Our Clergy

The Reverend Joshua Bowron

Father Josh became the eighth Rector of Saint Martin's in October 2014. He was drawn to Saint Martin's, in part, by its open and diverse community which is characteristic of the Diocese of Atlanta and the Parish that sponsored him for ordination. Previously, he served as Sr. Assistant to the Rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Charlotte. In describing Father Josh the following words come to mind: bright, creative, open-minded, articulate, and enthusiastic.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Father Josh spent his formative years in Atlanta, Georgia where he was raised in the Baptist tradition. He was drawn to the Episcopal ethos by the beauty and power of the Easter liturgy he experienced at a friend's burial service during his years as an undergraduate. He hasn't looked back or slowed down since. After receiving his BA from Mercer University, he began his ten-year career as a Montessori teacher and received full accreditation, before discerning a call to the priesthood. He graduated from the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee, where he served as student body President and received an academic honor for biblical studies.

Father Josh and his wife Brittany, who first met in Middle School, have three children. Brittany has had a career in education, holds an Master’s in Library Media, and is currently our Director of Children’s Formation. Father Josh notes that from his children he gains appropriate balance and perspective, as "they offer a certain zest and chaos to life!" In his free time, Josh enjoys drawing cartoons, writing, and playing old-time banjo.

The Reverend Justice Schunior

Mother Justi (or just Justi, whatever you prefer) was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina but has served in the dioceses of Virginia, Washington D.C., and Colorado. She was drawn to St. Martin’s because of its commitment to collaborative ministry and Christian discipleship, joining our parish as Associate Priest in the summer of 2022.

Justi graduated from St. John’s College (the Great Books school) in Annapolis, Maryland, and received her Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, with a focus on Anglican/Episcopal Studies. She was ordained a deacon in 2008 and a priest on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul in 2009. Before ordination, Justi taught English in China and worked in non-profit development, though she spent most of her time working on political organizing in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mother Justi strives to live up to her name, “Justice”, by challenging the systems and practices that divide us from one another. She is particularly passionate about anti-racism and anti-gun-violence work. Her favorite book of scripture is John’s gospel: and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us!

Justi met her husband, Andrew Baisch, in college, and while Andrew remains in Denver for the time being with his job, they enjoy playing golf and making each other laugh. Justi is delighted to be back in her native state – objectively, the best state. She likes to run, read, and watch Carolina basketball.

The Reverend Armand LaVallee

Father Armand was born and raised in metropolitan Providence, Rhode Island of mixed French (Roman Catholic) and Polish (National Catholic) parentage. Transferred to the Episcopal Church at the start of first grade, he was educated at St. Dunstan's (Choir) School and Moses Brown School in Providence, received his BA from Kenyon College in Ohio, and earned his MDiv from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He later earned a PhD from Harvard University in Theology.

He was ordained deacon and then priest in 1959 by the Bishop of Rhode Island and served several parishes in Rhode Island, including rectorships at St. Thomas' Church in Greenville, and St. Mark's Church in Riverside. In 1982, he journeyed west to Danbury, Connecticut to go on staff at St. James with a particular focus on adult Christian formation. It was there that he began what is now an over thirty-three year stint as a Mentor for EfM – Education for Ministry.

On retirement in 1998, Father Armand journeyed once again to the west but now also south, settling in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was here that he found Saint Martin's ... or it found him. He was co-opted by the then-Interim Rector to assist with various duties, principally with adult Christian formation and worship.

Father Armand has two adult children (Jane and Amy) by a previous marriage. Armand is married to his wife, Alison. They live in Mint Hill with three cats and the memory of one dog.