​THE REVEREND RAPHIELL ASHFORD
The Reverend Raphiell Ashford is the twenty-first rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Columbia. Born and reared in Kosciusko, MS, Father Ashford received a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in General Science from Mississippi State University. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from service as a medic in the U.S. Army, he worked in numerous fields prior to entering seminary. Father Ashford was employed as the Executive Assistant for CP Elder Care in Ridgeland, MS, the Business Office Manager/Financial Coordinator for Mississippi Orthodontic Specialists in Jackson, MS, the Program Specialist for Catholics Charities of Jackson, MS and a Supervisor/Psychology Technician for Mississippi State Hospital in Whitfield, MS. 

Father Ashford earned his M.Div. from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. Prior to arriving at St. Luke’s in October 2019, he served as priest at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Jackson, MS and as the Diocesan Missioner, serving as a supply priest for St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Vicksburg, MS, and All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Jackson, MS.
Since his arrival in Columbia, Father Ashford has spent much of his time leading his parish through the pandemic and getting more familiar with the city, especially the Waverly Community, where St. Luke’s is located.
Father Ashford is active in the diocese and larger Church community. He recently served on the Bishop Nominating Committee which was responsible for presenting a slate of candidates to the Standing Committee for consideration to serve as the 9th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina.
Father Ashford is a trained musician having served as church organist, pianist, and choirmaster at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Jackson, MS) and pianist/organist at the First Missionary Baptist Church (Kosciusko, MS). He also served as principal clarinetist with the Mississippi Community Symphonic Band prior to becoming a seminarian.
Father Ashford is one of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Linda (Evans) Ashford. He was reared by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mae McLemore Evans, who was an educator of 36 years. Father Ashford’s years of individual, educational and professional development have yielded many areas of interest, expertise, and experience.New Paragraph