Church Elders


  • Bruce Antman

    I've been a member since 2009 and an Elder since 2017.  I am a retired software engineer and active volunteer around town. 


    A favorite Bible verse is 1st John 4:7 - "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 


    If I can sing in the choir, you probably could too!


  • Janet Black

    I have been a member of FCPC since 1964 and an Elder since 2018.   I recently retired from owning two businesses: Ronnie Black Land Improvement and Dixie Dream Rods.  


    One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11


    I love the Lord.  I've had the opportunity to experience a lot of different situations in my life, mostly being a caregiver to my family members until their deaths.  My mission is to give back and support anyone that is experiencing situations I have also been in so that I can potentially help them.  The more I give the more I get back.

  • Allan Carpenter

    I joined the church in 1959 with my parents. I was 6.   I am serving my 3rd

    3-year term as an Elder. My current term began in 2019. 


    I am serving as the Managing Accountant at our family business, Carpenter Business Services. 


    The scripture passages that guide me are found in Joshua 24:15-17 and Philippians 4:6-7.


    I am an animal lover, especially dogs. Black Labs are my favorite breed. Max is my 7th lab.

  • Christy Cooper

    When my family moved to Chattanooga in 1966 we joined FCPC.  I was gone from  Chattanooga for a number of years but ultimately returned and joined First Cumberland for the second time  in April 2004.  In 2012 I was asked to become the Session Clerk. In 2015 I was asked and ordained as an Elder and have held the two posts since that time. I am retired from the Chattanooga Agricultural Association.  


    I have had the privilege of serving on the search committees of our current pastor and his predecessor.  Another privilege was having Dr. Krueger perform the wedding ceremony for my husband, David, and I.


    First Cumberland is a wonderful place to get married!  I also highly recommend our Christmas Eve service.

  • Cheryl Faulkner

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  • Rick Layne

    I joined the church 2011 and have been an Elder since January 2018.


    I retired from the Southeast Tennessee Development District in 2016.


    One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28--And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.


    In my vocational life, I had the privilege of working on Economic Development and Workforce Development projects to improve the lives of folks in Southeast Tennessee. In my avocational life, I enjoy oil painting, reading, and playing the piano (badly). My wife and I adore our precious three-year-old granddaughter and love keeping her.

  • Tim McDonald

    I have been a member since March 2017 and an Elder since January 2020.  I work for Blood Assurance, the local community blood bank.


    My two favorite Bible verses are:

    • 1 Corinthians 15:22 (For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.)
    • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, all things are become new.)
    Serving at First Cumberland is a great honor and my life is enriched and blessed by this church.  My family joined this church early in the 20th century when it was located downtown and 1st Cumberland is a wonderful legacy to me.  Thanks be to God.

  • Shannon Twitchell

    I joined FCPC in 2013 and became an Elder in 2016.  


    I am a Registered Dietitian and work PRN for Kindred Hospital. I also work for the YMCA as a group fitness instructor.


    A favorite Bible verse is Psalm 119:105.


    My loves include my family, my church and helping others.


Church Deacons


  • Linda Boran

    Jack (my husband) and I joined First Cumberland in January 13, 2013. I was installed as a deacon almost exactly 7 years later on January 12, 2020. I am a retired English teacher of 26 years from Red Bank High School here in Chattanooga. I love the book of Phillipians and especially love Phil. 4:6-7. God has blessed me all of my life; first with a Godly mother and grandmother who taught me Jesus' love and saving grace early. Then He blessed me with a wonderful husband, two wonderful sons, and two wonderful daughters by marriage. I am thankful for all of the Godly mentors, ministers, and church members He has graced us with who have been instrumental in our spiritual growth.

  • Carolyn Clement

    I joined FCPC in September, 1963 and have been a Deacon since 2017 .


    I retired from Cigna in 2008


    My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."


    I also serve on the Property & Grounds committee, Women's Ministry, Greeter committee and enjoy attending Sunday School each week.


    I love spending precious time with my two granddaughters and my favorite hobby is gardening!

  • Mike Craft

    I officially joined FCPC in 1990 but had attended since I got married at First Cumberland in 1977.  I have been a deacon since 2008.


    I work for the Tennessee Valley Authority, since 1980.


    Favorite verse is the 23rd Psalm.


    I'm a member of the Friendship Sunday School class.


    I referee high school and college wrestling.


  • Kell Harvey

    Laurie (my wife) and I join First Cumberland in 2014 shortly before we were married at First Cumberland.   I have been a deacon since 2016.   


    I work at JAT Oil Company as an outside commercial sales representative, covering the state of Tennessee.


    My favorite bible verse is Philipians 4:13 "For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"


    I'm the daddy to the most beautiful little boy you've ever seen.

  • Leah Salerno

    I have been a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian since 2008 and a Deacon since January 2020.


    I was in the field of nursing but now I enjoy painting.


    My favorite Bible verse is Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."


    I enjoy nature.

  • Steve Thompson

    Patty and I joined First Cumberland Presbyterian in January 2018 and I have been a Deacon since January 2020. 


    I am a Financial Advisor at First Horizon Bank.


    My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 121:1, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. "  Another verse is James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."


    Spending time with my grandchildren is always interesting. I learn so much from them. 

  • Marshall Watson

    I have been a member of FCPC since 2011 and  I have been a Deacon since 2013.  I have been a Deacon or Elder in the Presbyterian Church since 1975. 


    I am a retired warehouse manager from Kenco Logistics.


    My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 24:15. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  

  • Jill Wynn

    Bill (my husband) and I have been members since August of 2016 and I have been a Deacon since 2019.


    I work at Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough in downtown Chattanooga. It is an accounting firm. I love my job & my co-workers are like family.


    My favorite Bible verse is 2nd Timothy 1:7  "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but power and love and self-control." 


    I have this huge orange cat, Fred. He's the best cat! He's more like a dog & that's why we like him. We're not cat people, but he happened up at our house one day & now 3 years later we still have an orange cat.