Staff at First Baptist Church
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Dr. Don Gordon, BS, MDIV, DMIN

Interim Pastor

Dr. Gordon has served for 35 years in pastoral ministry in Baptist churches in Virginia and North Carolina.  He currently serves as adjunct professor of religion at Lenoir-Rhyne University.  He earned a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary (PCUSA), an M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Campbell University, where he was a four year lettermen and captain of the men‘s tennis team. He did further graduate studies in Mathematics at N.C. State University. Dr. Gordon has authored several books in the fields of church history, spiritual formation and children’s religious education. He is the father of 3 daughters and grandfather to two year old August. His favorite thing to do is chase his grandson around the house until they both collapse in laughter. ​

Mrs. Karen Patterson Fox

Financial Secretary

Karen has lived in Alexander County all of her life and has served First Baptist many years.  She is married to Wade Fox, and they have two daughters and two sons-in-law, Michelle and Kevin Smith, Jennifer and Jerry Mason. They also have five grandchildren, Gus, Taylor, Wyatt, Jocelyn, and Jenna. She enjoys gardening, reading, music, and spending time with family. Karen and her family are active members of Rocky Hill Baptist Church.  Faith is a very important part of her life. Serving God and others brings fulfillment and purpose in her Christian walk.

Mrs. Kathy Williams

Receptionist/Secretary

Kathy comes to First Baptist Church after retiring from the Alexander County School system. Kathy worked as a teacher assistant for 32 years at Ellendale Elementary School. She joined the staff of FBC in August 2014. 
Kathy and her husband, Mike, live in the Ellendale community. They are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. 
She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Ron Vannoy

Music Director

Ron Vannoy moved to Taylorsville and began teaching at Alexander Central in August, 1989.  Under his direction, ACHS choirs have received superior ratings in state and regional festivals each year since 1991.  Mr. Vannoy received his BM and MM in Music Education from Appalachian State University, M.Ed. in Psychology from Springfield College, and has completed 68 credits in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Mr. Vannoy has been active as a clinician for numerous All County choruses and church choir festivals.  He has been active on the board of the NCMEA High School Choral Section, serving as chairperson from 2010-2012.  Mr. Vannoy has served as NCMEA High School Honors Chorus site coordinator since 1996.  He was selected North Carolina Choral Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina Music Educators Association in 2013.  He served as music director at Bethlehem Baptist Church from 1994-2000 when he began as music director at First Baptist Church, Taylorsville.

Mrs. Debbie Gilreath

Church Pianist/Organist

I began piano lessons at the age of 6, and became a church pianist when I was 16, at my home church, Temple Baptist Church, Hickory. I truly enjoy playing the piano, especially the hymns with classical music intertwined.  Every note I’ve played, I’ve loved.

Mrs. Carol Gomez

Child Development Center Director

Carol earned a Bachelor's degree at Appalachian State University. After having her first child, she was looking for a part time job so that she could stay home with him.  Carol began working here at the CDC as a substitute. She fell in love with working with God's precious children and the Center itself.  After working as a substitute for a while, she became a Lead Teacher. In 2005, she had to leave due to a medical crisis.  God brought her through that illness!  When she was well enough to return to work in 2007 the former Director, Pat Cockrell, decided to retire and Carol was hired as the new Director. She is blessed to work with a wonderful group of ladies and wonderful children every day.

Mrs. Nancy Holdsclaw

Food Service Director

Nancy came to work at First Baptist in September, 2002, following twenty years in the restaurant industry.  She and her husband, Frank Dyke Holsclaw, have been married thirty years.  They have two children, Michelle Wagner and Matthew Holsclaw, and two grandchildren, Gabriel Wagner and Aylivia Hubbard.
Nancy knows that God placed her in the Food Service, CDC Dietician position at First Baptist and is so grateful for the job she has.  She loves serving the Lord by serving others.  At age nine, she accepted Christ Jesus and her heart has always been to serve Him.  Nancy is a member of White Plains Baptist Church.
Nancy loves taking care of her grandchildren, playing the piano, and working outdoors.

Mr. Terry Gresham

Church Custodian

Terry has lived in the Bethlehem Community of Alexander County his entire life and has worked at First Baptist nineteen years.  His parents are the late James and Rachel Gresham; his family is niece, Kimberly and nephew, Ryan.  He enjoys woodworking, old and new farm equipment, and helping where there is a need. Terry feels that the Church is a great place to work; the people and staff are like family.  His ministry goal is for the church to be kept clean, maintained, and presentable at all times; and the Church be prosperous and reach people for God’s Kingdom.