At FPC we think less about what we believe as Christians than about what we do to be faithful disciples of Christ. In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us how to pray and instructed us how to live so that we might make a meaningful difference in the world. We define our vision this way:
We are a Christian community of faith that shares the love of God with all people everywhere.
The Reverend Rob Martin (rmartin@athensfpc.org), Pastor, grew up in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Muskingum University and went on to receive a Master of Divinity from McCormick Seminary in Chicago, Il. Rob is married to Barbara and they have two grown children, Elizabeth, and Robert. Rob is presently working on his doctorate in Reformed Spirituality at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Rob likes red wine and good coffee, and is constantly in search of the world’s best recipes to try. Pastor Rob adds: “I read a lot. My laugh is too loud. I am into reformed theology, parables, psalms, and prayers. I am always on the lookout for God and good conversation. Let me know whenever you spot them.”
Kirsten Trachsel (ktrachsel1@gmail.com), Christian Education Coordinator and Handbell Director, holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Kirsten has taught instrumental music in schools in both Iowa and Texas and currently is an adjunct professor music at Ohio University-Chillicothe. Kirsten and her husband Andy have two sons, Andersen and Soren. She also enjoys gardening, sewing, and a good book.
Jane Baker (office@athensfpc.org) has been the Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Administrative Assistant for First Presbyterian Church since 1995. She provides secretarial, financial secretarial services, and associated services to the pastor, professional church staff, the Session, the Session committees, and the Board of Deacons, in serving the congregation. Along with her many administrative duties, Jane maintains the church calendar, schedules the use of church facilities, and is responsible for the publication of the monthly newsletter. Jane enjoys working in her flower gardens. She has two adult children and eight grandchildren.
Janice Robison (hrobison@columbus.rr.com) has been organist at First Presbyterian Church since 1971. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from West Virginia University and a Master of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Kentucky. She previously served at churches in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan. Janice accompanied students at the Ohio University School of Music for lessons, recitals and competitions for 25 years. She has been bringing guest organ recitalists to First Presbyterian Church every year since 1985, including winners of the National American Guild of Organists (AGO) Performance Competition. Janice is a charter member and past Dean of the Southeast Ohio Chapter of The AGO.
David Tadlock (dmtstudio@aol.com) has been Choir Director of the First Presbyterian Church since 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University School of Music, and a Masters and Doctorate from The University of Connecticut at Storrs. He serves as guest stage director and voice coach for various local and regional musical productions.
Our history has always been tightly woven into the greater Athens community and Ohio University. In 1809 our church was organized by the Rev. Jacob Lindley, the first President of Ohio University. The First Presbyterian Society, as the church was called at its founding, included nine members and it inhabited this same corner at the heart of Athens where we worship today. Now, over two hundred years later, we continue to honor and celebrate our relationships with the city and university. FPC’s historic doors are open to all, but the true church is our people who live, work, and serve in the great community, showing God’s love, just as our founders did so many years ago.
See our PDF document for the history of our beautiful windows!
