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Everything that can be said in 211 words

Everything that can be said in 211 words

“Seeking Christ; Sharing His Love” is our vision.  It’s all about a relationship – with Jesus, with His Church, with each other, with His world.

As an incarnational community, all that we do seeks to offer access to Christ. We truly believe that, through His Resurrection, we can experience transformed lives.  This is why we focus not on programs but on spiritual growth and believe prayer and practice, when done in faithfulness, changes things. His grace, love, compassion and generosity mean the least, last, lost and lame are worthy of His life and our service. Words like biblical, Reformed and evangelical are compliments to us, as are growing, international and intergenerational. Called to be an inviting multiplying community, we seek to share the Good News of forgiveness and new life with more and more.

How do we live into all of this? Our more than 3,500 adults, children, and affiliate partners embrace the call to form a circle holding hands looking outward.  In the world but not of it, from our sanctuaries to our city’s slums, isolated villages of Latin America and African hospitals, from our classrooms to boardrooms, from the heart of a brand new believer to the eternal cloud of witnesses, you’ll find us everywhere – seeking Christ and sharing His love!  

“Seeking Christ; Sharing His Love” is our vision.  It’s all about a relationship – with Jesus, with His Church, with each other, with His world.

As an incarnational community, all that we do seeks to offer access to Christ. We truly believe that, through His Resurrection, we can experience transformed lives.  This is why we focus not on programs but on spiritual growth and believe prayer and practice, when done in faithfulness, changes things. His grace, love, compassion and generosity mean the least, last, lost and lame are worthy of His life and our service. Words like biblical, Reformed and evangelical are compliments to us, as are growing, international and intergenerational. Called to be an inviting multiplying community, we seek to share the Good News of forgiveness and new life with more and more.

How do we live into all of this? Our more than 3,500 adults, children, and affiliate partners embrace the call to form a circle holding hands looking outward.  In the world but not of it, from our sanctuaries to our city’s slums, isolated villages of Latin America and African hospitals, from our classrooms to boardrooms, from the heart of a brand new believer to the eternal cloud of witnesses, you’ll find us everywhere – seeking Christ and sharing His love!  

Everything happening at FPC

Everything Happening at FPC

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Our Staff

First Presbyterian’s Senior Pastor since 1999, Jim has a passion for sharing Christ with the world. Through his preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and local and global outreach, he seeks to bring His grace to the least, the last, and the lost.
First Presbyterian’s Senior Pastor since 1999, Jim has a passion for sharing Christ with the world. Through his preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and local and global outreach, he seeks to bring His grace to the least, the last, and the lost.

JIM WOOD
Senior Pastor

Valena has enjoyed being in ministry at FPC since 2000. She loves Jesus and desires to create spaces and experiences where people can encounter his grace and love. A graduate of Converse College in South Carolina, Valena earned an M. Div. and MA from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and also has a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
Valena has enjoyed being in ministry at FPC since 2000. She loves Jesus and desires to create spaces and experiences where people can encounter his grace and love. A graduate of Converse College in South Carolina, Valena earned an M. Div. and MA from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and also has a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.

VALENA HOY
Associate Pastor for Worship & Pastoral Care

Hunter has been serving in children’s ministry at FPC since 2011. Prior to that, she worked as a FPC preschool teacher, a stay at home mom, and a public school art teacher. Hunter earned a bachelors degree in both Art History and Studio Art from Mary Baldwin College in 1998 and then received a post-graduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Art Education in 2000.
Hunter has been serving in children’s ministry at FPC since 2011. Prior to that, she worked as a FPC preschool teacher, a stay at home mom, and a public school art teacher. Hunter earned a bachelors degree in both Art History and Studio Art from Mary Baldwin College in 1998 and then received a post-graduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Art Education in 2000.

