Our Staff
The Reverend Patrick D. Chandler is the Senior Minister of First Christian Church. Patrick began his ministry at First Christian in November 2003 after serving as Senior Minister at Watkinsville First Christian Church. Previously, he served as Associate Minister at Union Christian Church. Patrick has served at the District and Regional levels of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Patrick attended Athens Academy, Bethany College, and received his B.A. in religion and Philosophy in 1995 from Barton College. He attended Candler School of theology at Emory University, obtaining a Masters of divinity degree in 1998. He was ordained in may 1998 at First Christian Church in Winder, Georgia. Email Patrick for more information.
The Reverend Chris McCreight is the Associate Minister of the First Christian Church of Athens. Chris began serving in Athens in January of 2007. This is the first church that Chris has served after receiving a Master’s of Divinity. Chris is primarily involved in the ministries of education and outreach.
Although Chris was primarily raised in Akron, Ohio, he does have his Southern Credentials as he was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Chris graduated from Hiram College in 2003 and Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2006. He was ordained in November of 2006 at the First Christian Church in Stow, Ohio. Chris is particularly interested in theology (environmental, feminist, process, liberation, etc) and embracing and expanding all forms of Christ’s Community. Email Chris for more information.
Glenda DiGanci is the secretary for First Christian Church. Glenda came to us from a similar role at First Baptist church in Winder, where she served for seven year. Glenda is a single mom with two children, Ashley and Luke. A Georgia native growing up in Stone Mountain, she moved to Jefferson in 1996. She and her daughter are involved with animal rescue. Email Glenda for more information.
Mrs. Pat Jameson has served as Choir Director since 1978. She teaches music in the Barrow County Schools, and is on faculty at the Interlochen Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan. She was educated at the University of Georgia.
Mrs. Twila Willis is the Church Organist. She began at First Christian in 1994. Her music degree is from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
