About
The Church of the Holy Cross,
Valle Crucis
Holy Cross is a Christ-centered Episcopal community of faith that offers an active, loving, and welcoming place of worship, ministry, and Christian fellowship. We are committed to meaningful worship services and celebrating the love of Christ through the Holy Eucharist, hearing the Word, and embracing all who enter our doors. This parish is truly characterized by energy and a dedication to helping others through a variety of ministries, strong lay leadership and active participation of all. And we are a multifaceted faith community that treasures and enjoys each other and our connections to our surrounding communities.
First, and foremost, Holy Cross is a place of worship. We do not represent a large membership but we openly receive those from all walks of life. All are welcome to share the Holy Eucharist at our table. The liturgy, celebration of the Holy Eucharist, challenging sermons, inspiring sacred music, the beauty and history of this simple stone church all combine to offer an inspirational and compelling place to worship and draw closer to God.
The Church of the Holy Cross Staff
The Rev. Dr. Scott A. Oxford, Interim Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Dr. Scott A. Oxford is an eighth generation Appalachian, a lifelong Episcopalian, and a Camp Henry Alum. He is a one-time Rector of Holy Cross, Valle Crucis (1993-2000). A graduate of Appalachian State, Father Scott earned his Masters of Divinity at Sewanee in 1987, and his Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. He retired from active ministry after 30 years of service, which also included: Ascension, Hickory, St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s Missions in his native Burke County, and St. James, Black Mountain. He served as Canon to the Ordinary to Bishop Robert Johnson (2000-2003) where he oversaw numerous parish transitions. Following his retirement in 2017, Bishop McLoughlin assigned Father Scott to assist three parishes in the transition process. During COVID, Oxford served part-time at Trinity Parish, Asheville.
Father Scott is currently Scholar in Residence, Appalachian Collection at ASU where he is researching and writing about the early years of the Valle Crucis Mission, and reminiscences of ministry amongst the mountain folk of this region. He is father of Caroline and Will, and ‘PopPop’ to Will and wife Heidi’s daughters, Selma and Naomi. Scott and Julia moved from Black Mountain to Boone in 2022.
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Get in touch with Fr. Scott by clicking here to send him an email.
Shane Watson, Director of Music
Shane Watson is a Boone native and holds a Bachelor of Music from App State with a focus in organ performance/sacred music. He received his Master of Library and Information Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Shane is also an avid fiddler who focuses on traditional Scottish music of the 18th and 19th centuries and is active in promoting Scottish traditional music and its connection to the traditional music of Appalachia through performances and lessons.
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Get in touch with Shane by clicking here to send him an email.
Ahren Koenig, Parish Administrator
Ahren Koenig is a native of Atlanta GA, who grew up in Quito Ecuador as a missionary kid. After finishing high school at Alliance Academy International, a Christian & Missionary Alliance school for missionaries in Ecuador, Ahren returned to Atlanta to pursue a variety of blue-collar opportunities. Brought onboard at Holy Cross during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahren has put down roots in the High Country, and was joined by childhood crush and spouse of four years, Stacey Bulmer, in 2024.