Meet Our Staff

Rev. Becky became our pastor in May of 2024. Originally from Northwest Indiana, she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Evansville in 2000 and her M.Div from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 2018. She has served the Presbyterian Church in Henderson, Kentucky in a lay role as the director of youth and family ministries, and most recently she served as the pastor of Peace Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which was her first ordained call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.

She is married to Jason and has an adult (step) son who lives in Henderson. She enjoys reading, board games, music, coffee, and time with friends. She would love to know more about your story, and is always glad for invitations to meet over cups of coffee (or beverages of choice) or at your favorite places in the community.

 Gayle became the organist at First Presbyterian in January 2006. In her time with us, she has also directed our choir and handbell choir. Currently, she serves as our Organist and Music Coordinator. Gayle is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for the Christian County Public Schools and the organist for Hopkinsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She holds a B.A. from Belmont University, Nashville (with a major in music and minor in speech and drama), an M.M.E. from Murray State University; and an ESL teaching endorsement from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. After moving to Ft. Worth, Texas, she became accompanist and assisting director of the Texas Girls’ Choir. She also taught high school and middle school choir for 23 years and served as organist choirmaster in Ft. Worth churches. She returned to Kentucky in 2000 to care for her mother. Wherever she lives, her music continues to be shared with churches, schools and the community. 

Lori became our Choir Director in the Summer of 2024. She is an Austin Peay State University graduate with a BS in Music Education. She also holds a Masters in Music Education from the University of Louisville and a Masters in Special Education from Murray State University.

Lori started her teaching career as a band director at Marion County High School in 2001. She then became the band director at Christian County High School in 2003. In 2010, she began teaching music at South Christian Elementary and is proud to still teach there today. In 2023, she became the director of the Pennyrile Area Community Band, which rehearses in our church.

Lori has been a choir director in a church setting on and off since 1999. Her longest tenure was at the Hopkinsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Lori is married to Evansville native, Mr. Matthew Boehman, who is also an educator. They have three handsome boys: Eli, 18; Blake, 16; and Kyle, 13.

Janet Bravard became the Office Administrator of First Presbyterian Church in March 2023. Originally from Louisville, KY, she lived in New Jersey for her elementary years. Her family missed

Kentucky so much, they decided to move back! She received a B.S. degree in art from Murray State University. Janet retired in 2021 from the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County

where she served as Director of Programs and Exhibits for nearly thirty years. 

She has enjoyed being a part of this church since 1980. Education and creativity are important in her life. She receives inspiration from nature. Janet enjoys being outdoors. Hiking, canoeing and working in her herb garden are some of her favorite activities. Janet has been married to Jim since 1980. They have three grown daughters, two great sons-in-law and four dearly loved grandchildren.

Gabby volunteers in our church office on Mondays and Tuesdays

Janice is our church treasurer.

Lanesha joined the church staff in 2002. Her years of experience in working with infant and preschool children began at age 13 when she started helping with infants in the church she attended at that time. She is a graduate of Hopkinsville High School and Hopkinsville Community College and holds an Associates Degree in Business Managements. After additional training in child development and care, she earned a Child Development Associate certificate.

Lanesha is currently  working towards an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked for several years in local child care centers and is currently employed by Christian County Public Schools.

 Rev. Dr. Barta was pastor of First Presbyterian Church from 2002 to 2012. Tony and his wife, Carol, came to First Presbyterian from United Presbyterian Church in Universal, Pennsylvania where he served for 27 years. In 2013 the congregation elected him Pastor Emeritus as an expression of gratitude and respect for his ministry. He continues his ministry by serving in the Western Kentucky Presbytery (WKP) and supplying as a minister in WKP pulpits. A former member of the Nashville Symphony Chorus, Dr. Barta also lends his beautiful voice to our choir on occasion.