OUR STAFF
Pastor
Rev. Dr. David Roquemore
David comes to First Presbyterian - Newton from Camp Hill Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania. He has also served pastorates in Indiana, Virginia, and Maryland in his thirty-five years of ministry. David graduated from Wofford College with a degree in Philosophy in 1980. He went to Princeton Seminary, finishing his M.Div. in 1983. He graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Seminary in 2001. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, movies, airplanes and music. For years his six children kept him busy; now that they are mostly grown and gone, he and his wife Susan have time to enjoy the Catawba County area.
Email: droquemore@fpcnewton.com
Administrative Assistant
Sarah Cole
Sarah is our Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. She provides administrative and clerical support to the ministerial staff and the members of the congregation. Her hours are Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm and Friday, 1 pm - 5 pm.
Email: receptionist@fpcnewton.com
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry
Laura Sparks
Laura has been a member of FPC Newton since she was born. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Psychology. She comes to FPC from Appalachian State University, where she served as a program assistant at the center in Hickory. Laura plans programs and activities for children birth through 5th grade and their families. Laura also provides programming and mission opportunities for the middle & high school youth members of FPC Newton. Her office hours are Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm.
Email: lsparks@fpcnewton.com
Office Manager
Kim Berry
Kim began her work at FPC Newton in 2002 as part time receptionist and office assistant. She is now full-time Office Manager. She provides administrative and clerical support to the ministerial staff and the members of the congregation. Her hours are Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm and Friday, 9 am – 1 pm.
Email: kberry@fpcnewton.com
Music Director
Catherine C. Murdock
Cathy Murdock grew up in the Statesville, NC area, graduating from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC with a Bachelor of Music degree, concentration in voice. All through high school and college she participated in choral groups and ensembles, developing a love for the art of choral music. She began directing choirs during college and served as director for churches in Statesville, Raleigh, and Hickory before coming to FPC Newton in 1991. She also directs the handbell choir, and encourages instrumentalists and other musicians in the church to share their talents. She believes her work as a church musician is a calling from God and cherishes all the many blessings she receives in serving the church.
Organist
Susan A. Strickland
Susan was born in Georgia and earned a BS degree in Chemistry from North Georgia College and University and a Masters degree in Nutritional Science from Clemson University. She is retired from Catawba Valley Medical Center where she served as a Clinical Dietitian and Clinical Nutrition Manager. She began playing piano at age 13 and took her first position as organist during college. She has held organist or interim organist positions in Toccoa, GA; Columbia and Irmo, SC; Rutherfordton, Hickory, Winston Salem, NC before coming to FPC Newton in 2006. She loves to share her musical gifts in worship and to glorify God.