Our Staff

Rev. Phil C. Mason

Interim Rector

A native of Austin, Texas, and a 1996 graduate of The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, Father Phil Mason accepted the position be our interim priest beginning in September 2024.
Prior to answering God’s call to ordained ministry, he worked as a contract computer programmer and consultant for about 17 years. Fr. Phil and his wife, Susan, have three children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Some 28 years ago Fr. Phil was ordained in the Diocese of Colorado where he served as a priest and rector for 13 years. From 2002 to 2003, he studied and received certification of membership with the Interim Ministry Network of the Alban Institute .
Upon retirement in 2009, the Masons moved back to Texas and built a home near San Marcos and Wimberly. Since returning, Fr. Phil has served as Interim Rector at Grace Episcopal Church, Llano; St. Philip’s Episcopal Church San Antonio; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brady; St. Stephen’s, Wimberley; Church of the Annunciation, Luling; and Reconciliation, San Antonio.
“Being rightfully accused of flunking retirement, I now serve churches all over the Diocese of West Texas, including now our dear St. Margaret’s,” he says.

Laura McWhirter

Senior Warden

I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., and have been an Episcopalian my entire life. Upon graduating from college, I joined the Air Force and eventually made my way to Texas in 1996. I began attending St. Margaret’s in 1997, and have been a member since then. I have been involved in various ministries over the years and am currently the Senior Warden and a member of the Praise Band that plays at the Contemporary Service. I retired from my “day job” in December 2023 and enjoy spending more time on church activities as well as traveling.

Laura Wooldridge

Junior Warden

A cradle Episcopalian, Laura Wooldridge was raised in Houston, mostly at Ascension Episcopal Church but also a regular attendee at Church of the Redeemer and at St. Christopher’s in League City.
Moving to the San Antonio area fresh out of college she joined Reconciliation for a couple of years before she and husband Hollis joined St. Margaret’s in 1985. She served on the Bishops Committee that became the first vestry in 1987 when St. Margaret’s moved from mission to parish status. She and Hollis and their four sons attended St. John’s in New Braunfels for a few years as the boys grew up in Comal ISD schools. They returned to St. Margaret’s in 2006 and have been active ever since. In addition to serving on the vestry and currently as Junior Warden, Laura has been a delegate to diocesan council the last two years, a member of the school board and has been the nursery and Sunday school teacher.
Laura is a dedicated grandmother to five Wooldridge grands, an avid Astros fan, and award-winning quilter. She’s really happiest amidst Texas spring wildflowers and watching hummingbirds from her sewing room window throughout the summer.

Lauren "Lo" Benton

Parish Administrator

Lauren “Lo” Benton is the Office Administrator for St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and School. Lo has lived in multiple states but has found a home in San Antonio with her husband, Dustin and her son, Arthur. Her involvement at St. Margaret’s began with her mother, Stacey, who is a former teacher at the school. Arthur is also a student at St. Margaret’s.
Lo is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in media arts. She has found great passion in this neighborhood church where her work each day consists of friendly faces, problem-solving, and making positive change in the community. When you stop by her office, you can find her listening to jazz and awaiting good conversation.

Mike Burroughs

Verger

Mike Burroughs was a member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church from 1989 to 1994 and has been again since 2000. He has served as verger since 2021, in addition to serving with several other ministries. A native of Bryan TX, he earned a B.A. in history/political science through Texas A&M University and an M.Ed. in educational psychology through Wayne State University, Detroit MI. Mike served in the U.S. Air Force for over 24 years in signals intelligence, communications skills instruction, and human resources and later worked as a technical writer and software requirements analyst within the Air Force community for about 19 years. He and his wife, Vicki, were married here in San Antonio in 1977. They have two sons.