Brenda Fairbanks

Brenda came to John Knox as Organist and Music Coordinator in 2001 and has loved every minute of it! Her job entails playing for weekly and all additional services including funerals and weddings. She feels that the John Knox congregation is a nurturing Christian family that encourages her in all her work.

When not at church she enjoys cross stitch, scrapbooking, reading, walking, cooking and studying about spirituality. She and her husband, Gil, have two married children and one grandchild with one on the way.

Bforg58@aol.com

Brett Simmons has been the Financial Secretary since March 2007.  She is responsible for the financial concerns of the church such as receiving contributions, paying the bills, and budgeting. 

Brett is married to Brian and they have 2 children (Scott and Lauren) who attend John Knox Kindergarten/PDO.  Brett enjoys spending time with family and being at the lake.

bsimmons@johnknoxpres.org

Brett Simmons

Carol Kendall

Carol Kendall came on staff at John Knox as Church Educator in June of 2004, after having spent 15 years previously serving elsewhere in the same capacity.  She works mainly with the children, having led the church in the formation of the Sunday School Workshop Rotation Model.  Carol also works with Wednesday night programs and as support for curriculum and education programs. Carol, in her spare time, likes to spend time with her family - husband John Calvin and daughters Kim, Pam, and Jennifer. She also enjoys playing the piano, exercising, reading, and leading group dancing.

ckendall@johnknoxpres.org

David Howell

David Howell is the New Member Coordinator at John Knox.  His family  includes wife Angie, daughter Katherine, and son Will.  He is a 1988 Clemson graduate, and spent most of his career in the textile industry and as an information technology consultant.  Currently, along with his position at the church, he is a student pursuing his Masters of Divinity degree at Erskine Theological Seminary,  As New Member Coordinator, he is involved in connecting visitors and new members with our family of faith.  Davide believes that there are many opportunities to serve the Lord and to meet others at John Knox, and is excited with the opportunity to assist anyone in getting involved in our community of faith!davidhowell66@charter.net

Jennifer Blum

Jennifer Blum is the pianist for the early service at John Knox.  Originally from Beaver, PA, Jen has lived in SC for 10 years – Greenville for 2.  She also teaches K3 at John Knox Kindergarten.  Jen enjoys piano and tennis, as well as watching her children play sports.  Jen, husband Eric, and children, David and Anna, have been members of John Knox since 2005. 

 jenniferblum@bellsouth.net

Dr. John Brearley

When God called John to be the Senior Pastor some  eleven years ago, he had no idea what blessings were in store.  Daily he is reminded what a joy and privilege it is to serve in Christ's church.  Today, he gives thanks for the staff and members who share this journey together.  One of his favorite opportunities is to get to know new persons in our fellowship.  He and his wife, Tammy, enjoy spending quality time with their four children.  Their family is deeply connected to the greater Greenville community.

JBrearley@johnknoxpres.org

Joseph Gaston came to John Knox as associate pastor in the fall of 2004.  He loves working with others in congregational care, missions, and adult education with a great interest in small group ministry (His Doctor of Ministry project features small group ministry at JKPC).     

Joseph and his wife Karen are graduates of Clemson University.  Their son Caleb is a senior there.  Their daughter Erin is a 2006 graduate of  Presbyterian College and an eighth grade teacher at League Academy.  Joseph is a child of the farm from Chester County and a life-long Presbyterian.  Before entering Union Theological Seminary/PSCE in Richmond, he was working in the fields (of agriculture).    He has served as pastor of Presbyterian Churches in York, SC and in Bedford, jgaston@johnknoxpres.org

Joseph Gaston

Lane directs the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir for the 11:00 Sunday service. A wide variety of styles of music are performed by these two groups.

Lane has been a High School Band and Choral Director for 34 years and is presently the choral coordinator and director at Dorman High School in Spartanburg. He enjoys spending time with family;  Wife Jan;  Daughter Kelly, an elementary school music teacher in Spartanburg in the same school district as Lane;  Daughter Cheryl, a Middle School choral director in the Boston, Mass. area, and her husband Keith.Lane enjoys landscaping, wood working, and traveling. Piano playing has always been a pleasure!  MooreEL@spart6.org

Lane Moore

Leigh McManus

Leigh McManus is the Youth Director.  She began working at John Knox shortly after graduating from Presbyterian College in 2004.  Leigh works primarily with 6th - 12th graders, which includes Sunday School, Wednesday Night Live, Sunday Evening Bible Study and other service projects and fellowship activities.  She also works with the college students to make sure they stay connected during their time away.

When not at the church, Leigh enjoys reading at the pool, watching and playing sports and visiting friends.  lmcmanus@johnknoxpres.org

Mandy Gentry

Mandy Gentry came to John Knox as Administrative Assistant in August of 2007.  She has worked in several different office settings since graduating from North Greenville University in 2002 with a degree in Business Administration. 

Mandy enjoys spending time with her family in Greenville and her younger sister, who is a student at North Carolina State University.  Mandy was born and raised in Greenville.  mgentry@johnknoxpres.org

Ranessa Fernander

Ranessa directs the Chalice Choir and is responsible for all music at the early service.  She teaches the children's choirs and the youth choir.  She has been at John Knox for 9 years.  She is married to Paul and has three wonderful boys:  Pierce, Jack, and Chad.

She teaches music at Chandler Creek Elementary and just opened a restaurant with her husband, Paul, called the Plaid Pelican.

She loves singing, gardening, baking, and of course being a mother and wife!!  She also enjoys water and snow skiing. ranessafernander@gmail.com

Stan Tate

Stan Tate has been our Facilities Manager for 5 years.  He is responsible for upkeep of all buildings and property.  He also assists the Kindergarten in their needs.  He enjoys working with children in his own church, racing, and spending time with his family and new grandchild.

Organist & Music Coordinator

Financial Secretary

Church Educator

New Member Coordinator

Pianist - Early Service

Senior Pastor

Associate Pastor

Choir Director

Youth Director

Administrative Assistant

Choir Director

Facilities Manager