Staff at First Baptist Church
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Rev. Scott Henson, BA, MDIV, ThM

Pastor 

Rev. Henson holds a Bachelor of Arts (Religious Studies) from Gardner-Webb University, Master of Divinity from the Gardner-Webb School of Divinity, and a Master of Theology (Biblical Studies) from Asbury Theological Seminary, and he did additional graduate study at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has served churches in Lincolnton, Ellenboro, Lawndale, and Dallas, NC. Rev. Henson is a long-time adjunct instructor for Gardner-Webb University's Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy and has served as a teaching assistant at Asbury Seminary and an adjunct instructor for the Gardner-Webb School of Divinity.
He is the husband of Chandra and the father of Jonas & Elias. This Iron Station, NC native enjoys family time, sports, community activities, reading, and spending time with their dogs, Clifford & Jules. 
Rev. Henson believes that the notions of community and service to each other are vital for a local congregation. He feels that Christians should be active in helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of those with whom we come into daily contact. 

Ms. Melody Carpenter

Financial Secretary

Melody love horses and being outdoors. She is the mother of Caleb and dog mom of Bella. Melody joined the staff of FBC in May 2023. After she started at FBC, Melody and Pastor Scott realized that she and her son used to take horse riding lessons from one of Scott's cousins whenever she lived in the Denver, NC area. 

Mrs. Sharon Frye

Receptionist/Secretary

​​Sharon comes to First Baptist Church after working for Broyhill Furniture Industries for 40 years as Material Control Manager and for Synergy Dyeing and Finishing for the last 6 years as Office Manager. She joined the staff of FBC in March 2023.
Sharon and her husband, Eric, live in the Taylorsville community. They have 2 children, Brett Frye Prichard and Aaron Michael Frye, and a son-in-law P.W. Prichard.   Oh, and sweet dog named Willow. 
She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Bernadette Watts

Music Director

A native of Martinsville, Virginia, Bernadette Watts received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Appalachian State University, with a major in voice and piano education. She recently retired from a highly decorated career of teaching choral music for 33 years in North Carolina.
Bernadette (“Bern”) Watts has been part of music ministries at church since she was 17 years old. She  served at FBC Martinsville, Virginia when she was in high school, followed by positions at Stough Memorial Baptist Church, Pineville, NC, Temple Baptist Church, Stony Point, NC, FBC Taylorsville, FUMC Taylorsville, and Antioch Baptist Church. Her roles have included Choir Director, Praise Team leader, handbell director, and accompanist for sanctuary choir and Praise Team. She is excited to be back at FBC 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. Mollie Lail

Child Development Center Director

Mollie earned a Bachelors degree from Gardner-Webb University. She served as the pre-school director at First Presbyterian Church (Hickory) and the bridge interim director at Bethlehem Baptist Childcare Center. She has most recently worked with foster families as a licensing social worker for the Alexander County DSS.  Mollie is married to Josh Lail and has seven children. Mollie and her family are active members of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Michael Arias

Interim Food Service Director

You may recognize Michael as a former member of management at the McDonalds in Taylorsville. 

​Mrs. Vicki Williams

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Church Custodian

FBC is excited to have Vicki Williams as our custodian!   Vicki is happily married to Robert Williams, Sr.   Vicki loves camping and hunting.  Although she is a native of Upstate New York, Vicki is glad to call Alexander County home, especially since there's a lot less snow in NC.