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. Robert G. Hartmans, Interim Rector
The Reverend Robert G. Hartmans officially began as Interim Rector of The Church of Holy Cross in Valle Crucis in October of 2024, but ministry with the people of Holy Cross began the day of Hurricane Helene ravaged the community.
Robert grew up in both the Episcopal and Pentecostal traditions in Knoxville TN. After a short career in restaurant management, he went to seminary in Virginia, then served three parishes in Chattanooga TN. Robert also worked with the bishop of East Tennessee to engage parishes in assessing and growing practices of vitality.
Robert’s favorite aspect of priesthood is being present with folks so to be open to work of Jesus Christ in the beautiful and difficult parts of their lives. He also loves to preach and teach. Make an appointment with Robert by clicking here.
For fun, Robert loves to bake pies, get outdoors, and rock climbing. He is married to Casey Miller who specializes in developing digital equity. They have two children, Simon and Faye.
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.
​
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.