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Pastors & Staff
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225-387-0617
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225-338-1010
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225-344-5909
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225-387-2287
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Email: gerrit@fpcbr.org
Phone Ext 226
The Rev. Dr. Gerrit Dawson is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church. He is married to Rhonda and they have four children, ages 17 to 26. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Dawson was the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Lenoir, North Carolina for 13 years before coming to Baton Rouge. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2002 from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. Dawson carries on an active writing ministry, focusing on Christian spiritual growth and the person and work of Christ. One of his most recent books is Jesus Ascended. Dawson’s vision for the church centers on Jeremiah 29: 7 “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you.”
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dick@fpcbr.org
Ext. 228
The Rev. Dr. Richard (Dick) Gates is Associate Pastor for Mission and Pastoral Care for First Presbyterian Church. He is married to Judie Gates and they have two sons both living in the Phoenix, AZ area and have one granddaughter and two grandsons. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Ohio and moving to Roanoke, VA, he worked as an electrician on the Norfolk & Western Railway for ten years before answering a call to Gospel ministry and attending Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Ms. He was ordained in October 15, 1978. Following seminary Gates served churches in Mississippi, West Virginia (Evangelist for New Church Development), Georgia, Alabama and now Louisiana. Gates graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA in 1987, with a Doctor of Ministry degree. While serving as a pastor in Birmingham, Dr. Gates taught adjunctively at Beeson Divinity for nine years. He is also adjunct faculty at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for the Perspectives Course. He has ministered in Haiti, Cambodia, Russia and Egypt - mission is very important to him. Pastoral Ministry remains a true love for Dr. Gates and First Presbyterian Church is a wonderful church to do ministry. “Lo, I am with you always”, Jesus said, “even to the end of the age.” “Even so come Lord Jesus.”
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barry@fpcbr.org
Ext. 230
Barry joined our staff in 2005 as Ministry Executive responsible for human resources, budget and finance, payroll, campus and facility care and administration of the overall church program. He participates in our preaching rotation and regularly teaches the Cross Roads Adult Sunday School Class. Barry received his BA and MA from the University of Alabama, worked in University Administration at the Univ. of Mo. and the Univ. of Texas, and held various management positions in the wireless communications industry before being called to First. He and his wife Becky have been married for 38 years and have 2 daughters, Katy and Molly.
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whitney@fpcbr.org
Ext. 236
Rev. Whitney Alexander has been the Associate Pastor of Youth and Family at First Presbyterian Baton Rouge since January, 1999. He is married to Phyllis and they have two sons, Andrew (20) and Patrick (18). Born in New Orleans, Whitney is in his 34th year of youth ministry-16 years with Young Life and 18 years in the church. He received his Masters of Divinity in 1986, and is nearing completion of his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA in 2011 in "Youth and Family Culture." Whitney's desire for the body of Christ is "to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
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alec@fpcbr.org
Ext. 227
Alec Flynt is the pastor of discipleship and young adults at First. He is a graduate of the University of Florida, a clear indication that God is on his side. He went on to get a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. Alec is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and has previously worked in outside sales, church planting, and youth ministry. Alec is married and has three young children, which should explain why he looks tired but is still happy. He loves golf, his family, and Jesus, but most of the time not in that order.
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lindy@fpcbr.org
Ext. 229
Lindy began her tenure on staff with FPC as the Director of Children's Ministries in 1988. Over the past twenty-two years, she has worn many hats in her service to the congregation. Lindy currently serves as Director of Events and Facilities, which includes managing the use of all church facilities and the church calendar, coordinating weddings, funerals, conferences, meals, and all other on-campus activities, and knowing everything that happens in the life of the church at all times. Despite her decades of ministry to the church, her favorite ministry is that of loving wife to her husband, Dale, mother to Neil, Katie, and Amy, and grandmother to her five grandchildren, Matthew, Joseph, Abigail, Margot, and Emily Claire.
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nancy@fpcbr.org
Ext. 233
Nancy Spiller is passionate about worshiping God through music and drama. As the Creative Arts Director, she leads the music for the 8:45 contemporary service and also loves finding creative ways to get the Gospel across to people; whether that is through musicals, variety shows, youth productions, plays, and as the director of the First Pres Christmas Live Nativity. She enjoys it all! Every New Year brings a new challenge for her.
Nancy has been on staff since 1993, and says there has never been a dull moment. She is married to Rick and together they have six grown children and six small grandchildren!
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steve@fpcbr.org
Ext. 234
Dr.Stephen Rushing is a native of Baton Rouge and graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in education and choral conducting. He completed a Master of Music degree at Drake University where his studies included orchestral conducting with John Canarina, and later completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Kansas in vocal performance. Throughout his musical career he has served churches of various denominations in multiple roles. His first choral conducting position was at Winbourne United Methodist Church in the 1970s. Since then he has sung and conducted for Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, Congregational, Christian Science, and Jewish congregations in Louisiana, Iowa and Kansas. As a Presbyterian, he is at home in his position of Chancel Choir Director for First Presbyterian Church Baton Rouge. His wife Lois, and his children, Anthony and Johanna have all served as professional church musicians at one time or another. Stephen recognizes his musical talents as gifts from God and is called to share his love for the art of music.
