Who We Are

Our Team & Leadership

First Presbyterian Church is led collaboratively by a team of called leaders who work together to ensure we are doing our best to “cultivate hearts for Jesus from the heart of downtown.” We believe that all ministry (paid and lay ministry) is a calling that comes from God, who empowers each of us to unique service according to our gifts and personalities. By working together, we maximize the potential of these gifts for Kingdom-building effort!

The Staff are paid individuals with unique gifts who work together to maintain the day-to-day operations of the church. The staff works together on everything from planning events to keeping the building maintained to organizing worship services & classes to all the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our congregation moving.
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The Session is a group of twelve elected lay leaders who represent the church as a spiritual “board of directors.” Each of these elders work on a three-year term within a specific ministry team to ensure our mission and vision goals are being met and implemented. All ministry teams report to the Session via the work of these leaders. The Session meets monthly (or more frequently, if needed), and has the ultimate authority on all church decisions.
Rev. Dr. Lewis Trotter

Rev. Dr. Lewis Trotter

"Care & Visitation" Pastor

Lewis and Connie retired from First Presbyterian Church of Granite City, Illinois, at the end of 2008. They are part of our church family with Connie joining the church in 2009. In his retirement Lewis has taught at FPC’s Men’s Bible Study on Wednesday morning at Westminster Towers for several years.

Lewis was the 23rd Moderator of the Presbytery of Giddings Lovejoy in the greater St. Louis area. He was pastor in Granite City for nearly 18 years. He served as pastor of Northminister Presbyterian Church of Sarasota for 15 years.

Lewis and Connie have three children and 8 grandchildren. Their son Lee and daughter Christy live in Bradenton. Cathy the youngest daughter lives in St. Louis.