Charles H. Gnerlich joined us as First Presbyterian Business Administrator April 2005. Charles has a wealth of experience including thirty years as a Naval Officer with global assignments. His four different naval commands include Commanding Officer of Naval Station New York City, a position equivalent to a City Manager. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. Charles has attended the Navy Senior Leadership Course in Total Quality Management and the Armed Forces Staff College.

After retiring from the Navy, Charles worked with Leadership Development, Inc as a Dale Carnegie Trainer. He instructed corporate and public classes in The Dale Carnegie Course, Personal Development Program, and Leadership Training for Managers helping organizations improve the leadership and interpersonal skills of their people. He also worked with Converse College for a year as Acting Director, South Carolina Institute of Leadership for Women.

In the role of Business Administrator, Charles will report to the Senior Pastor with all administrative support staff responsibility. His primary functions include financial responsibility, maintenance of facilities and grounds, administrative support to program and pastoral staff, recreation programs, food services, and security.

Jeffrey Smith has led our Youth Program since May 2004. Jeff was previously at First Presbyterian Church in Bennettsville, South Carolina where he served for four years as Director of Christian Education. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bible and Religion from Montreat College with a concentration in Youth Ministry. Jeff began seminary studies at the Charlotte campus of Union Theological Seminary September 2006. His course work, leading to a Master of Divinity degree, will take 5 years and is designed for persons with full-time employment.

Jeff brings training, experience, and energy to our program and we enjoy having him and his wife, Angela, as part of First Presbyterian Church.

Carrie Williamson joined our staff as the Assistant Youth Director in August 2004. She works primarily with the Jr. High. Carrie was born and raised in Orlando, FL and recently moved to Spartanburg from Asheville, NC. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Religion with a concentration in Youth Ministry from Montreat College in Montreat, NC. She served as Youth Coordinator for Girls Discipleship at First Presbyterian Church in Orlando where she also grew up in the Youth program. Carrie comes to us with a desire to minister to and love on Youth, encouraging them in their walk with Christ, and walking through life with them.

Carrie and her husband, Brian, enjoy sunset cruises, backpacking, and karaoke.

Zola is close to completing the requirements to become a Certified Associate Church Educator in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She plans to continue her final coursework through Union Seminary/Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Charlotte.

Scott began work at First Presbyterian in September 2006—for the second time! He served previously as Interim Director of Youth Ministry from June 2003 to July 2004. After completing his Master of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, Scott returned to First Presbyterian as Director of Mission. He guides First Presbyterian’s local, denominational, and international service work and benevolent giving. Scott also works with our new College & Young Professional Ministry.

Scott’s wife, Betsy Claire Neely, serves as the College and Career Counselor at Wofford College.  They are glad to be back in their hometown of Spartanburg.

Holt Andrews has been Music Director at First Presbyterian Church since 1992. He and his wife Marcia oversee a program that encompasses 10 choirs and well over 200 participants. Holt received a Bachelor's in Music Education from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN and a Master's in Sacred Music from Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville. He and Marcia have also served churches in West Virginia and Summerville, SC.

In addition to his duties at the church, Holt is active in the community. He has directed the Spartanburg Festival Chorus, appeared in, and served as musical director for,  Spartanburg Little Theatre productions, taught classes at local colleges and offered lectures and presentations on sacred music and related topics to interested groups.  He is currently on the executive board of the Spartanburg Repertory Company.

Marcia Andrews serves as Associate Music Director, Organist, and Children's Music Program Director. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. and was a public school teacher for five years before enrolling at Scarritt, where she received a Master's of Sacred Music Degree and met Holt. Marcia has served as Dean of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists and as a board member of the Spartanburg Youth Theatre, and is an active member and past President of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Club.

Holt and Marcia have two children, Carrie and Rafe, now both in college.

We are proud to announce that Robert Bannan joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church as Recreation Director June 2004. Robert is a Spartanburg native and attended Erskine College where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Robert played soccer for Erskine all four years and was captain of the team his senior year.

Robert gained extensive experience in recreation, fitness, and personal training working for the Spartanburg YMCA and fitness centers in Tennessee.  He has participated in mission trips to Poland, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Alabama.