HUNTER JOHNSTON
Preschool Director and Director of Family & Children’s Ministries

A New York native, Lee Ann became interested in accounting during high school. She studied accounting at PVCC and received a Bachelors in Psychology from Liberty. She’s served in financial management at 3 churches over 14 years. Lee Ann is the mother of 3- Kathleen, Laurel and Ryan and grandmother of Rylee and Houston and has a puggle Nimsey. She is excited to join the FPC family and wonderful ministry.
A New York native, Lee Ann became interested in accounting during high school. She studied accounting at PVCC and received a Bachelors in Psychology from Liberty. She’s served in financial management at 3 churches over 14 years. Lee Ann is the mother of 3- Kathleen, Laurel and Ryan and grandmother of Rylee and Houston and has a puggle Nimsey. She is excited to join the FPC family and wonderful ministry.

LEE ANN WARSTLER
Director of Administration & Finance

As an associate professor in the School of Divinity at Regent University, Antipas led and taught students in the area of practical theology and urban ministry. We enjoy his presence in our pulpit and in the Wednesday Evening Classes that he and Jim Wood co-lead throughout the year. He joined our staff as Theologian in Residence to help coordinate weekly adult discipleship classes and initiate ongoing connections between our community, city, and other churches.
As an associate professor in the School of Divinity at Regent University, Antipas led and taught students in the area of practical theology and urban ministry. We enjoy his presence in our pulpit and in the Wednesday Evening Classes that he and Jim Wood co-lead throughout the year. He joined our staff as Theologian in Residence to help coordinate weekly adult discipleship classes and initiate ongoing connections between our community, city, and other churches.

ANTIPAS HARRIS
Dean – Urban Renewal Center

Christina is delighted to express her love for Jesus by working with First Presbyterian Church’s children and families. She has worked as a preschool teacher, school administrator and the Director of After-School Programs for the Collegiate School in Richmond. She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MA in Educational Administration from Michigan State University.
Christina is delighted to express her love for Jesus by working with First Presbyterian Church’s children and families. She has worked as a preschool teacher, school administrator and the Director of After-School Programs for the Collegiate School in Richmond. She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MA in Educational Administration from Michigan State University.

CHRISTINA MOSES
Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Jonathan Reyes is super active at FPC, especially as a volunteer in both our children and youth ministries. Jonathan is going to serve as our volunteer youth leader over this next season. He is from New Mexico and is a firefighter in the US NAVY. He will be leading youth group on Sunday nights for both middle and high school.
Jonathan Reyes is super active at FPC, especially as a volunteer in both our children and youth ministries. Jonathan is going to serve as our volunteer youth leader over this next season. He is from New Mexico and is a firefighter in the US NAVY. He will be leading youth group on Sunday nights for both middle and high school.

JONATHAN REYES
Volunteer Youth Leader

Rebecca has been on staff since 2018. She was previously the VP of Marketing at McDonald Garden Center and served as the marketing director with Reynolds Consumer products, the Virginia Zoo and TASTE. She oversees internal and external communications for FPC, Urban Renewal Center and Tree of Lives. She and her two girls are active members at FPC and love being involved in the children and youth activities.
Rebecca has been on staff since 2018. She was previously the VP of Marketing at McDonald Garden Center and served as the marketing director with Reynolds Consumer products, the Virginia Zoo and TASTE. She oversees internal and external communications for FPC, Urban Renewal Center and Tree of Lives. She and her two girls are active members at FPC and love being involved in the children and youth activities.

REBECCA TOPPING
Communications Director

A native of Newport News, Benjamin is a University Organist and instructor of piano and organ at Hampton University. He has performed in notable venues - Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, Lincoln Center’s Clark Theater, Ogden Hall, and internationally in Australia and Scotland. He holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Benjamin is a member of the American Guild of Organists' - Tidewater Chapter and an active performer, composer, arranger, piano technician and recording engineer.
A native of Newport News, Benjamin is a University Organist and instructor of piano and organ at Hampton University. He has performed in notable venues – Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, Lincoln Center’s Clark Theater, Ogden Hall, and internationally in Australia and Scotland. He holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Benjamin is a member of the American Guild of Organists’ – Tidewater Chapter and an active performer, composer, arranger, piano technician and recording engineer.

