Laura joined with the good people of Fort Hill Church in June of 2009 as their 11th Installed Pastor. She serves as the lead pastor with a wonderful staff and congregation. Laura's primary roles include weekly worship and preaching, leading the staff and Session, and coaching and equipping the ministries of this church to be fruitful and healthy. It is a privilege to serve among God's people here and especially to be a part of the lives of its members. Laura attended Presbyterian College and Columbia Theological Seminary. She is blessed to share her life with her husband, Chuck, and children, Avery and Hallie.
As PSA Campus Minister, Bill works weekly with Clemson and Tri-County Tech students, providing pastoral care, opportunities for Bible study, and an exhaustive knowledge of all the Clemson restaurants you should be patronizing.
Mary joined the Fort Hill staff in September of 2002. As the Associate Pastor for Christian Education, she coordinates the educational ministries of the church as well as joining with the other pastors in sharing worship leadership and pastoral care duties. Some of Mary's favorite activities are leading a weekly Adult Bible study, working with the children on their summer Mission Camp, and walking with learners of all ages as they grow in their faith. Mary's husband is Bill Gause, Fort Hill's Associate Pastor for University Ministry, and they have two energetic, young children who help her remain thankful and humble!
Rodney graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in May of 2001. He then accepted a call to Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in June of 2001 as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults. His primary areas of responsibilities are in the faith development of youth and young adults. It was from working as a youth advisor at a former church that Rodney realized his love for working with youth. He feels that all youth need to hear that they are important and they are loved. Loved by friends and family and, most importantly, by God. Rodney married his high school sweetheart, Nina, and they have three beautiful children, Corey, Mary Courtney, and Catherine. He is often heard saying, "I have the best job in the world."
James T. Richardson Pastor Emeritus
Jim Richardson was honorably retired in 2007 after 27 years of service as pastor. At the request of our congregation, the title of Pastor Emeritus has been conferred to him at the Presbytery Meeting of Foothills Presbytery on November 6, 2011. Conferring the title of Pastor Emeritus is an expression of affection and gratitude by our congregation and of the desire to continue the association in an honorary relationship, but with no pastoral authority or duty.
Judy has been the organist and bell choir director at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church since 2005. Previous positions include children's choir director at Fort Hill and organist/choir director at Walhalla Presbyterian Church. She received a Master's Degree in Organ Performance from Indiana University and recently retired from twenty-seven years of public school music teaching in Oconee County. She lives in Seneca and has one son, Mark. In her spare time, Judy likes to work with glass jewelry and also plays the hammered dulcimer.
Pansy serves as Parish Visitor for Fort Hill Presbyterian Church. She worked for our church as Director of Christian Education for many years and as Director of Congregational Care for seven years. After retiring in 2000, she moved to Easley. She was called out of retirement in 2005 to serve as Parish Visitor on a part-time basis. In her spare time, she has taken up painting and has done a series of Montreat as well as other subjects.
Lori joined the staff at Fort Hill as Office Administrator in April of 2009. Her primary responsibilities are the day-to-day financial operations, office/facility management, and supervision of the Administrative Assistant and Sexton. Her previous work experience included office management, accounting and human resources positions in church, non-profit, and corporate environments. Lori lives in Seneca and has two children, Sean and Sarah. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, reading and spending time with family and friends. Lori has enjoyed getting to know everyone and feels it is truly a privilege to serve the Fort Hill family.
Margaret joined the staff of Fort Hill as Director of Music on September 1, 2010. Her duties include directing the Chancel Choir, beginning a music ministry for youth, helping to develop a music program for the 8:30 service, and continuing to grow the overall music program of children, chimes, and handbells. She has served in church work for 42 years as an organist and choral director for choirs of all ages, serving seven different churches. Margaret and her husband, Raymond, are thankful to be part of the Fort Hill family. "Music is an integral part of our lives and the ministry of the church, allowing us all as choirs and congregations to raise our voices in praise and glory to our God."
Ashley works full-time for Fort Hill Presbyterian Church (and, by extension, Bill...) as PSA's Campus Ministry Intern (also referred to as Assistant [to] Campus Minister). She is a graduate of Clemson University and holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature.
Melissa joined the Fort Hill staff as Administrative Assistant on August 30, 2010. Her primary responsibilities include church communications and putting together the weekly bulletins. Melissa was married in 2009, currently lives in Seneca with her husband, daughter, and infant son. She is so thankful to be here at Fort Hill and feels truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people.
Fort Hill Presbyterian Church
101 Edgewood Avenue
Clemson, SC 29631
