The Rev. Mary Olney-Loyd began her tenure as interim minister at the Church of the Holy Cross on Jan. 15. She and her husband, Gary Loyd, moved to Hilo from Seattle, where she served as pastor of Lake City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The Rev. Mary Olney-Loyd began her tenure as interim minister at the Church of the Holy Cross on Jan. 15. She and her husband, Gary Loyd, moved to Hilo from Seattle, where she served as pastor of Lake City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
“This is Pastor Mary’s third interim ministry position. She will lead the local congregation to determine where God is leading them, and who God is calling the congregation to serve as their next settled pastor,” said church spokeswoman Gloria Kobayashi. “Longtime Pastor Tom Olcott retired last November and has moved to South Carolina.
Olney-Loyd has a bachelor’s degree in organ performance from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., a master of music degree from the University of Cincinnati and did music ministry before deciding to become a pastor.
She is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary and has served in churches in the United Church of Christ, Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) congregations in Oregon, Illinois, Michigan and Washington.
Her father and grandfather were also ministers.
The couple consider their time in Hilo as an “adventure” and are excited to explore the island and learn about the cultures.
They will enjoy their hobbies of hiking, swimming and going to the beach here. Loyd is an avid birdwatcher. They are beginning classes in Hawaiian language and culture.
The Church of the Holy Cross is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and located at 440 W. Lanikaula St. in Hilo.
Worship services are 10 a.m., with Sunday school at 8:45 a.m. Communion is observed on the first Sunday of the month.
Church of the Holy Cross sings weekly: “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Know you are welcome to visit Church of the Holy Cross.