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 of Sally Chisholm, and at the Eastman School of Music, where she served as teaching assistant to John Graham. Known for her innovative musicianship, Ms. Dey has performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, as well as in such…
Director of Youth Ministry
Sarah Grace Stanley
Sarah Grace is a native of Roanoke, VA and came to South Carolina to attend Presbyterian College to study Religion and Philosophy. She joined First Presbyterian Church as the Children’s Ministry intern in August 2023 and began the role of Director of Youth Ministry in June 2024. Before her time at FPC she worked as an afternoon preschool teacher in Roanoke and as a PreClubs counselor at Montreat Conference Center. In her free time, Sarah Grace enjoys reading, fly fishing and…
Office and Communications Manager
Caroline Barker
Parish Associate for Christian Education
The Rev. Dr. Tom Malone
Youth Ministry Intern
Riley Taylor
Riley Taylor is a native of Gainesville, GA. Riley is a current student at Presbyterian College; double majoring in Psychology and Religion. In early spring of 2024 Riley joined First Presbyterian Church of Laurens as the Youth Ministry Intern. When not at the church or in the classroom, you can find Riley cheering on the Atlanta Braves, taking walks, or cooking for her roomates and friends.
Church Dog
Zelda
Zelda is the beloved child of our Fine Arts Director, Katie Dey. Zelda can be found at the church Tuesday mornings, Wednesday nights, and on Sunday mornings. She welcomes treats (provided by Katie) and good scratches. When not in the office, Zelda can be found on a walk, playing at doggie daycare, or requesting a bone.