Staff at First Baptist Church
​

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 dog, Clifford. 
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. 

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. 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. They are members of Liledoun Baptist 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 Holsclaw

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.