The Rev. William Simerly was called to serve as the full-time chaplain to Tyson House in the Spring of 2026. Fr. Will has been an Episcopal priest since August 2024. Fr. Will graduated from the School of Theology at the University of the South with a Master of Divinity in May 2024. He also received a B.S. in religious studies from King University in 2020.

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Before serving at Tyson House, Fr. Will served as Curate at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Knoxville from 2024-2026. William and his husband Ashton enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, and watching their pet cats play together.

 

As Chaplain, Fr. Will oversees the ministry of Tyson House including leading worship, teaching, providing pastoral care and welcoming all to "come and see" what God is doing in this holy place.