Staff

Pastor Ross Slaughter has been at First Presbyterian since March 2019. He is a 1981 graduate of Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA) and a 1985 graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served churches in Missouri and in Ohio. Ross does not have much interest in religion. He is all about Jesus and what it means to follow him. Ross’ life verse is Galatians 2.20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ…

Barb grew up in Mount Vernon and was a member of the church many years ago.  She received her Associate Degree in Human Services from North Central State College in 2005.  Then went on to Mount Vernon Nazarene University and earned her Bachelors in Business Administration in 2009.     My greatest joy in life is spending time with my husband and children.  I am excited to be here at First Presbyterian Church and look forward to serving for many years.

Dr. Liles is a former Professor of Music (Emeritus) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He studied Voice Performance at The Ohio State University, Sacred Music at Wittenberg University, and received his BA in Music at Trevecca Nazarene University. Dr. Liles live in Mansfield, OH. He directs our choir, finds special music, and leads hymn singing our traditional worship service.

I grew up at FPC and as far back as I can remember, music has been a constant companion and a language that I’ve always understood.  However- understanding God’s love and purpose for me would take much longer. At FPC I was active in Sunday school, youth group and the church choir.  But I became angry and frustrated as a teenager and turned away from the church.  I chased rock star dreams and fostered a destructive life.  The harder I…

Charla Dryburgh is a 1977 graduate of Duquesne University. She holds a B.S. in music education, piano major/flute minor.She has served as a musician/music teacher in many schools, local theaters, and churches.  She is currently a staff piano accompanist at MVNU, having started there in 2012.  She is married to Dallas, a retired Presbyterian pastor and resides in Utica.