Dr. Jesse T. Yarbrough, Pastor

Pastor Jesse Yarbrough joined our staff having served for over ten years as pastor of first Baptist Church, Columbus NC. Under his leadership the church grew 50% in Sunday School and worship attendance. Missions involvement also increased. Prior to that time, he served as pastor of Caroleen Baptist, Caroleen, NC. He is a graduate of both Gardner-Webb University ('73), and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ('75  M.Div.,'83 D.Min). Our pastor has served on the General Board of the NC Baptist State Convention, and held a variety of responsibilities with the associations where he pastored. He is a native of Roxboro, NC and married to Belinda Thompson of Tryon, NC. They are blessed with two children who are married and live in Western NC.  Guests and regular attenders of First Fairmont find Pastor Jesse to be a very warm and approachable individual.  His involvement in our community and sense of humor is enthusiastic. Our worship services reflect his refreshing spirit and inspiration as a preacher.  While we know that it is God alone who gives growth to His church, we are very grateful for God's use of our pastor who has helped cultivate an atmosphere for the growth that is taking place in our congregation. 

Luther Townsend, Director of Music

Mr. Luther Townsend is our director of music at First Baptist Church, a part of our ministry team along with his wife and our church's pianist, Jackie.  Luther is a graduate of Furman University and served as a long-time high school band director.  He is also a member of the SC Singing Churchmen, a group of church musicians that travel performing concerts and doing missions.  Luther's humor and musical ability have grown our church's Chancel Choir into a group that loves to lead worship by singing God's praises!

Sarah Sealey, Director of Children & Youth Music

Sarah Sealey serves our church by leading and directing all music and drama for the children and youth at First Baptist. Sarah works as a science teacher at Orrum Middle School, and she is a proud graduate of Campbell University. Sarah grew up in this church, and we are all delighted that she is serving here now, instilling her love for music in the young people of our church!

Jackie Townsend, Pianist

Mrs. Jackie Townsend is an extremely talented musician who serves our church as pianist.  She is a graduate of Furman University and wife of our director of music, Luther Townsend.  They met at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly and were married in 1968.  Throughout their married life, they have served churches together as pianist and minister of music.

Becky Elvington, Organist

We are delighted to have the wonderfully talented Becky Elvington as our church organist!  Becky serves as the administrative assistant for the Pee Dee Baptist Association in Dillon, SC, so she is well-versed in Baptist life.  Becky, along with our pianist, Jackie Townsend, presents several organ/piano concerts each year, which thrill audiences that come from miles away!  We are extremely blessed to have such a great group of musicians at First Baptist Church!

Patricia Sealey, Church Secretary

Mrs. Patricia Sealey accepted a position on the staff at First Baptist on August 28, 1995, and has been a vital part of the operation of the church since that time.  Before coming to work at First Baptist, Patricia worked with Robeson Health Care Corporation and, most notably, for P.C. Purvis, D.D.S. for 21 years.   She is married to Wade Sealey and has a son Stuart, daughter-in-law Mindy, and two granddaughters, Emma Grace and Abby Elizabeth.  Stuart and his family live in Wake Forest.  Wade & Trish LOVE spending time with Emma & Abby!!!

Carolyn Floyd, Financial Secretary

The newest member of our church staff is Mrs. Carolyn Floyd, who began work as our church's financial secretary in January 2008.  However, Carolyn is not new to us, as she is a long-time member of First Baptist Church and has occasionally served as interim financial secretary.  We are so glad to have Carolyn's energy and knowledge devoted to such an integral part of our church's operation!

Ned Bullock, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds

Joining the staff of First Baptist in August 1998, Mr. Ned Bullock is a vital part of our church, making sure the facilities are kept looking and working their best.  Ned was employed for numerous years by Carolina Power and Light Company, before coming to manage the buildings and grounds of our church.  Ned also plays an integral role in making sure our church is on mission, as he annually leads two groups of youth and adults from our church to World Changers projects and occasionally leads our Baptist Men on missions projects.  He is also the official driver of our new church bus!  We are so glad he and his wife Norma are a part of the First Baptist family!