First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, SC Staff
Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Mike McCracken
The Rev. Dr. Mike McCracken has been pastor of First Presbyterian since 2018. Mike is a second-career pastor called to ministry after working in nonprofit and financial management. A native of Raleigh, NC, Mike holds a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.Mike is married to Jennifer and together they are parents to Lane, Hayes and Ren. Mike is an avid outdoor cooker and seriously…
Business Manger
John Swofford
Hello! After twenty-five years in the banking industry, I retired in 2004. In 2015, I became Financial Secretary/Business Manager here at First Presbyterian Church. Mary Ellen and I are the parents of two sons and six grandsons. Working part time gives me ample time with our grandsons and family and for playing golf with friends. I find it very rewarding working with our church staff and our church family.
Organist and Director of Handbells
Jean L. Cann
Hello! My name is Jean Cann, and I direct the Jubilate Bells. My life has been spent in church music and I have loved it. Formal development of my ‘gift’ began at age 10 with piano studies plus informal organ lessons with the organist at my home church. I obtained a Bachelor of Music degree from Furman University, and earned my Master of Music Education from Winthrop University while working as a high school choral director and piano lab instructor.…
Director of Fine Arts
Katie Dey
Committed to using music as a tool for social justice, First Presbyterian Music Director Kathryn Dey is originally from Lake Mills, Wisconsin, population 6,400. She earned degrees in viola performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a student ofSally Chisholm, and at the Eastman School of Music, where she served as teaching assistantto John Graham. Known for her innovative musicianship, Ms. Dey has performed extensivelythroughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, as well as in such diverse venuesas outdoor…