BENJAMIN GARNER
Organist

Joanne has been a member of FPC since 2002 and recently joined the staff as Traditional Music Director in the fall of 2021. She holds a Bachelors of Music from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters of Music from Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University. Joanne finds joy in sharing her gifts to equip others to serve in the chancel choir, a "unique and meaningful ministry" in the life of the church. Joanne and her two boys, Jonah and Jesse are active members of FPC.
Joanne has been a member of FPC since 2002 and recently joined the staff as Traditional Music Director in the fall of 2021. She holds a Bachelors of Music from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters of Music from Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University. Joanne finds joy in sharing her gifts to equip others to serve in the chancel choir, a “unique and meaningful ministry” in the life of the church. Joanne and her two boys, Jonah and Jesse are active members of FPC.

JOANNE WHITAKER
Director of Music

Emily is originally from the Asheville area of NC. She also serves as the Director of Marketing and Events at United Way of South Hampton Roads. Before moving to Virginia, Emily served as a Worship Leader and Pastor of Communications and Digital Platforms at New Covenant Church. She also has experience as a Vocal Coach. Emily loves being outdoors - spending her free time with friends and family hiking, mountain biking, and exploring new places.
Emily is originally from the Asheville area of NC. She also serves as the Director of Marketing and Events at United Way of South Hampton Roads. Before moving to Virginia, Emily served as a Worship Leader and Pastor of Communications and Digital Platforms at New Covenant Church. She also has experience as a Vocal Coach. Emily loves being outdoors – spending her free time with friends and family hiking, mountain biking, and exploring new places.

EMILY CHRISTOPHER
Director of Contemporary Worship

Torrin Purkett is a multi-talented artist hailing from Portsmouth, Virginia, began his musical journey in the 7th grade, starting with beat-making and self-taught piano skills. Now a versatile music producer, film composer, and performer in bands the Groovemnt and Fusion Groove, Torrin also coordinates various events, including The Producers Lounge, and has released 8 albums across different genres, spreading love, motivation, and unity through his music and knowledge sharing.
Torrin Purkett is a multi-talented artist hailing from Portsmouth, Virginia, began his musical journey in the 7th grade, starting with beat-making and self-taught piano skills. Now a versatile music producer, film composer, and performer in bands the Groovemnt and Fusion Groove, Torrin also coordinates various events, including The Producers Lounge, and has released 8 albums across different genres, spreading love, motivation, and unity through his music and knowledge sharing.

TORRIN PURKETT
Contemporary Piano 

Emily joined the staff of FPC in 2016 as the Assistant to the Senior Pastor. Born and raised in Norfolk, she completed undergraduate degrees in Animal Science and English at Virginia Tech and liked being a Hokie so much that she stayed in Blacksburg to earn a MA in English. The next few years took her to jobs in New York City, South Korea, and finally Washington DC, where she worked as an executive assistant for National Geographic Channels until wedding bells called her back down south.
Emily joined the staff of FPC in 2016 as the Assistant to the Senior Pastor. Born and raised in Norfolk, she completed undergraduate degrees in Animal Science and English at Virginia Tech and liked being a Hokie so much that she stayed in Blacksburg to earn a MA in English. The next few years took her to jobs in New York City, South Korea, and finally Washington DC, where she worked as an executive assistant for National Geographic Channels until wedding bells called her back down south.

EMILY EURE
Assistant to the Senior Pastor

Rachel Bender has been a member of FPC since 2011. Prior to joining the staff at FPC, Rachel worked for 15 years as a writer and editor. When she isn’t working, Rachel enjoys spending time exploring Hampton Roads with her husband and two children.
Rachel Bender has been a member of FPC since 2011. Prior to joining the staff at FPC, Rachel worked for 15 years as a writer and editor. When she isn’t working, Rachel enjoys spending time exploring Hampton Roads with her husband and two children.

