Clergy and Staff

Clergy & Staff

Reverend Dr. Patrick Perryman

Senior Pastor

Patrick is a gifted preacher, accomplished theologian, inspired teacher and fully present in the lives of our members and community – since 2010. He leads the staff, guides the congregation and moderates the church Session. Patrick has been in ordained ministry since 1998, with a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Patrick is approachable, warm and has a unique ability to bring both an intellectual and fresh approach to scripture in his teaching and preaching. He is an avid reader, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves the beauty of the Lowcountry. Patrick is a devoted husband to his wife Sissy, and is an engaged father with their college-aged children Walker and Holland.

Geneva Baxley

Associate for Ministry: Children, Families and Membership

Geneva is an incredible blessing to our church family bringing creativity and spiritual depth to our vibrant family ministries. As a lifelong Presbyterian, she leads our youngest disciples, preschoolers and elementary-aged children, along with their families in spiritual formation, fellowship, and fun! Geneva has a passion for children, infusing in them lifelong memories of fellowship, music, service and exploration of the Christian faith. Geneva also welcomes and helps make connections with those wanting to learn more about membership at First Pres through our New Member classes. Geneva has a rich background in both performing arts and the medical field receiving two degrees – one from Otterbein University (Bachelor of Fine Arts) and one from Duke University (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing). She enjoys being outside and playing on the water with her husband, Luke, and two young children Kate and Davis.

Ellie Laita

Director of Youth Ministries

Ellie joins us after being in youth ministry for more than 25 years in Los Angeles. She brings energy and spiritual depth to a vibrant, welcoming and mission-based youth program open to both members of our congregation and friends in the community. Ellie received a degree from Loyola University (Bachelor in Fine Arts) and has enjoyed a career in performing arts. In addition to her position at First Pres, Ellie continues as an accomplished working actress, enjoys surfing and beach volleyball, and spending time with her two college-aged daughters, Alex and Olivia. 

Jordan Plair

Director of Music

Jordan leads and directs the adult choir and oversees the music ministry at First Pres. She has more than 11 years of experience as a church musician and music educator leading choirs, ensembles and students. She graduated from Presbyterian College in 2009 with a degree in Music Education. Jordan brings a great deal of enthusiasm for choral singing and church music to the many talented vocalists at First Pres. At home, Jordan loves reading and baking and of course her two beautiful children.

Email: jplair@firstpresbeaufort.org

Lily Cooper

Organist

Lily is an accomplished musician who studied piano throughout her childhood and mastered the organ at Erskine College. She has a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina and retired in 2018 from a career as a school media specialist in SC Title 1 public schools. Lily is a lifelong Presbyterian. Her father was a Presbyterian minister, her husband Sam is a retired Presbyterian minister, and one of her three sons is preparing for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Nora Graczyk

Office Administrator

Nora assists the clergy, staff, officers, volunteers and visitors. She is warm and welcoming and keeps the church office running smoothly. Nora grew up in the greater Philadelphia metro area but loves living in Beaufort with her husband Bradley and two young daughters  Evelyn and Eleanor.

Tracy Greco
Bookkeeper

Tracy is the First Pres bookkeeper. She graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Financial Management and obtained her CPA license in 1986.

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