“shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Lead Pastor
FPC is excited to extend a call to Christopher Marks to be our new Lead Pastor! He is working hard to pass examination and accreditation. More about him coming soon.
Gramm Phillips, Youth Ministry Director
Gramm Phillips is a Clarksdale native and was born, baptized, and reared in the life of First Presbyterian Church. He graduated PDS and didn't leave town until he graduated from college at Delta State University. Upon graduating, Gramm began contractual work as a musician at sea, leaving the Delta for several months at a time to live on cruise ships and entertain the passengers. Whenever home, he always felt called back to FPC. After meeting his now wife, Anna Kathryn, he chose a teaching job at Lee Academy until he felt called to help replant a much-needed youth ministry at FPC in the summer of 2021. He continues to serve the youth, in hopes that a full-time youth minister can relieve him in the near future. In addition, he serves the church as a deacon and through the music/praise team. Gramm, Anna Kathryn, and their two children, Isaac and Ellie Kate, live in Clarksdale and plan to continue serving the community through FPC. Contact Gramm.
Staci Lewis, Children’s Ministry Director
Staci is originally from Spokane, WA. She and her husband, Ben, grew up in the same church but it was not until college they connected. After marrying, she followed a job working with Ben and moved their new lives together to Cape Town, South Africa. After a year in Cape Town, they moved back to Spokane to finish their college degrees and begin a family. Staci graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Teaching English as a 2nd Language and Linguistics. With a 2.5 year old and a newborn in tow, Staci and Ben moved to Clarksdale in the hopes of Ben gaining experience as a project manager with IT and education. What was unexpected is that they would fall in love with the people of the community and find a church family at First Presbyterian that would support them through some tough times. Their middle son was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis at the age of 1. Staci’s mom was diagnosed and lost her fight with cancer in less than a year in 2019. But through it all, she has been supported and loved by her community. Today, she enjoys her 3 wild and precious young boys (Josiah, Nolan and Micah), continues to do photography as a part-time job and participates in helping Ben as the Director of Meraki Coffee Roasting, here in town. She is beyond thankful to be able to work with and invest in the children of FPC and of the Clarksdale community. All her passions have been rolled up into one job. From showing Christ’s love to children to creating a Goliath out of cardboard boxes as an object lesson, it’s been a wonderful ride so far. Contact Staci.
Bill Lewis, Administrator
Bill was born and raised in Clarksdale, MS. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University in Agricultural Economics and has been involved in different aspects of agricultural including entomology and land/lease management throughout his career. He found his real passion for helping others when he became the Executive Director of Flowers Manor Retirement Facility and that has continued into his present role as Administrative Assistant at First Presbyterian Church. He is a long-time member of Clarksdale United Methodist Church where he is a member of the choir and teaches the Ronnie McElroy Sunday School class. He is recently married to his lovely wife, Diane.
Seth Stroud, Worship Leader
Seth also was born and raised in Clarksdale, his dad having served as pastor of Lyon Baptist Church from when Seth was young until the present. He has been a professional musician for all of his adult life, living in Nashville for many years before returning home to be a part of the thriving local music scene here. He, with FPC friends Alice Hasen and Walt Busby, is a part of The Blackwater Trio. Seth is thrilled to serve his Lord in leading the music ministry of FPC. Seth has a passion for creating worship that reflects the cultural diversity of our community, retaining the best of the past and incorporating the best of the present. Seth is married to Liz and blessed with two children, Anna (of whom he is step-father) and Logan. Contact Seth.