RACHEL BENDER
Connections Coordinator

Susan holds a bachelor of nursing degree from the Medical College of Virginia and trained in parish nurse ministry at Union Theological Seminary. She's worked in Community Health & home care, hospice, and school nursing. She has served as parish nurse, deacon, and care team leader, & women’s, youth, and wellness ministries. Jeff earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Grove City College, an M.Div from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He's served churches in Cumberland MD, Horseheads NY, and Virginia Beach, VA. Jeff served 24 years as an Army National Guard Chaplain.
Susan holds a bachelor of nursing degree from the Medical College of Virginia and trained in parish nurse ministry at Union Theological Seminary. She’s worked in Community Health & home care, hospice, and school nursing. She has served as parish nurse, deacon, and care team leader, & women’s, youth, and wellness ministries. Jeff earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Grove City College, an M.Div from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He’s served churches in Cumberland MD, Horseheads NY, and Virginia Beach, VA. Jeff served 24 years as an Army National Guard Chaplain.

SUSAN & JEFF BELL
Parish Visitors

Linda Davenport started working in the Business Office in the fall of 2004. Prior to First Presbyterian, she worked as a bookkeeper and property manager for 20 years. Linda is a Norfolk native now living in Chesapeake. She has two grown children, daughter Toni and son Jonathan, and three beautiful grandchildren, Jacob, Madalyn and Matthew. She is currently the treasurer and financial secretary and active in various areas.
Linda Davenport started working in the Business Office in the fall of 2004. Prior to First Presbyterian, she worked as a bookkeeper and property manager for 20 years. Linda is a Norfolk native now living in Chesapeake. She has two grown children, daughter Toni and son Jonathan, and three beautiful grandchildren, Jacob, Madalyn and Matthew. She is currently the treasurer and financial secretary and active in various areas.

LINDA DAVENPORT
FPC Bookkeeper

Barbara has been with FPC since 2007. Her favorite things at FPC are all things pretty. She sets up for a dinner or lunch meetings, decorates our spaces and even welcome visitors to the building. She also takes wonderful care of Arnold. And if you don’t know Arnold, you need to visit the staff square and meet him.
Barbara has been with FPC since 2007. Her favorite things at FPC are all things pretty. She sets up for a dinner or lunch meetings, decorates our spaces and even welcome visitors to the building. She also takes wonderful care of Arnold. And if you don’t know Arnold, you need to visit the staff square and meet him.

BARBARA WATSON
Welcome Desk

James is from Virginia Beach, VA and went to Old Dominion in Norfolk. He serves as the FPC Sexton and keeps our building in tip-top shape. When not at FPC, he loves spending time with his Boxer puppy named Sheba.
James is from Virginia Beach, VA and went to Old Dominion in Norfolk. He serves as the FPC Sexton and keeps our building in tip-top shape. When not at FPC, he loves spending time with his Boxer puppy named Sheba.

JAMES ALSTON
Sexton

Johnny is our weekend Sexton. You will see his smiling face around the church if you help with Soup Kitchen, or on Sunday mornings where he ensures we don't run out of coffee. He has been at FPC since 2018 and is an avid Giants fan and is married to Dee.
Johnny is our weekend Sexton. You will see his smiling face around the church if you help with Soup Kitchen, or on Sunday mornings where he ensures we don’t run out of coffee. He has been at FPC since 2018 and is an avid Giants fan and is married to Dee.

JOHNNY KIDWELL
Weekend Sexton

Our Staff

First Presbyterian’s Senior Pastor since 1999, Jim has a passion for sharing Christ with the world. Through his preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and local and global outreach, he seeks to bring His grace to the least, the last, and the lost.
First Presbyterian’s Senior Pastor since 1999, Jim has a passion for sharing Christ with the world. Through his preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and local and global outreach, he seeks to bring His grace to the least, the last, and the lost.

