Nominee for Office of Elder Unexpired Term Class of 2016 Nominee

BJ PATE—BJ has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 1999. He is a Software Developer for Comparion
Medical Analytics. BJ has served in ministries which include
Deacon, Congregational Care Committee, Staff Committee,
Communications Committee, Denominational Concerns
Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Marriage and
Family Committee Chair, Media Volunteer, Preschool Sunday
School Teacher, and Usher Guild. He is a member of GRACE
Sunday School Class. BJ is married to Katherine and they have
two daughters, Madison and Alyssa.
ROSS PLYLER—Ross has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 1990. He is an Attorney for Collins & Lacy PC.
Ross has served in ministries which include Deacon, Moderator
of the Diaconate, Strategic Planning Leadership Team, First
Presbyterian Academy Board, and Sunday School Teacher. He is a
member of the Foundations Sunday School Class. Ross is married
to Courtney and they have two children, Annette and Jay.
DOROTHY RAMSEUR—Dorothy has been a member
of First Presbyterian Church since 1965. She has served in
ministries which include Elder, Christian Education Committee,
Presbyterian Women Moderator, Spiritual Enrichment Chairman,
Bible Moderator, Healing Prayer Ministry, Thursday morning
prayer group, children and adult Sunday School Teacher, Bible
Study Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Lay Renewal
Team, Mission Trip Member, Special Events Teams, Nominating
Committees, and Marriage and Family Task Force and Committee.
Dorothy is a member of the R. N. Ward Sunday School Class.
She has three adult sons, Dixon, Gordon, and Joshua, and three
grandchildren, Jackson, Sarah Parrish, and Lily Grace.
GILL ROBISON—Gill has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 2007. He is a consultant with 91, Inc. Gill has
served in ministries which include Sunday School Teacher and
Congregational Care Facilitator. He is a member of the Prime
Time Sunday School Class. Gill is married to Elizabeth and they
have three children, Haley, Summer, and Austin.
ALICE BARRON (A.B.) STEWART—A.B. has been a
member of First Presbyterian Church since 1987. She is a
retired Environmental Planning Manager for TransSystems
Corporation. A.B. has served in ministries which include
Deacon, Second Vice Moderator and Nominating Committee
of the Women’s Ministry, Presbyterian Community Foundation
Treasurer, Strategic Leadership Team, Focus Group Co-Chair
(Strategic Planning), and Pastoral Visitation Team. She is a
member of the Prime Time Sunday School Class. A.B. is married
to Tim and they have two adult daughters, Alice and Kate.
RICK STURGIS—Rick has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1992. He and his wife Joy are owners
of SturgisWare LLC. He has served in ministries which include
Elder, Deacon, Finance Committee Chairman, Missions and
Outreach Committee Chairman, Elementary Sunday School
Teacher, Youth Advisor, and Short Term Missions. Rick and Joy
have three children, Martha, Patrick, and Clark.
LISA VAN RIPER—Lisa has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1976. She is Director of Honors
and Public Affairs at North Greenville University. Lisa has
served in ministries which include Elder, Deacon, Moderator
of Diaconate, Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee,
Christian Education Committee, Missions and Outreach
Committee, Senior Pastor Nominating Committee, PC(USA)
Task Force on Marriage and Civil Unions, Youth Advisor, Bible
Moderator, Sunday School Teacher, Wednesday Advantage
Teacher, and Vacation Bible School Teacher. She is a member of
the Accountability Sunday School Class. Lisa is married to Rip
and they have two adult daughters, Mariet and Jamie.
THOMAS WILLCOX—Thomas has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 2006. He is a Certified Financial
Planner in Greenville. Thomas has served in ministries
which include Deacon, Strategic Planning Leadership Team,
Nominating Committee, Christian Education Committee,
Senior High Youth Leader, and President of the Crossroads
Sunday School Class. Thomas is a member of the Flock
Sunday School Class. He is married to Amy and they have
three children, Caroline, Roe, and Elizabeth.
Nominee for Office of Elder Unexpired Term Class of 2016
ROBERT CARTER—Bob has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1996. He is Business Executive with
H2L Consulting Engineers. Bob has served in ministries which
include Elder, Denominational Opportunities Committee,
Missional Ministry Committee, Worship and Music Committee,
Prayer Ministry, and Sunday School Teacher. He is a member
of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. He is married to Becky
and they have two adult children, Julie and Michael, four
grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
Nominee for Office of Elder Unexpired Term Class of 2017
SCOTT SANDERS—Scott has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1993. He is an Attorney and has
served in ministries which include Elder, Board of Directors,
Evangelism and Missions Committee, Capital Campaign Steering
Committee (Coordinator), 2004 Strategic Planning Committee,
Congregational Care Committee, Foot Soldiers of Faith, Lay
Ministry, Assistant Clerk of Session, Junior High Leader, Youth
Sunday School Leader, Children’s Sunday School Teacher,
Greeter, Usher, and Basketball Coach. Scott is a member of the
Flock Sunday School Class. He is married to Jill and they have
four children, Gregory, Emily, Matthew, and Thomas.
