OUR STAFF

Curtis was born into a navy family and grew up all over the country including Norfolk, Virginia; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Charleston, South Carolina.

He studied at the University of South Carolina where he completed a double major in Religious Studies and Philosophy. He graduated in May 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Curtis matriculated at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and received his Doctor of Ministry degree in May of 1986.

After his seminary graduation, he served as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Virginia.  In late 1988, Curtis became the Pastor of Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and served there until September of 1994. During his years in Elizabeth City, Curtis served as an adjunct faculty member of Philosophy and Religious Studies for Saint Leo College in Norfolk.

After six years in Elizabeth City, Curtis returned to Union Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Theology degree in Early Christian History and Theology.

From October of 1995 to December of 2004, he served as the Pastor (Head of Staff) at Cape Fear Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, North Carolina.  While there, he taught part-time as an adjunct faculty member of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Cape Fear Community College.

Before coming to Richmond, Kentucky, Curtis served as Associate Pastor for two other churches in North Carolina.  He served as Associate Pastor of Adult Education at Highland Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, as Intrim Associate of Missions at Community Presbyterian Church in Pinehurst.

He is the author of They Yet Speak: A History of Richmond's First Church.

Curtis is married to Wendy Campbell Christian who is originally from Cumberland, Kentucky.  Together, they enjoy hiking and movies.  Curtis also enjoys chess, coin collecting, and amateur astronomy.  (Wendy only tolerates these hobbies.)

Joel Stanley serves First Presbyterian Church as the Director of Christian Education.  He holds an undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia and a Masters in Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Richmond First Pres. is his first call to full time ministry and he is excited to be living out the call that God has placed in his life.  Before entering the ministry, Joel taught math for three years at Lowndes County High School in Georgia.

Joel first started to own his faith when he was in middle school and first felt God's call on his life in high school.  As such, he recognizes the important role of Christian Education and youth ministry in the church today and has devoted his life's work towards enhancing these areas of church life. 

Joel comes from a strong Presbyterian background.  His father is a Presbyterian minister and his mother is a church organist and music teacher.  He has two brothers both of whom are professional church organists.  He is married to Julie Stanley and is father to four girls, Ava, Eden, Grace and Sophie.  When he is not busy laboring for the Lord, Joel likes to dabble in puppetry, enjoys fine cinema and has quite an impressive high score at Tetris.

 Soprano Joyce Hall Wolf is a frequent performer of recital, opera, and oratorio.  She has performed numerous operatic roles in works ranging from those by Monteverdi to Mentotti.  Collaberations with Kentucky Ballet Theatre have included the soprano solos in George Crumb's Ancient Voices of Children and Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brazileiras Number 5.  

Wolf is Professor of Music in the Eastern Kentucky University's School of Music and Honors Program Faculties.  As a promoter and researcher of compositions by women, Wolf is a national presenter on the subject of Women Lieder Composers and has also presented nationally and regionally on the subject of Guiding the Undergraduate through Critical and creative Thinking and into Dynamic Art Song Performance.

For Eastern Kentucky University, Wolf teaches voice, vocal pedagogy, vocal repertoire, and is Director of EKU Opera.  She holds the Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Kentucky with a minor in Music History.  Mentors at the University of Kentucky included Baritone Steven King and Dr. Jonathan Glixon.  She also earned the Master of Music Education degrees from West Virginia University with mentors Soprano Frances Yeend, James Benner, and Dr. Harry Elzinga.

Dana is originally from Russell, Kentucky, but has called Richmond home since 1979 when she began attending Eastern Kentucky University.  She and her husband, Kent, raised three children and are now enjoying 8 grandchildren.  She has been the Office Manager for First Presbyterian Church since July of 1998.  Dana’s hobbies include spending time on the lake swimming, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, cycling, and pickle ball.

Mark Johnson has his Masters Degree in Social Work from the Kent School of Social Work/University of Louisville.

He has been working diligently in the field for over 40 years primarily in Cultural Competency, HIV/AIDS, Homelessness and Public Health.

Mark is the oldest of four children from Owingsville, Ky (Bath County).

He, his partner (John) and their two fur babies reside in Lexington.