JIM WOOD
Senior Pastor

Valena has enjoyed being in ministry at FPC since 2000. She loves Jesus and desires to create spaces and experiences where people can encounter his grace and love. A graduate of Converse College in South Carolina, Valena earned an M. Div. and MA from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and has a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
Valena has enjoyed being in ministry at FPC since 2000. She loves Jesus and desires to create spaces and experiences where people can encounter his grace and love. A graduate of Converse College in South Carolina, Valena earned an M. Div. and MA from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and has a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.

VALENA HOY
Associate Pastor for Worship & Pastoral Care

Hunter has been serving in children’s ministry at FPC since 2011. Prior to that, she worked as a FPC preschool teacher, a stay at home mom, and a public school art teacher. Hunter earned a bachelors degree in both Art History and Studio Art from Mary Baldwin College in 1998 and then received a post-graduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Art Education in 2000.
Hunter has been serving in children’s ministry at FPC since 2011. Prior to that, she worked as a FPC preschool teacher, a stay at home mom, and a public school art teacher. Hunter earned a bachelors degree in both Art History and Studio Art from Mary Baldwin College in 1998 and then received a post-graduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Art Education in 2000.

HUNTER JOHNSTON
Preschool Director and Director of Family & Children’s Ministries

A New York native, Lee Ann became interested in accounting during high school. She studied accounting at PVCC and received a Bachelors in Psychology from Liberty. She’s served in financial management at 3 churches over 14 years. Lee Ann is the mother of 3- Kathleen, Laurel and Ryan and grandmother of Rylee and Houston and has a puggle Nimsey. She is excited to join the FPC family and wonderful ministry.
A New York native, Lee Ann became interested in accounting during high school. She studied accounting at PVCC and received a Bachelors in Psychology from Liberty. She’s served in financial management at 3 churches over 14 years. Lee Ann is the mother of 3- Kathleen, Laurel and Ryan and grandmother of Rylee and Houston and has a puggle Nimsey. She is excited to join the FPC family and wonderful ministry.

LEE ANN WARSTLER
Director of Administration & Finance

As an associate professor in the School of Divinity at Regent University, Antipas led and taught students in the area of practical theology and urban ministry. We enjoy his presence in our pulpit and in the Wednesday Evening Classes that he and Jim Wood co-lead throughout the year. He joined our staff as Theologian in Residence to help coordinate weekly adult discipleship classes and initiate ongoing connections between our community, city, and other churches.
As an associate professor in the School of Divinity at Regent University, Antipas led and taught students in the area of practical theology and urban ministry. We enjoy his presence in our pulpit and in the Wednesday Evening Classes that he and Jim Wood co-lead throughout the year. He joined our staff as Theologian in Residence to help coordinate weekly adult discipleship classes and initiate ongoing connections between our community, city, and other churches.

ANTIPAS HARRIS
Dean – Urban Renewal Center

Christina is delighted to express her love for Jesus by working with First Presbyterian Church’s children and families. She has worked as a preschool teacher, school administrator and the Director of After-School Programs for the Collegiate School in Richmond. She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MA in Educational Administration from Michigan State University.
Christina is delighted to express her love for Jesus by working with First Presbyterian Church’s children and families. She has worked as a preschool teacher, school administrator and the Director of After-School Programs for the Collegiate School in Richmond. She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MA in Educational Administration from Michigan State University.

CHRISTINA MOSES
Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Jonathan Reyes is super active at FPC, especially as a volunteer in both our children and youth ministries. Jonathan is going to serve as our volunteer youth leader over this next season. He is from New Mexico and is a firefighter in the US NAVY. He will be leading youth group on Sunday nights for both middle and high school.
Jonathan Reyes is super active at FPC, especially as a volunteer in both our children and youth ministries. Jonathan is going to serve as our volunteer youth leader over this next season. He is from New Mexico and is a firefighter in the US NAVY. He will be leading youth group on Sunday nights for both middle and high school.