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mhale6189@cox.net Mr. Hale, a native of Mississippi, has lived in Baton Rouge, LA, all of his adult life. His varied careers have included banking, social work and church music. He holds degrees in computer science, education, addiction counseling, social work and music, with Masters Degrees in social work and music from Louisiana State University. He began to study piano at age 12 and by age 15 was playing the piano and organ for the small Methodist Church where he grew up. At age 16 he won the Mississippi MTA piano concerto competition for young virtuosi. At age 17 he began his studies at LSU and obtained his first professional position as organist for the Presbyterian Church of West Baton Rouge in Port Allen, LA. In conjunction with his other career interests he has worked as a part-time church musician all of his life. After retiring from the practice of social work in 2005, Mr. Hale turned his focus to his first love, sacred music. He joined the staff of 1st Pres on December 1st, 2005. He resumed graduate study at LSU and earned the Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance in August of 2009. He is a father and grandfather. His son Alan, daughter-in-law Corrie, granddaughter, Dawn, and grandson, Colton, live in Denham Springs, LA. Now semi-retired, his recreational interests include swimming, working out, gardening and cooking.
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mary@fpcbr.org
Ext. 241
Mary Willson joined our First Presbyterian staff as Director of Women in Ministry in October 2009. Before moving to Baton Rouge, Mary spent three years at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. Originally a Tennessean, perhaps one day she will cheer for the Tigers...perhaps.
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cheryl@fpcbr.org
Ext. 243
Cheryl was raised in church, serving in children’s ministry since the early age of 12. She has a bachelor’s degree in Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences and has experience as a classroom teacher in inner-city public school as well as private. At her previous church, she helped develop the children’s programming and began writing curriculum add-ons to enhance the children’s learning and understanding. Cheryl has been at First Presbyterian since 2006 as the Director of Children’s Ministries. Her passion is for reaching the entire family by encouraging and equipping parents to be their child’s spiritual leaders. She wants to reach the hearts of children with the word of God and to demonstrate His love to every child. Cheryl’s upbringing in a bible-based church and in a strong Christian family have proven to her the importance of studying and learning scripture, especially at a young age. “Children aren’t just thirsty, they’re HUNGRY for Jesus Christ, so don’t water it down.” Cheryl has been the wife of L. Chad Lott since 1991 and has three children: Lance (14), Logan (13), and Leah (3)
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jill@fpcbr.org
Ext. 242
Jill Noel has been on staff at First Pres. since 1997. She has recently joined children’s ministry and oversees Kingdom Kids on Sunday morning. Jill is married to Jay Noel and is the mother of Jana and Josh.
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Josh Maddin is the new Director of Youth Ministry at First. He is a graduate of Belhaven University after attending Texas Tech University for 4 years. He has a Master of Religion from Westminster Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Youth and Family Ministry. Josh is originally from Texas and is married to Rachael, a native Texan as well. They have a beautiful young daughter, Peyton. Josh loves movies, skiing, music and anything outdoors. Josh will be seeking ordination in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church later this year and is excited to be at First. Josh's prayer for our students echoes Ephesians 3; that we would be rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
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adriane@fpcbr.org
Ext. 239
Adriane Bennett is a Baton Rouge native, and has been a member of FPCBR since she went through the Confirmation Class years ago. During college, she volunteered with the Youth Department working primarily with Middle School. She is delighted to return to First Pres and be a part of the Youth Staff, after studying and working in technical theatre and performing arts for the past 13 years. She is excited about bringing her passions for showing kids the love of Jesus and using God-given abilities in creative arts together.
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Ext. 231 carol@fpcbr.org Carol Pruitt is the accountant at First Presbyterian Church. Born and raised in Houston, Texas she moved to Baton Rouge in 1983. She is married to Jason and has one Son, Cody (22). Carol came to First Pres in 1999. She has 25 years experience in accounting, purchasing, and the chemical industry. She takes her job very seriously and believes it is her ministry to be the best steward she can for First Pres
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vicki@fpcbr.org
Ext. 222
Vicki joined the staff of First Pres on February 18, 1983. She currently serves as Administrative Assistant to Dick Gates, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Missions, and keeps our membership database current. She has grown to love this congregation and considers our members her second family. Vicki is married to David, has two grown children and stays busy with her three grandchildren.
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jaci@fpcbr.org
Ext. 221
Jaci has been on staff here at First Pres as Gerrit’s administrative assistant since October, 2005. Her degree is in Office Administration and prior to coming on Staff here at the church, she worked as a paralegal for over 13 years. She is married to Ray. Oh yeah, she also loves LSU Tiger Football! GEAUX TIGERS!!!
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sherry@fpcbr.org
Ext. 224
Sherry has split responsibilities as the administrative assistant for Barry Phillips (Ministry Executive) and Mary Willson (Director of Women in Ministry). You will probably see her most often on Sunday mornings around the Connection Center and definitely at all of the events for women. She helps manage the master calendar as well as New Member assimilation classes and the Shepherding Program. Being a military dependant, Sherry has lived all over the United States and abroad in Germany. But she considers Memphis, Tennessee home since she lived there 25 years before moving to Baton Rouge. Sherry has been married to Rusty for 34 years. They have 3 children: Kelcie and Ryan who are both married and live in Memphis and Caitlyn is a sophomore at LSU. Sherry and Rusty have two grand-daughters; McKinley(5) and Annie(2).
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katie@fpcbr.org
Ext. 240
Katie has been at First Presbyterian since January 2009. Her degree in package and advertising design combined with 10 years experience in printing sales has made the job of Communications Specialist a good fit. She and Jeff have been members of First Pres for over 16 years. Their two children, Henry (13) and Carolyn (12) are active in the youth ministry.
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387-2287
My degrees are from Ohio State, Michigan State and I received my doctorate from Florida State University in 1982. I have been on the faculty of both LSU and Louisiana Tech teaching marriage & child development classes. Also I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, an LPC board-approved supervisor, and a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor.
I admit to being a Yankee, was raised with 3 brothers so I am comfortable counseling men (as well as women), and have lived in the south since the late 70's. I have been married since 1980 to a wonderful man, Pete Adams, and have been blessed with two adult step-children, 9 step-grandchildren, and 2 champion Russian Blue cats. I became a Christian in Pittsburgh in 1967 through Young Life.
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