Staff & Leadership
Wilborn Rives
Guest Pulpit Supply
Wilborn Rives is filling in as our guest pulpit supply for the foreseeable future. Wilborn is a Mount Airy native, born in the granite hospital on Cherry Street in 1951. He and his little brother (church member David Rives) grew up with parents George and Cleta on Marion Street until they went off to school. He started dating his future wife Cathy in high school. Her father Tom Bagnall served as pastor of First Presbyterian from 1966-1970. Cathy and Wilborn were married in this sanctuary in 1971.
Wilborn graduated from NC State University in 1972 and later went to law school at Wake Forest University in 1982. After graduation he worked with the Faw, Folger, Johnson law firm in Dobson. Wilborn served as attorney for the Town of Dobson and the City of Mount Airy, as well as working as lead instructor for the paralegal program at Surry Community College from 1992-2016. He began teaching Sunday School at First Presbyterian in 1992 and served as "temporary" pulpit supply at Flat Rock Presbyterian from 2011-2024. Cathy and Wilborn have been married now for 53 years, and have four awesome children: Isaac, Catherine, Robbie and Will. They also have one awesome granddaughter, Beverly Claire Rives, age 14 months.
Wilborn graduated from NC State University in 1972 and later went to law school at Wake Forest University in 1982. After graduation he worked with the Faw, Folger, Johnson law firm in Dobson. Wilborn served as attorney for the Town of Dobson and the City of Mount Airy, as well as working as lead instructor for the paralegal program at Surry Community College from 1992-2016. He began teaching Sunday School at First Presbyterian in 1992 and served as "temporary" pulpit supply at Flat Rock Presbyterian from 2011-2024. Cathy and Wilborn have been married now for 53 years, and have four awesome children: Isaac, Catherine, Robbie and Will. They also have one awesome granddaughter, Beverly Claire Rives, age 14 months.
Loida P. Slate, PhD
Director of Youth and Children's Discipleship
Loida P. Slate joined our staff in 2017. As director of Youth and Children's Discipleship, she coordinates all activities for youth and children's worship and small group meetings, as well as Vacation Bible School, mission work, and retreats. [email protected]
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Anna Bush
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Jane Tesh
Pianist Jane Tesh grew up in Greensboro, NC but moved to Mt. Airy in 1975 to become the first full time librarian at Jones Intermediate School. She is the author of two mystery series, as well as six fantasy novels and over 30 plays for children. In addition to her role as pianist at FPCMA, she enjoys performing and conducting the orchestra at the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mt. Airy. |
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Mary Alice Leonard Director of First Steps Mary Alice began working at First Steps in the Fall of 2021 as Staff Support and in the summer of 2022 accepted the role of director. Prior to joining First Steps, Mary Alice was a stay-at-home mom of three and recently welcomed baby number four. She enjoys working with the kids, our First Steps families and staff. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, attending her children’s sporting events and activities. [email protected] |
The Session of FPCMA
According to the Book of Order of PC (USA) each church shall elect a Session comprised of members of the congregation. The purpose of the Session will be to lead and guide the congregation as they interpret the calling of the Holy Spirit.
Class of 2024Steve Yokeley
Lydia Taylor David Rives Gene Rees Anna Peterson |
Class of 2025Kelley Jackson
Jane Tesh Laura East |
Class of 2026Carla Majure
Blanton Youell Derek Higgs Bob Moody |
The Session and Organizational Structure for Ministry:
- In the Presbyterian Church, our form of government is representative, meaning the congregation elects its leaders to make decisions for the church and to define and carry out its mission.
- This elected body is collectively called, the Session. The Session is comprised of teaching elders (pastor or minister) and ruling elders (elected members of the church).
- First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy has 12 ruling elders, three classes of 4 elders, each serving a three year term, plus the pastor or teaching elder. Our Session meets the third Sunday every month, except for July.
- In addition, there is at least one youth elder, serving a one year term.
- For several years, there has been a Clerk for the Session, a ruling elder who is not currently an active member of the Session, but one who does a splendid job of record keeping and communicating.