JONATHAN REYES
Volunteer Youth Leader

Rebecca has been on staff since 2018. She was previously the VP of Marketing at McDonald Garden Center and served as the marketing director with Reynolds Consumer products, the Virginia Zoo and TASTE. She oversees internal and external communications for FPC, Urban Renewal Center and Tree of Lives. She and her two girls are active members at FPC and love being involved in the children and youth activities.
Rebecca has been on staff since 2018. She was previously the VP of Marketing at McDonald Garden Center and served as the marketing director with Reynolds Consumer products, the Virginia Zoo and TASTE. She oversees internal and external communications for FPC, Urban Renewal Center and Tree of Lives. She and her two girls are active members at FPC and love being involved in the children and youth activities.

REBECCA TOPPING
Communications Director

A native of Newport News, Benjamin is a University Organist and instructor of piano and organ at Hampton University. He has performed in notable venues - Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, Lincoln Center’s Clark Theater, Ogden Hall, and internationally in Australia and Scotland. He holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Benjamin is a member of the American Guild of Organists' - Tidewater Chapter and an active performer, composer, arranger, piano technician and recording engineer.
A native of Newport News, Benjamin is a University Organist and instructor of piano and organ at Hampton University. He has performed in notable venues – Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, Lincoln Center’s Clark Theater, Ogden Hall, and internationally in Australia and Scotland. He holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Benjamin is a member of the American Guild of Organists’ – Tidewater Chapter and an active performer, composer, arranger, piano technician and recording engineer.

BENJAMIN GARNER
Organist

Joanne has been a member of FPC since 2002 and recently joined the staff as Traditional Music Director in the fall of 2021. She holds a Bachelors of Music from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters of Music from Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University. Joanne finds joy in sharing her gifts to equip others to serve in the chancel choir, a "unique and meaningful ministry" in the life of the church. Joanne and her two boys, Jonah and Jesse are active members of FPC.
Joanne has been a member of FPC since 2002 and recently joined the staff as Traditional Music Director in the fall of 2021. She holds a Bachelors of Music from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters of Music from Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University. Joanne finds joy in sharing her gifts to equip others to serve in the chancel choir, a “unique and meaningful ministry” in the life of the church. Joanne and her two boys, Jonah and Jesse are active members of FPC.

JOANNE WHITAKER
Director of Music

Emily is originally from the Asheville area of NC. She also serves as the Director of Marketing and Events at United Way of South Hampton Roads. Before moving to Virginia, Emily served as a Worship Leader and Pastor of Communications and Digital Platforms at New Covenant Church. She also has experience as a Vocal Coach. Emily loves being outdoors - spending her free time with friends and family hiking, mountain biking, and exploring new places.
Emily is originally from the Asheville area of NC. She also serves as the Director of Marketing and Events at United Way of South Hampton Roads. Before moving to Virginia, Emily served as a Worship Leader and Pastor of Communications and Digital Platforms at New Covenant Church. She also has experience as a Vocal Coach. Emily loves being outdoors – spending her free time with friends and family hiking, mountain biking, and exploring new places.

EMILY CHRISTOPHER
Director of Contemporary Worship

Torrin Purkett is a multi-talented artist hailing from Portsmouth, Virginia, began his musical journey in the 7th grade, starting with beat-making and self-taught piano skills. Now a versatile music producer, film composer, and performer in bands the Groovemnt and Fusion Groove, Torrin also coordinates various events, including The Producers Lounge, and has released 8 albums across different genres, spreading love, motivation, and unity through his music and knowledge sharing.
Torrin Purkett is a multi-talented artist hailing from Portsmouth, Virginia, began his musical journey in the 7th grade, starting with beat-making and self-taught piano skills. Now a versatile music producer, film composer, and performer in bands the Groovemnt and Fusion Groove, Torrin also coordinates various events, including The Producers Lounge, and has released 8 albums across different genres, spreading love, motivation, and unity through his music and knowledge sharing.

