Rev. Dr. Sidney Batts, Pastor & Head of Staff

Our congregation is delighted that Rev. Dr. Sidney Batts has agreed to return to our church in a 3 month “bridge interim” capacity. Dr. Batts served as our minister from 1983 – 1991. Since that time, he has served congregations in Atlanta Ga., Mobile Ala. and Greensboro, NC. Dr. Batts’ tenure with us will include a liturgical journey through Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. His last Sunday will be Easter Sunday, March 31. 

Our church will be searching for an interim minister to begin following March 31 and then ultimately a full-time minister.

Rev. Elizabeth McGuire, Covenant Associate Pastor

Elizabeth McGuire will be serving at First Presbyterian Church in a transitional role throughout the Spring and Summer of 2022. She is an ordained teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a graduate of Queens University and Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Elizabeth comes to First Presbyterian after having previously served 8 years as an Associate Pastor at Salisbury Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, Virginia. She and her husband William live in Holly Springs with their three children John Howell, Moriah, and Dottie.

Kristen Anderson, Director of Music

Kristen Anderson has served as the director of music at First Presbyterian Church since the summer of 2015. She is a graduate of Campbell University and Meredith University. 

As Director of Music, Kristen both directs our choir and serves as our organ accompanist on Sunday mornings. She also directs our Kids’ choirs and our Youth music ensemble. 

Kristen is an accomplished piano and voice teacher, who teaches private lessons and teaches choir at Dunn Middle School. 

Lesia Campbell, Church Administrator

Lesia Campbell has served as our Church Office Administrator since 2006. As our Office Administrator, Lesia coordinates our congregation's communications and newsletter. She is also responsible for managing our congregation's giving and financial records.

She is married to Steven Campbell, who serves as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church of Benson, and they have two grown children Matthew and Karlyn.

Ranae Strickland, Director of First Presbyterian Preschool

Ranae Strickland began serving as the Director of the First Presbyterian Preschool in the summer of 2021, where she also serves as our lead 5-day teacher. She comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge in both the classroom and in administration.

She is married to Eric Strickland and they have three children, Carrington, Brenna and Ethan.

Yolanda Newkirk-Geddie, Sexton

Yolanda Newkirk-Geddie has served First Presbyterian Church for many years as a sexton, and a nursery worker, and currently serves as our preschool toddler teacher.

Yolanda lives in Dunn and is married to James Geddie and they have three children.