Staff

Rev. Abby Thornton Hailey is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and a graduate of the University of Virginia and Duke Divinity School. Before coming to New Covenant, she served two churches as an associate pastor in Virginia, then for almost 15 years as pastor of Broadneck Baptist Church in Annapolis, Maryland. She relocated in 2024 to the Jacksonville area with her husband, Victor, who is the Rector at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Jax Beach, and their two elementary-aged children, and came to New Covenant as pastor in February 2025. She is passionate about helping congregations become truly intergenerational communities that are deeply engaged with their local communities and committed to welcoming all people–especially those who may struggle to find a church where they truly belong. Outside of church, Abby loves being with her family, walking on the beach, travelling whenever and wherever possible, and being an avid sports fan (especially when it comes to her beloved Virginia Cavaliers–but the Duke Blue Devils and Baltimore Orioles hold special places in her heart as well, and she’s gradually being converted to a Jags fan!).