TORRIN PURKETT
Contemporary Piano 

Emily joined the staff of FPC in 2016 as the Assistant to the Senior Pastor. Born and raised in Norfolk, she completed undergraduate degrees in Animal Science and English at Virginia Tech and liked being a Hokie so much that she stayed in Blacksburg to earn a MA in English. The next few years took her to jobs in New York City, South Korea, and finally Washington DC, where she worked as an executive assistant for National Geographic Channels until wedding bells called her back down south.
Emily joined the staff of FPC in 2016 as the Assistant to the Senior Pastor. Born and raised in Norfolk, she completed undergraduate degrees in Animal Science and English at Virginia Tech and liked being a Hokie so much that she stayed in Blacksburg to earn a MA in English. The next few years took her to jobs in New York City, South Korea, and finally Washington DC, where she worked as an executive assistant for National Geographic Channels until wedding bells called her back down south.

EMILY EURE
Assistant to the Senior Pastor

Rachel Bender has been a member of FPC since 2011. Prior to joining the staff at FPC, Rachel worked for 15 years as a writer and editor. When she isn’t working, Rachel enjoys spending time exploring Hampton Roads with her husband and two children.
Rachel Bender has been a member of FPC since 2011. Prior to joining the staff at FPC, Rachel worked for 15 years as a writer and editor. When she isn’t working, Rachel enjoys spending time exploring Hampton Roads with her husband and two children.

RACHEL BENDER
Connections Coordinator

Susan is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia where she earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She has worked in many facets of Community Health Nursing including home care, hospice, and school nursing. In the church she has served as a parish nurse, deacon, and care team leader. Jeff is a graduate of Grove City College where he earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity degree, and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary earning a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has served congregations in Cumberland MD, Horseheads NY, and Virginia Beach, VA. Jeff also served 24 years as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard.
Susan is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia where she earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She has worked in many facets of Community Health Nursing including home care, hospice, and school nursing. In the church she has served as a parish nurse, deacon, and care team leader. Jeff is a graduate of Grove City College where he earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity degree, and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary earning a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has served congregations in Cumberland MD, Horseheads NY, and Virginia Beach, VA. Jeff also served 24 years as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard.

SUSAN & JEFF BELL
Parish Visitors

Linda Davenport started working in the Business Office in the fall of 2004. Prior to First Presbyterian, she worked as a bookkeeper and property manager for 20 years. Linda is a Norfolk native now living in Chesapeake. She has two grown children, daughter Toni and son Jonathan, and three beautiful grandchildren, Jacob, Madalyn and Matthew. She is currently the treasurer and financial secretary and active in various areas.
Linda Davenport started working in the Business Office in the fall of 2004. Prior to First Presbyterian, she worked as a bookkeeper and property manager for 20 years. Linda is a Norfolk native now living in Chesapeake. She has two grown children, daughter Toni and son Jonathan, and three beautiful grandchildren, Jacob, Madalyn and Matthew. She is currently the treasurer and financial secretary and active in various areas.

LINDA DAVENPORT
FPC Bookkeeper

Barbara has been with FPC since 2007. Her favorite things at FPC are all things pretty. She sets up for a dinner or lunch meetings, decorates our spaces and even welcome visitors to the building. She also takes wonderful care of Arnold. And if you don’t know Arnold, you need to visit the staff square and meet him.
Barbara has been with FPC since 2007. Her favorite things at FPC are all things pretty. She sets up for a dinner or lunch meetings, decorates our spaces and even welcome visitors to the building. She also takes wonderful care of Arnold. And if you don’t know Arnold, you need to visit the staff square and meet him.

BARBARA WATSON
Welcome Desk

james

James is from Virginia Beach, VA and went to Old Dominion in Norfolk. He serves as the FPC Sexton and keeps our building in tip-top shape. When not at FPC, he loves spending time with his Boxer puppy named Sheba.

JAMES ALSTON
Sexton

About

Johnny is our weekend Sexton. You will see his smiling face around the church if you help with Soup Kitchen, or on Sunday mornings where he ensures we don’t run out of coffee. He has been at FPC since 2018 and is an avid Giants fan and is married to Dee.