Nominees for Office of Deacon Class of 2018
Deacons lead ministries that nurture fellowship and caregiving within and beyond
the congregation. Scriptural principles that characterize successful candidates for
the office of Deacon are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
CLAY BROWN—Clay has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 2009. He is a stay-at-home Dad. Clay has served in
ministries which include Wednesday Advantage Class Facilitator
and Community Groups. He is a member of the Foundations
Sunday School Class. Clay is married to Sarah and they have two
children, Adelaide and Hutch.
JOSH COPELAND—Josh has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 2011. He is a Sales Manager for
Milliken & Co. Josh has served in ministries which include
Usher, Hollis Room Parent, and Foundations Sunday School
Class President. He is married to Melissa and they have two sons,
Jack and Andrew.
CATHERINE CULLER—Catherine has been a member
of First Presbyterian Church since 2008. She is a Recruiter at
Godshall Professional Recruiting & Staffing. Catherine has served
in ministries which include Children’s Sunday School Teacher,
Women’s Bible Study Teacher, Children’s Basketball Coach,
and ROOTS Wednesday Night Leader. She is a member of the
Crossroads Sunday School Class. Catherine is married to Hamp and
they have three children, Hampton, Elizabeth, and Mary Grace.
SAM HOWARD—Sam has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 2010. He is an Industrial Equipment
Sales Director for RBI Equipment Sales and Surplus. Sam has
served in ministries which include Usher, Small Group Leader,
and Children’s Ministry Volunteer. He is a member of the
Foundations Sunday School Class. Sam is married to Gayle and
they have one two sons, Will and Eli.
BUTCH MILLER—Butch has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 2008. He is a Business Credit
Underwriting Lead for TD Bank. Butch has served in ministries
which include Media Volunteer for Ignite Worship, Hollis
Academy Volunteer, and Bible Study Leader for post high school
and college students. He is a member of the Crossroads Sunday
School Class. Butch is married to Molly and they have two
children, Foster and Graham.
DAVID SEAVER—David has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1982. He is a Realtor with Coldwell
Banker Caine. David has served in ministries which include
Deacon, Activities Committee, Facilities Committee, Nominating
Committee, Stewardship Committee, Men’s Ministry Small
Group Leader, and Greeter Captain. He is a member of the
Crossroads Sunday School Class. David is married to Michelle
and they have two daughters, Kaitlyn and Caroline.
JOY STURGIS—Joy has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 1999. She and her husband Rick are owners of
SturgisWare LLC. Joy has served in ministries which include
Senior High Youth Leader, Sanctuary Choir, Short Term
Missions, Children’s Sunday School Teacher, and Women’s
Ministry Circle 4. Rick and Joy have three children, Martha,
Patrick, and Clark.
ANNA TEASLEY—Anna has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since January of 2007. She has served in
ministries which include Wit & Wisdom Coordinator, Circle
Leader and Coordinator, Stephen Minister, Nominating
Committee, Short Term Missions, Vineyard bookstore volunteer,
Wednesday Advantage Supper volunteer, and Hollis Academy
volunteer. Anna is a member of the Covenant Sunday School
Class. She is married to Mike, and they have a son, Blake.
JASON TERRY—Jason has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 2007. He is an Engineer with GE. Jason has served
in ministries which include Sunday School Vice President and
Service Chair for the Foundations Sunday School Class, of which
he is a member. He is married to Jeanette and they have one
child, Delaney Grace, and second due this month.
STEVE FINCH—Steve has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 2010. He is a retired Maritime Lawyer. Steve has
served in ministries which include Nominating Committee,
Strategic Planning Leadership Team, Evangelism and Missions
Committee, Interim Executive Director Search Committee,
Alpha Course Facilitator, and Sunday School Teacher. He has
also served on various committees and as Elder, Deacon, Head
Usher, Westminster Academy Board of Directors, Nursing
Home Ministry, and Sunday School Teacher for Coral Ridge
Presbyterian in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Steve is a member of the
Prime Time Sunday School Class. He is married to Nancy, and
they have two adult sons, William and James.
DAVID WEBSTER—David has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1949. He is a retired General
Surgeon. David has served in ministries which include Deacon,
Elder, Trustee, and Director. He is a member of the Covenant
Sunday School Class. David is married to Ruth Ann and they
have three adult children, Christine, Allison, and Elizabeth.
BILLY WHITE—Billy has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 1999. He is Senior Field Underwriter with
Southern Farm Bureau Insurance Company. Billy has served as
an Usher and Children’s Ministry Volunteer. He is married to
Danielle and they have two children, Hannah Claire and Chet.
Nominees for Board of Directors Class of 2018
The duties of the Board of Directors are in connection with the care, custody, control,
and management of the real and personal property of First Presbyterian Church
as may be assigned to them by the Session.
JIM CHILDERS—Jim has been a church member since
1990. He is a retired banker. Jim has served in ministries which
include Elder, Evangelism Committee, Stewardship and Finance
Committee, Assistant Clerk of Session, Usher and Greeter
Guild, and President of the R. N. Ward Sunday School Class.
Jim is a member of the Gospel Partners Sunday School Class and
is married to Toni.
