Pastors & Staff

It is our tremendous fortune that God has blessed us with the presence of The Reverend Doctor J. Lewis Johnson, who with wife Janet relocated to the Upstate to retire three years ago and have made First Presbyterian their church home. Lewis agreed to step in as Temporary Interim Pastor, starting October 1, 2020. He has enjoyed a long career as a pastor of several churches throughout the South, and retired after serving twelve years as an Interim Pastor, concluding with First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach. We have frequently enjoyed his teaching and preaching since he and Janet joined us, and we are confident that Lewis will be an effective leader for us in this immediate period of transition.

The Reverend Craig Foster was ordained in 2004 and joined the staff of First Pres in 2009. His work is focused in the area of Adult Education and Discipleship, including Sunday School classes, study groups, retreats, and other seasonal events. He also works with Children’s Education and Discipleship and with technology and communications. Prior to joining First Pres, Craig served for five years as the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Kingsport, TN, where he worked with education for children and adults, as well as missions and spiritual growth. A native of Greenville, SC, he holds a BA in Bible and Religion from King College, a Master of Divinity, a MA in Christian Education and a Master of Theology from Union-PSCE (now Union Presbyterian Seminary). He and his wife, Kellie, have three children, Jack, Sam and Robin.

The Reverend Joanne Hull joined First Pres in 2013. A trained Stephen Ministry Leader and PC(USA) Certified Christian Educator, she provides pastoral care for church members, families, and staff; offers leadership and support to deacons; and leadership in worship. Prior to First Pres, Joanne served several churches in North Carolina. She has also served the larger church, PC(USA), through General Assembly and Presbytery committee work and currently serves on the Foothills Presbytery Committee on Ministry. She served with the General Assembly as a former Commissioner, and held two terms on the General Assembly Council representing the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. A native of Gastonia, NC, Joanne holds an AB from Davidson College, a MA in Christian Education from Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary.

Rev. Leslie Lang joined the staff in April of 2019. She is originally from Hendersonville, Tennessee, and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Christian University and her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School. After graduating from Vanderbilt, she received her first call to serve as the Assistant Director at Mere Christianity Forum, an ecumenical campus ministry at Furman University. Leslie provided pastoral care to students and young graduates, organized programming, and oversaw the intentional Christian community of students who lived a mile from Furman’s campus. Leslie left Mere Christianity Forum for an interim pastor position at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina. While at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Leslie’s main responsibilities included working with the mission and witness committee, overseeing the young adult committee, and facilitating small group discipleship ministry. In her free time, you can usually find her hanging out in a coffee shop, cooking, reading, or working on her Zumba moves.

Robert Bannan is a native of Spartanburg, SC and received his B.S. in Business Administration from Erskine College. Robert served as Director of Recreation and Assistant Youth Director for 8 years right here at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC. After his time here at First Pres in Spartanburg, Robert went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. While in seminary, Robert served as a youth ministry intern for 3 years at North Avenue Presbyterian in Midtown district of Atlanta, GA. Robert has also served Grady Memorial Hospital of Atlanta as a chaplain intern and Northside Hospital of Atlanta as a chaplain resident. He is married to Holly and they have three children, Jacob, Hattie, and Trace. In his spare time, Robert is an avid distance runner having run over 20 marathons. He also loves spending time with his family and cheering for his favorite sports teams: The Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Rev. Ansley Page grew up in the Carolinas and calls Orangeburg, SC her hometown. She is a graduate of Presbyterian College Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and in psychology. In 1991, she received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. After a pastoral internship at First Presbyterian Church, Ambler, PA, she was ordained at First Presbyterian, Spartanburg as Associate Pastor for Young Adults and Member Development in August 1992. During her nine years in that position, Ansley worked with young adults, visitors, new members, and adult education. Her delight was teaching, welcoming new comers, and connecting people to Christ through fellowship, pastoral care, and Bible study. Although she stepped out of her position in 2001 to focus on family, Ansley, her husband Ned, and their son Eli have remained active at First Presbyterian. Through the years since, Ansley has helped in various capacities with worship leadership, elementary, youth, and adult Sunday School teaching, VBS, and youth ministry. From 2010-2013, she served on staff as Pastoral Associate for Pastoral Care. Currently, Ansley co-teaches Tickled Pink, a women’s Bible study, and LIFT, a Sunday morning class for folks in the center of life.

Holt Andrews joined First Pres in 1992. As Music Director, he oversees the entire music program; directs Chancel Choir, Chamber Singers, Genesis Choir, and Handbell Choir; serves as resource for both paid and volunteer musicians; works with pastors to plan music for all worship services; plans and executes special concerts, recitals, and programs; and serves as part of the pastoral care team. Prior to joining First Pres, Holt served as Music Director for churches in Summerville, SC, Beckley, WV, and Nashville, TN. An Arkansas native, Holt holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from Rhodes College and a Master in Sacred Music from Scarritt Graduate School. Holt has directed the Spartanburg Festival Chorus, and has appeared in and served as musical director for the Spartanburg Little Theatre. He is a board member for the Spartanburg Repertory Company and is a member of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Club.

In November of 2019, Susan Oldham was examined and approved to become a Commissioned Ruling Elder for our congregation. She was commissioned on Sunday, January 19, 2020. We welcome Susan to our staff as she begins her new ministry.

