985-2000). He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.

Sandy also served in leadership roles in the Presbytery of Philadelphia as moderator of the Committee on Self-Development of People; as moderator of the Transitional Leadership Commission, which guided the presbytery between general presbyters; and as moderator of an administrative commission overseeing a new church development. He also moderated the Visioning Task Force of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery.

Sandy and his wife, Belinda, have four grown sons. Charlie and his wife, Kristi, live in Denver with Donnie the cat and Buck the dog. Tim is taking advantage of remote work to live wherever he wants around the world (currently El Salvador for the surfing). Kevin and his wife, Ariana, live in Charlotte with their four children. Ned and his wife, Alex, live in the Philadelphia area but don’t like the Eagles.

We hope you’ll plan to join us on Sunday, December 7, for Sandy and Belinda’s first Sunday at SMPC! We will continue to keep you updated with more details, including his contact information. In the meantime, please pray for Sandy and Belinda as they begin a new life in Charlotte; for Matt and Donna, as they say goodbye to the church they’ve loved for over two decades and say hello to a beautiful, enriching retirement; and for our congregation, as we steer this time of change together as a church family.

Nancy Metzler
Transition Committee Chair
nancymetzler@gmail.com