JOHNNY KIDWELL
Weekend Sexton

Our Session

OUR SESSION

CLASS OF 2023

Jeff Abney
Grayson Bryant
Mical Crumbly
Kristine Rand

CLASS OF 2024

Brian Collins
Creighton Holt
Peggy Mackey
Rashell Matthews

CLASS OF 2025

Paul Farrell
Brad Hunter
Carl Leimer
Page Weaver
Emily Webb

PASTORS:

Jim Wood (Moderator)
Valena Hoy
Joel Phillips

CLERK OF SESSION:

Mark Fulton

Session Notes

Session Notes

SESSION UPDATES

2024 SESSION NOTES & FINANCIALS

April Minutes || Financials

March-No Meeting || Financials

February Minutes || No Report

January Minutes || Financials

2023 SESSION NOTES & FINANCIALS

December-No Meeting || Financials

November Minutes || Financials

October Minutes || Financials

September Minutes || Financials

August Minutes || Financials

June Minutes || Financials

May Minutes || Financials

April Minutes || Financials

March Minutes || Financials

February Minutes || Financials

January Minutes || Financials

What we believe

What we believe

Our Story

Our Story

WHERE ARE WE HEADED?

In October of 2012, our session shared a five-year plan, ‘FPC’s 2012 Vision & Goals,’ with the congregation.  That plan included nine goals for the church – sharing the vision, spiritual growth, worship attendance, membership growth, small groups, children and youth ministries, evangelism, missions, and stewardship.

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

Founded as the “Church on the Elizabeth River”, First Presbyterian Church began its history in Hampton Roads nearly one hundred years before the birth of our nation, sometime before 1678. Since that time, our church has remained a beacon of His light in the community.

To learn more about this rich history, explore the links below. They will carry you back to times long ago when the yellow fever epidemic brought the church close to desolation, when the War Between the States saw our pastor forbidden from the pulpit and imprisoned. Through times of prosperity interspersed with times of great suffering, ours is a deep and layered past. We invite you to step into our story.

FPC History Archive

Visit the FPC History Archives for much more about the rich history of our church, including newspaper articles, writings of the pastors, sketches, photos and more. We are especially grateful for FPC Member Donna Bluemink for maintaining our history archives. 

Founded as the “Church on the Elizabeth River”, First Presbyterian Church began its history in Hampton Roads nearly one hundred years before the birth of our nation, sometime before 1678.

Sometime between 1670 and 1678, a number of Scotch Presbyterians migrated to this area of Virginia and settled on the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River. True to their Presbyterian heritage they gathered in different homes for the worship of God: “the house of Mr. Thomas Ivy on the Eastern Branch; Mr, John Roberts on the Western Branch and Mr. John Dickson on the Southern Branch.”

Records document the succession of pastors and other significant church events up until 1716. There then followed a period of eighty-five years when no records are available.

In 1801 Rev. Benjamin Grigsby was appointed by the General Assembly at Philadelphia to itinerate through the lower parts of Virginia. He found an organized church in the Borough of Norfolk and was invited to take charge of the congregation. A church building was erected in 1802 on the corner of Bank and Charlotte Streets which was known as the “Bell Church”.

Occupying our current facility since 1912, First Presbyterian Church was created through the consolidation of two Norfolk churches. Throughout its history, FPC has been active in missions, education and the expansion of Presbyterian churches to better serve our community. We have had a significant role in the founding of each of the following local churches:

First Presbyterian, Portsmouth, 1822
Second Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1872
Third Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1884
Armstrong Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1890
Knox Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1898
Ghent Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1901
Westminister Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1914
First Presbyterian, Virginia Beach, 1920
Ocean View Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1921
Coleman Place Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1929
Royster Memorial Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1941
Oakdale Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1949
Calvin Presbyterian, Norfolk, 1955. 

Donna Bluemink, a member of FPC, maintains the FPC History Archives site on the church’s behalf with a great deal of additional historical information.