Rev. Peter A. Bynum
Pastor
A life-long Presbyterian, Peter grew up, both physically and spiritually, in the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduating from Davidson College, Peter worked in Washington D.C., first on the legislative staff of the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate and then on the staff of Senator Terry Sanford. Earning his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1996, Peter practiced commercial real estate law for ten years with firms in Charlotte and Wilmington, NC. It was while living in Wilmington, however, that Peter discerned a call to leave the practice of law and prepare for pastoral ministry. When that call was affirmed by his congregation and the larger church, Peter and his family moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he enrolled in the school now known as Union Presbyterian Seminary. Peter is blessed with a loving wife, Stephanie, and two beautiful daughters: Molly Myers (age 7) and Kate (age 3). Peter is both humbled and overjoyed to have the opportunity to serve as the pastor and head of staff of First Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount.
Rev. Charles F. Jones
Designated Associate Pastor for Youth and Christian Education
Since 2004, Charles has served as the staff resource for ministry with youth and their families as well as the overall education program at First Presbyterian. He holds Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. His B.A. is in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to seminary, Charles worked in broadcast television and film production. He is married to Ashley and they have two cats.
Jim Smith
Interim Director of Music
We are delighted to welcome Jim Smith to our congregation as interim Director of Music. Jim was educated at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Laurinburg, NC, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va. (Masters) and post graduate studies in vocal music and in choral music at West Virginia University, Westminster Choir College, University of Georgia, Smith College, Oberlin College, and Indiana University. He is presently Associate Professor of Music at Peace College and the Director of Vocal and Choral Activities. He has been Music Director at Hudson Memorial, Interim Director of Music at White Memorial and Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Churches.
He is a member of the Master Choral Chamber Choir, a professional choir of 22 singers in Raleigh. He has a long list of conducting and solo performing. He is married and has two children.
Dionne Seale
Assistant Director for Children’s Ministry
Dionne was called to the part time position for children’s ministry in 2008. Her focus is on the ministries to the younger children of the church, including support of Sunday School curriculum, providing "kid/parent friendly" worship tools, facilitating Mission possible on Wednesday evenings, and assisting with special programming events throughout the year.
Dionne has served as a Deacon and moderator of the Nurture Division. She currently serves on the Pastor Nominating Committee.
Dionne was born in Raleigh and raised in Farmville NC. She received her BA degree with Honors in International Studies and History from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a life-long Presbyterian and she and her husband joined FPC in 2002. Dionne and her husband have two children. She enjoys reading, travel and spending time with family, especially at the beach!
Jennie Vance
Organist
Jennie Vance joined the staff of First Presbyterian in August, 2005. Jennie is the Coordinator of Music Studies at Peace College in Raleigh, where she teaches classes in music theory, serves as College Organist, and accompanies the department’s two choral ensembles, the Peace College Chamber Singers and the Peace College Choir. Jennie received degrees from Salem College and Yale University, and she also spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar in Vienna, Austria . Prior to coming to Rocky Mount , Jennie held organist positions at First Presbyterian in Sanford , Hudson Memorial Presbyterian in Raleigh , and Raleigh Moravian Church .