Staff
Our staff consists of the following persons:
The Reverend Dr. Jeff Paschal, Pastor | |
| Jeff Paschal, a native South Carolinian, received a B.A. (cum laude) in music education from Limestone College, Gaffney, S.C. in 1982, and was the recipient of the W.B. and Louise Camp Award for Academic Excellence. Upon graduation, he taught band and music appreciation in the S.C. public schools for two years. 1984-1987 Jeff served as a member of the U.S. Army Band of New York City. In 1987, he entered Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) where he received the Master of Divinity degree and was co-recipient of the E. T. George Award for excellence in homiletics, worship and public speaking. In 2006 he completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Jeff has served congregations in Lancaster, PA, Greensburg, PA, and Willoughby, OH. Recently, he contributed nine essays to Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary published (hardcover) by Westminster John Knox Press. Jeff and his wife, Beth, have five children and enjoy long-distance running, reading, dinning out, spending time with family and friends, and playing with their spoiled-rotten dog, Zoe, and laid-back cat, Oreo. |
The Reverend Emily Krause Corzine, Associate Pastor | |
| Emily Krause Corzine is a native of Cambridge, Ohio. She received a B.A in Biology and Athletic Training from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. In 1998, she completed a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training from Indiana University-Bloomington. She returned to her alma mater as the university’s first female Athletic Trainer and taught in the Department of Physical Education for seven years. In May of 2008, Emily received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and was awarded the C. Frederick and Cleta R. Mathias Memorial Award in Worship and Pastoral Ministry. During her studies Emily served as a student minister at The Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. She is a member of the Company of New Pastors, a group established from the PC (USA) to support and encourage theological reflection among recent seminary graduates. In 2008-2009, Emily served as a chaplain resident at Riverside Methodist Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. While in Columbus, she served as the PC (USA) representative from the Scioto Valley Presbytery on the Metropolitan Area Church Council. Emily and her husband, Jeff, have two daughters and a rescue cat named Lilly, who enjoys a life of extraordinary leisure. Emily and Jeff like jazz and musical theater, exploring new restaurants and share a love of good pizza. |
Carol Vagnini, Interim Director of Children's Ministry | |
| Carol Vagnini has joined the church staff as Interim Director of Children’s Ministry. She and her family have been members of First Presbyterian for the past 19 years. Along with her daughters, she has been involved in many areas of the church: teaching Sunday School, mission work for both youth and adults, leading and participating in a meditation women’s group, Deacon, Adult Education and Outreach committees and most recently has joined the choir. Carol retired from the Montessori School of Wooster, after 20 years as teacher and head of school for 5 of the years. She holds a Masters of Education degree from Winthrop University, in South Carolina, and an American Montessori Society credential for teaching children ages 3 – 6. The faith community of First Presbyterian Church has been an important part of Carol’s life in Wooster, and she is happy to be serving in this capacity. Carol and husband Ken are parents of three grown daughters and 15-month old grandson, Seth. Carol enjoys all outdoor activities, reading, gardening, knitting and especially babysitting their Colorado grandson. |
The Reverend Charles Cureton, Parish Associate | |
| Charles Cureton is a retired minister, having served in New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia. He and Mary have two children. Rebecca works in development for the College of Wooster and Stephen is a minister in Bloomsbury, Pennsylvania. Two grandchildren, Brianna and John Paul, give them great joy. Charles assists with visitation, worship, and wherever else he is needed. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary. |
The Reverend James Watt, Parish Associate | |
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Jim Watt is a native of Tennessee and is a graduate of Maryville College and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. After serving churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio, he and his wife, Joan, came to Wooster to retire. The Watts are parents of Jane, a French teacher at Medina High School, and Jeffrey, a history professor at the University of Mississippi. They have four granddaughters and a great-granddaughter. Jim assists in worship when needed and helps with visitation. The Watts enjoy walking, biking, reading, travel and the Ohio Light Opera. |
Eric Gastier, Director of Music | |
| Eric Gastier has served as Director of Music & Organist for First Presbyterian since April 2001 (following the 24 year tenure of Prof. John M. Russell of the College of Wooster). Mr. Gastier is a native of Milan, Ohio and has served churches in Ohio, upstate New York, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. His organ teachers have included Paul Becker of Sandusky, Ohio, Donald R. M. Paterson of Cornell University, and Dr. Eileen M. Guenther of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington. A registered architect, Mr. Gastier also serves Schantz Organ Company as Staff Architect and Vice-president of Design & Engineering. He resides in Wooster with his wife Ann and their two children. |
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Sandy McMillen |
Donna Ru Lon |
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Mary Alice Streeter |
Tim Hall |
