Staff

Along with the congregation and board, our staff performs duties that are necessary to keep the church operating well, week after week.

Rev. Wade Meranda

Pastor: Rev. Wade Meranda has served as pastor since 2012. Wade and his wife, Rev. Ann Schwartz, served as co-pastors of our congregation for many years prior, 1999-2012. Ann now serves as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Danville, IL. They are Hoopeston homeowners and have two daughters: Samantha lives in Bloomington and is employed at Illinois State University and Laura is pursuing a masters degree in business at DePaul University in Chicago.

Organist and Music Director: Rick Brackmann has been our organist and music director since 2001. For more than thirty years, Rick has served as organist in Lutheran, Disciples of Christ, and Presbyterian churches. Rick also serves as our choir and handbell director. Rick and his wife, Mary Lou, reside in Hoopeston.

Administrative Assistant: Pat Catron began serving as our Administrative Assistance in 2018 and has served as the Clerk of Session for many years. She works three mornings a week and takes care of much of the administrative work in the church. Pat and her husband, Chet, reside in Hoopeston.

Youth Program Director: Kathy Watson began serving as our Youth Program Director in 2015. She organizes and provides a complete youth group program that include social events, classes, fundraisers, local mission opportunities, and a summer mission trip. Kathy serves as an Ordained Elder in the church and is employed as a speech language pathologist in Bismarck-Henning School District. She and her husband Scott and their three boys reside in the Bismarck area.

Custodian: Gary Deck has been our custodian since 2009. He takes care of the routine custodial needs of the facility. Gary and his wife, Jeanette, reside in Hoopeston.