All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church has selected its ninth rector, the Rev. Channing Smith, who will begin in his new post in January.

Rev. Smith has served as rector for three prior congregations, most recently at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas, a large congregation consisting of two campuses and two early childhood education programs.

Other stints included serving as rector at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church and School in Saratoga, California, and Transfiguration Episcopal Church in San Mateo, California.

Smith grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and went to Kenyon College in Ohio and the General Theological Seminary in New York City.

Smith said he is “looking forward to all the ways that the congregation will grow spiritually and give voice to hope as we are grounded in love for God and one another. As the First Letter of John reminds us ‘When we love one another, God lives in us.’”

Rev. Smith’s first Sunday presiding and preaching at All Saints will be at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services on Jan. 14.

Rev. Smith has been married to Mary Richards, a licensed psychotherapist, for 32 years and they have a daughter, Olivia, who will attend Montecito Union School.

All are welcome to attend services to welcome the Smith family and begin the next chapter in All Saints history.

For more about All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, visit www.asbts.org.