STAFF

Rev. Josh Musser Gritter

Co-Senior Pastor

Rev. Josh Musser Gritter

I am a midwestern-born Westcoast-bred Southern-living Co-Senior Pastor and Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church, Salisbury, NC. I fell in love with theology and Scripture at Seattle Pacific University. Seattle is also the place where I fell in love with another burgeoning theologian, Lara. After marrying, Lara and I moved to Durham, NC, to pursue a Masters of Divinity at Duke Divinity School. I always thought I would end up in the professor’s chair, but God put me in the preacher’s pulpit instead. After graduating, Lara and I became pastoral residents at First Presbyterian Greensboro before being called to Salisbury.

I have two delightful daughters, Joanna and Phoebe. I love cooking, writing, golfing, music, and movies. In ministry, I love nothing more than inviting people into the strange and upside-down world of the Bible, which I see as an invitation to a life of wholeheartedness marked by love of God and neighbor. I am always learning to listen more to what God is saying in my own life, and in the lives of the people I have been charged to serve.

Rev. Lara Musser Gritter

Co-Senior Pastor

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Rev. Lara Musser Gritter

After moving around the west in my earliest years, I mostly grew up in a suburb of Chicago called Naperville. My faith foundation was laid in a PC(USA) church led by married co-pastors. I attended Seattle Pacific University where I studied Christian Theology with an emphasis in Women’s Studies. The two converged in a class, Women in Christianity, where I met my husband Josh. Discerning a call to ministry led me to earn her M.Div from Duke Divinity School where I earned the Jameson Jones Preaching Award. After seminary, Josh and I served as Cynthia Price Pastoral Residents at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina.

I am passionate about participating in God’s transforming and healing work in the world through the local church. I am indebted to many mentors and friends who have faithfully imparted wisdom about life in Christ. I love fun and find it most when laughing with friends, gardening, running, and playing goofy games with my daughters Joanna and Phoebe. In ministry, I love the art of preaching, helping the church function healthfully, and hearing people make meaning of their lives through the gospel.

Dr. Randy Kirby

Associate Pastor

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Dr. Randy Kirby

I grew up just a couple of hours away in the small town of Dublin, Virginia. I attended the University of Mary Washington, where I met my wife, Barrie Kirby. Through the years, Barrie and I have traded time to pursue theological education and work in pastoral ministry. I have served the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a pastor, supply-pastor, and co-pastored with Barrie for twelve years. After completing a Ph. D. in Practical Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, I was called to First Pres to serve in the area of Pastoral Care and Counseling. My lifelong calling from God has been to serve Christ through the pastoral ministry of the church. When not at church, I enjoy spending time with my wife, whether walking, working in the yard, or traveling. We have two adult daughters, Rachel and Hannah. Hannah is married to Richard Lyman and they have one child. For fun, I enjoy disc golf and being outdoors in nature.

Teresa de Freitas

Director of Music Ministries

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Teresa de Freitas

I’m a musician and educator who is honored to serve as the Director of Music Ministries First Pres. My musical journey has taken me from receiving my Master of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Georgia to pursuing my Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano and Organ also at UGA. Along the way, I have gathered valuable experience from institutions such as Ecole Normale De Musique De Paris, France, and Universidade de São Paulo, in São Paulo, Brazil. I have had the privilege of serving as the Choir Director for the Brazil Parkinson’s Association, supporting choir members with Parkinson’s Disease from 2000 to 2012.

When I’m not immersed in planning, practicing or rehearsing, I love attending classical music concerts, handbell performances, musicals, and theater shows. I have a daughter, Lorena, who lives with her husband in Athens, Georgia. My faith in God and my role as a church musician are integral to who I am. I strive to create a worship environment with the music where the congregation can deeply experience God’s presence.

Christy Godbold

Day School Director

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Christy Godbold

I am the Day School Director at First Pres and a teacher, too. I love working with children and I am very passionate about education. Our three daughters have been teachers. I’m originally from Maryland but moved to Mooresville in 2005, where my husband of 34 years and I mostly raised our 5 children. After our youngest finished in Mooresville schools in 2020, we moved to Salisbury and love it! We just celebrated our 5th child graduating from college. I enjoy spending time with my family. We love the beach and going to lots of baseball games. Go Orioles! I love to listen to audiobooks, too. I live for Jesus and I know my calling is serving Him. One of my greatest joys is sharing the love of Jesus with children! My eyes open more everyday to see all of His grace and love and I want to show that to the Day School children.

Christina Lewis

Business Administrator

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Christina Lewis

I was born and raised in Salisbury. I am a wife and a mama. For most of my life, I have been either working for a church or been the wife or daughter of someone who has worked for a church. I thank God that my love for him and his church started early in life. I have been the Business Administrator at First Pres since January 2018. When I’m not at work, I love to hang out with my family, exercise, or find a good concert to attend. My favorite part of working for a church is the wonderful people – people whom I have grown to love and who love me and my family so well.

Christine Mowery

Office Administrator

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Christine Mowery

At First Pres, I help coordinate meetings, events, and communications. Almost everything that happens here, besides financial matters, I know something about. I graduated from Catawba College with a Business Administration degree and a minor in Computer Information Systems. Since my first job, I have been in customer support and relations and an employee trainer.

I love spending time with my one and only (for now) grandson. He is the bright sun shining in my world. I also love to read and binge-watch great TV shows, whether it’s history and documentaries, sci-fi, or comedies and dramas. I love the people of First Pres. Everyone I get to know enriches my life. First Pres is part of my extended family.

Archie Tucker

Maintenance Supervisor

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Archie Tucker

I am the Maintenance Supervisor. I am responsible for day to day operations of the church. I have worked in maintenance and repairs for decades including at RHA Health Services, First Baptist Church, and now First Presbyterian Church. I love piano, guitar, concerts, photography, and spending time with family. I love God because he gave his life for mine and I have a life here and an eternal home with him.

Antonio Cervantes Anguiano

Buildings & Grounds

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Antonio Cervantes Anguiano

I was born and raised in Mexico before moving here to Salisbury. I miss my large family in Mexico and try to get back home 3-4 times a year to visit. I love to work outdoors. I enjoy churchwork and appreciate how very nice and friendly everyone is. I take special care cleaning the Day School and the children know me as Mr. Antionio. Two of my favorite things to do are playing cards with family and friends and watching fútbol or as you call it, soccer.