Continued on back page
Your Nominating Committee recommends the following slate to be elected as
church officers to the Class of 2018. Although this slate has come from a number
of recommendations from the congregation, nominations may be made from the
floor at the time of the Congregational Meeting, Sunday, April 26. Be advised of
the following regulation: “Before making a floor nomination, please check with the
persons you wish to nominate to make sure they are willing to serve and work.”
Officers should exhibit the following gifts and qualifications: 1. Dedicated discipleship
will be exhibited by their regular attendance in worship and the education ministry. 2.
Love of Jesus Christ will be displayed by love commensurate to their discipleship. 3.
Their manner of life reflects the Christian gospel in church and in the world. 4. Their
faithful giving of treasure, talent, and time to the ministry of Christ at FPC will be
evident in the records of the church.
Nominees for Office of Elder Class of 2018
Nominees for Foundation Board of Directors Class of 2018
The duties of the Foundation Board of Directors are to encourage, manage, and
disburse special gifts and bequests made by individuals for the purpose of creating,
expanding, and sustaining Christian ministries at First Presbyterian Church.
JOE THOMASON—Joe has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 1974. He is self-employed in Real Estate. Joe has
served in ministries which include Deacon, Long Range Planning
Committee, Worship and Music Committee, Hollis Academy
Room Parent, Neighborhood Focus, Basketball Coach (20
years), and Usher’s Guild and Captain. Joe is a member of the
Gospel Partners Sunday School Class. He is married to Dana and
they have four adult children and two grandchildren.
Nominees for the
Class of 2018
DIXON CUNNINGHAM—Dixon has been a member of
First Presbyterian Church since 1976. He is a retired Professor
of Finance, Furman University. He has served in ministries
which include Elder, Deacon, Board of Directors, Pastor
Nominating Committees, First Presbyterian Academy, Sunday
School Teacher, and Men’s Thursday Morning Prayer Group
Teacher. He is a member of the Covenant Sunday School Class.
Dixon is married to Dody and they have two adult children and
six grandchildren.
BILL SYKES—Bill has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 1972. He is Vice President of H2L Consulting
Engineers. Bill has served in ministries which include Elder,
Deacon (former Moderator), Supervision Committee, Strategic
Planning Committee, Staff Committee, Treasurer, Men of the
Church, Nominating Committee, Stephen Ministry, Senior
High Advisor, and Junior High Teacher and Advisor. He is a
member of the Koinonia Sunday School Class. Bill is married to
Jane and they have an adult son, Will, and three grandchildren.
RICHARD TAPP—Dick has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 2002. He is an Attorney with Richard
N. Tapp, P.A. Dick has served in ministries which include Elder,
Worship and Music Committee Vice Chair, Christian Education
Committee (Vice Chair) and Youth Sub-committee, Junior
High Director Task Force, President of the Prime Time Sunday
School Class, Usher Guild, and Katrina Relief Workgroup Team.
He is married to Heather and they have two adult children,
Elliott and Nelson, and two grandchildren.
First Presbyterian Church
200 West Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601
864.235.0496 FirstPresGreenville.org
Elders, along with pastors, have responsibility and authority for governing the congregation
and guiding its mission for Christ in the world. Scriptural principles that characterize
successful candidates for the office of Ruling Elder are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
JOEL CORLEY—Joel has been a member of First Presbyterian
Church since 1999. He is a Validation Manager for Nutra
Manufacturing. Joel has served in ministries which include
Deacon, Stephen Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Hospital Visitation
Ministry, and Usher and Greeter Guild. He is a member of the
Upper Room Sunday School Class.
LEE DIXON—Lee has been a member of First Presbyterian
since 2010. He is Banker with The Palmetto Bank. Lee has
served in ministries which include Flock Sunday School Class
President and Ignite service Greeter and Usher. He has also
served on various committees and as Chief Operating Officer,
Men’s Ministry Leader, Elder, and Children’s Sunday School
Teacher at First Presbyterian Churches of Winston-Salem,
NC, and North Palm Beach, FL. Lee is a member of the Flock
Sunday School Class. He is married to Margaret and they have
two daughters, Anna and Sarah.
RUSSELL GUEST—Russell has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1995. He is an Attorney with Guest
& Brady Law Firm, LLC. Russell has served in ministries which
include Deacon, Moderator of the Diaconate, Stewardship
Committee, Children’s Sunday School Teacher, Men’s Fraternity,
Men’s Small Group, and Usher Guild. He is a member of the
Flock Sunday School Class. He is married to Darst and they have
three children, Morgan, Branson, and Kori.
ROB HASSOLD—Rob has been a member of First
Presbyterian Church since 1992. He is an Attorney/Mediator
with Robert W. Hassold, Jr. LLC, Mediator and Counselor
at Law. He has served in ministries which include Elementary
Sunday School Teacher, Youth Small Group Leader, Prayer and
Healing Ministry, Men’s Small Group Leader, Malawi Mission
Trip, and Greeter and Usher Guild. Rob is married to Kim and
they have four adult children, Anne, Will, Tee, and Kit, and two
grandchildren, Gracie and Sam.