First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach, FL

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Fernandina Beach, FL

“A caring congregation nurturing spiritual growth and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ.”

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of the lord” Matthew 25:21

We are blessed to have a friendly and efficient staff to coordinate all God's ministers (clergy and laity) at FPC.

Pastor - Rev. Dr. L. Holton Siegling, Jr
L. Holton Siegling, Jr. was born in Orangeburg, SC, on July 15, 1971. He attended St. Andrews Presbyterian College before transferring to Clemson University, where he received his undergraduate degree in English in 1995. He earned his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1998 and his Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2007.
He served as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Families at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC, Pastor of the Marion Presbyterian Church in Marion , SC, from 2002-2007 and presently serves as the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Fernandina Beach. Holton has always been an active member of the presbytery of the greater church, serving most recently as a member of the Committee on Ministry. Holton enjoys being a full and contributing member of the community and has served on several boards and councils. He especially enjoys his work as a board member of the Barnabas Center and as a member of the Amelia Island Rotary Club.

Associate Pastor - Dr. Doug Ganyo
The oldest of 12 children, Douglas Richard Ganyo was born in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at the Federated Church of Grafton, ND where, under their Presbyterian pastor, he was nurtured in the faith. In College he was challenged further and gave his heart and life deeper in a personal relationship with Christ. An Air Force Christian Officer’s small group was instrumental in sending Doug to Gordon-Conwell Seminary near Boston, MA During his first “call” in rural Iowa Doug began further study at Dubuque Seminary leading to a Doctorate in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Dubuque Presbyterian Seminary. In the ministry, Doug has served several churches in multiple roles, ranging from solo pastor in a small church, to head of staff and senior pastor positions, and associate pastor specializing in pastoral care. He has always been very active at the Presbytery level and was a commissioner to General Assembly.

Director of Youth and Families - Wade Preston
Wade Preston graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Trussville, Alabama and then went on to Auburn University, where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts of Philosophy and Religious Studies. Throughout his college career, he worked as both an assistant and head wrestling coach for Auburn High School and Junior High.
After college, Wade went to work for Young Life, an organization he had been involved with as a student since high school. Wade went into the organization as an intern, and was later given the responsibility of Area Director. During his tenure there, Wade was challenged with revitalizing a defunct middle school ministry. He worked with teachers, administrators, and volunteers to redevelop this ministry. He also lead ministry teams at the middle school and high school level in the Trussville area, where he was responsible for budget administration, recruiting and training volunteers, planning events and trips, and creating PR and marketing materials. During this time, Wade also worked as a substitute teacher and coach in the Trussville city school system. He coached wide receivers and defensive backs for the middle school football team. As a substitute teacher, he worked mostly with troubled youth in an alternative school program called M.A.P.S. Wade’s interests include reading, specifically works of philosophy, spirituality, and Russian literature. He also enjoys writing and blogging. But most of all, Wade loves coaching and participating in wrestling. Wade wrestled competitively while in high school.

Pastor's Secretary - Barbara Kirkpatrick
Barbara and her retired banker husband Dennis moved to Amelia Island in June, 1999. Barbara has a secretarial degree from Georgia Southern University. She has worked previously in churches as secretary and financial secretary. She began working part time at our church as a secretary in June 1999. One year later Barbara became a full time staff member and is now the Pastor's Secretary.

Bookkeeper/Secretary - Rose Anderson
Rose attended the Southwestern Bible College, in Waxahachie, Texas. While living in Wichita Falls, Texas she worked as the Financial Secretary at First Presbyterian Church and Evangel Temple. Her father is a retired pastor so she grew up in church work. She moved to the Fernandina Beach area in August 2002. Rose has two children, Eric 17, and Kelci, 13. Her hobbies include playing the guitar writing songs, and entertaining at children's birthday parties. She has worked at our church since September 2003.

Director or Christian Education/Program Coordinator - Doris Davis
Doris started with us on August 1st, 2006 after serving for several years as Director of Christian Education at a neighboring church and comes with the most positive of references. Having worked on programs presented jointly by that church and First Presbyterian, she is well known to many persons in our congregation. Doris' principal responsibilities will lie in the areas of Christian Education and church program development.

Choir Director - Gabriela Stegman
Gabriela has a broad background in music, with a professional classical music degree, having studied with some of the great masters of music in South America. She is interested in the broad variety of music that our choir enjoys and looks forward to working with our wonderful group to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Gabriela has work experience as a piano teacher, choir director (leading six choirs in twelve years) and is an accomplished vocal arranger. We look forward to her bringing a new dimension to our music program.

Organist - Carol Whitman
Carol is a graduate of the University of Louisville in Kentucky with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education with honors in violin. Carol not only makes magic at our sanctuary organ and grand piano, she is also a violinist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Carol has also donated a lot of her time and skills helping with many other church programs.

Nursery Director - Sarah Jane Cripe
Sarah Jane has provided a friendly, caring, loving atmosphere in our nursery for over a decade. All our children enjoy seeing her familiar face while they are separated from their parents.

Sexton - Tony Brewer
Tony has accepted the challenging task of keeping our extensive collection of buildings and systems in good operating condition.

First Presbyterian Church -- a great staff to serve you!