Marcia Andrews joined the staff of First Pres in 1992. As the Associate Music Director and Organist, she directs the Children’s Choir and First Steps programs; recruits and trains music volunteers; serves as organist for Sunday and special worship services and as accompanist for Chancel Choir, Chamber Singers, and Genesis Choir; and assists the pastors and Music Director in planning music for worship. Prior to First Pres, Marcia served as Associate Music Director and Organist for churches in New Castle, PA; New Wilmington, PA; Summerville, SC; Beckley, WV; and Nashville, TN. She is a native of New Wilmington, PA, and holds a BA from Westminster College and a Master of Sacred Music from Scarritt Graduate School. Marcia is a member and past president of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Club, and has appeared on the stage and in the orchestra pit for the Spartanburg Little Theater. She and her husband, Holt, have two children.

Originally from Spartanburg, Holly Bannan received her B.S. in Special Education from Lander University in Greenwood, SC. Following graduation, she taught special education for six years in Spartanburg County School District Seven. In addition to her teaching experience, Holly has served in several churches over the past twelve years. Her experience includes Pastoral Intern at Morningside Baptist Church in Spartanburg, Assistant Worship Leader at First Presbyterian of Spartanburg and Contemporary Worship Leader at North Avenue Presbyterian, in the midtown district of Atlanta, GA. Many of our congregation’s children know Holly from Vacation Bible School at FPC Spartanburg, as she led VBS music each year from 2009-2018. Most recently, Holly has served as Director of Discipleship and Communications at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock, NC, where she developed a new children’s ministry program and oversaw education and discipleship for all ages. Holly’s favorite saying is “Love God, Love Others.” She has a passion for sharing God’s word and developing relationships with God through the study of scripture, music, and community. Holly is married to Robert, and they have three children: Jacob, Hattie, and Trace. In her spare time, Holly enjoys cheering on her Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Falcons. She also enjoys engaging in her favorite hobbies which include playing the piano, woodworking, painting, swimming, and spending time with her family.

Beth joined the staff of First Pres in 2006. As Parish Nurse, she works to promote and facilitate health and wellness in all aspects of church life, through general Christian compassion and professional nursing skills and information. Prior to First Pres, Beth was as an Occupational Health Nurse with Milliken and Company and served as the Assistant Administrator of Forest Hills Nursing Center and White Oak Estates. She also worked as a Consultant for White Oak Manor. A Spartanburg native, Beth earned a BS in Psychology from Wofford College and an Associate Nursing Degree from the University of South Carolina. She serves as Chair of the Congregational Nursing Advisory Board and is a member of the Advisory Board for Healthy Smiles. She is an active member of the Congregational Nursing Network through Spartanburg Regional Hospital and South Carolina Faith Community Nurses. An avid knitter, she is a member of the Spartanburg Knitting Guild.

Carrie begin working as our Youth Program Administrator in June 2019. Born and raised in Augusta, GA, Carrie moved to Spartanburg in 1992 to attend Converse College and has lived here ever since. After receiving her BA in Psychology from Converse, she worked for her Alma Mater for many years in the Admissions, Alumnae and Institutional Advancement offices. She also worked for the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce for both the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Spartanburg County Economic Development Corporation. She has been a member of First Pres since 2002 and married her husband, Mark, right here in our Sanctuary. They have two children, Eleanor and Thomas. In her spare time, Carrie enjoys teaching for Pure Barre Spartanburg and serving as a Recovery Coach for FAVOR Spartanburg.

Colleen joined the First Pres staff in 2014. As the Director of Recreation, she manages church recreation (church league basketball, group fitness classes) and keeps the Family Life Center running smoothly. She provides personal training and nutritional counseling, and promotes the wellness of the community, both within and outside of the church. Prior to joining First Pres, Colleen served as the Head Girls Soccer Coach for Greenville County School District, and as a Wellness Coach for the YMCA of Greenville. She also worked as an Exercise Physiologist in North Greenville. A native of Syracuse, NY, Colleen earned her BS in Exercise Science from Winthrop University. She is active in Upward Sports League, Habitat for Humanity, and other community organizations. Colleen and Jon were married in September of 2017.

Kris joined the staff of First Pres in June of 2019. As Weekday School Director, she oversees the five-day preschool program, which serves over 100 children ages six months to four years. She also manages 25 staff members who work within the Weekday School. Prior to 2019, Kris taught one of the Twos classes for three years and, outside of the Weekday School, has been serving as an Early Interventionist. Prior to that she served as a supervisor with DSS for 30 years. She did her undergraduate work in Psychology at Wofford, and earned a Masters in Education from Converse.

Pano Stathakis joined the staff of First Presbyterian in January of 2020 as our Director of Hospitality. Pano is the owner of a catering company and a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, where he has chaired the Food Festival for many years. We welcome you to come to Wednesdays at First and taste the delicious culinary fare that comes from his many years of experience.

Dr. Kirk H. Neely has served on staff at First Presbyterian as Pastoral Counselor since September 2014. Kirk is a native of Spartanburg. He received his BS from Furman University and his M.Div. and D.Min. in Pastoral Counseling from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was licensed to the ministry by First Baptist Church (Taylors, SC) and ordained to the Pastoral Ministry by Crescent Hill Baptist Church (Louisville, KY). He has served at Knollwood Baptist (Winston-Salem, NC), First Baptist (Spartanburg, SC), and Morningside Baptist (Spartanburg, SC). Kirk and his wife, Claire, have been married since 1966. They are the parents of five children and 13 grandchildren. Pastoral Counseling, with Dr. Kirk Neely, is offered by the congregation for First Presbyterian Church members. There is no fee; a contribution may be made to underwrite the ministry. Counseling is on Tuesdays, by appointment only. To make an appointment, please contact Didi Terry; 864-583-4531/dterry@fpcspartanburg.org.