Reverend Dr. James C. King, Pastor/Head of Staff

Jim has been at SPC since January of 2018. He spent the previous 17 years as the Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Lewisburg PA, home of Bucknell University. Prior to that he was an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown NJ, just across the river from Philly. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, where he was a four year starter on the varsity tennis team, his Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena CA, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA.  Jim’s hometown is Walnut Creek, CA.  He and Pauline have two grown children, Libby and Drew. Jim is a competitive tennis player, avid golfer, cyclist, and skier.

Crystal Varner Parker, Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Discipleship

Crystal Varner Parker is a lifelong resident of Richmond, Virginia and currently lives in Glen Allen. For her undergraduate work, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in French. After graduating from VCU, she attended Union Presbyterian Seminary (Union-PSCE at the time) where she received her Masters of Divinity in 2009. She is married to Zach, and they have two girls Vivian (7) and Cora (4). When she’s not working, she loves to write for her blogs, read (ALL the books), study foreign languages (Hebrew is her one true love), watching football, and getting outside with her family.

Reverend Nate Taylor, Associate Pastor for Youth and Family

Nate joined the SPC team in October 2020.  Before joining us he spent 10 years in non-ordained ministry with young people at 4 different churches and 10 summers on staff at various camps.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Master of Divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary right here in Richmond Virginia.  Nate is passionate about using wonder, humor, and critical thinking to engage our faith.  Nate enjoys painting, playing his Pantheon Steel Halo handpan, watching stand up comedy, and spending time with his wife Natasha playing games or watching Netflix and YouTube.  

Dr. Mark Patterson, Director of Music and Composer in Residence

Dr. Mark Patterson is a nationally acclaimed composer, conductor, and teacher.  In addition to leading the dynamic music ministry at Salisbury Presbyterian, he enjoys playing tennis, working in the garden, hiking, and spending time with his wife and two children. More information about Dr. Patterson can be found at www.MarkPattersonMusic.com.

Marie Harper, Preschool Director

Marie graduated from Clarion University of PA with her BS in Habilitative Sciences and received her M.Ed. from VCU.  In 1998 she began to volunteer her time as SPP’s bookkeeper. She remained in that role for 4 years. In 2005 she was hired as a teacher in the Pre-K program. In August of 2011 she was hired as the Director of the Preschool.  Marie is married to her high school sweetheart, Ty and lives in Midlothian with their two children.  Her family’s passions include art, music and PETS!  

Heather Baum, Preschool Assistant Director

Heather Baum came to Salisbury Presbyterian Preschool as a parent and substitute teacher when her little girls were preschoolers.  With a degree in Early Childhood Education from Virginia Tech, she joined the preschool staff as the Assistant Director in 2010.  Her days are filled with hugs, smiles, and the joy of children learning through art, music, and play, embraced by God’s love.  Heather grew up in Northern Virginia where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Will, then settled in Richmond after college.  Along with two daughters, Heather and Will share a rescued lab mix who often joins them on hikes, camping trips, and outdoor adventures around RVA.

Kathryn Boyle, Office Administrative Assistant

Kathryn joined SPC’s staff in June of 2021. She boasts a BS degree in Marine Transportation from Texas A&M and her impressive background includes 9+ years combined active and reserve military service and merchant marine service. Prior to joining SPC’s staff, Kathryn took on the challenging task being a a Stay-at-Home Mom to her son Logan.

Kathryn, her husband Don, and their son Logan, have been members of Salisbury Presbyterian Church since December 2015. At SPC, Kathryn has enjoyed teaching the senior high discipleship class and journeying with the youth to Montreat. Kathryn was raised in the Presbyterian Church in Anderson, IN. Some of her favorite activities are spending time with her family, hiking and exploring national and state parks.

Greg Shultz, Accounting and Operations Manager

Greg recently joined our staff at SPC in December, 2021 as the Financial and Operations Manager. Greg recently retired after selling his business, Petersburg Trading Company, where his top priority was managing the company’s finances and operations as well. Greg has been married to his wife, Kelley, for 41 years and they have 2 sons and 6 grandchildren. His greatest joy is spending time with his family. Greg also enjoys gardening, beekeeping and mowing his property with his, “15 feet of mowing heaven”: a batwing mower. He doesn’t know a stranger, so feel free to stop by his office if you have questions or need help.

Nancy Foster, Bookkeeper

Bio coming soon!

Cleveland Taylor, Facility Manager

Cleveland began his role as Facilities Manager with SPC in 2018. His prior work experience includes dedicating 6 years of service to the U.S. Air Force and Reserves, retired from the VA Department of Corrections after 30 years, and worked for 6 years in Facilities Assistance at Mountain Christian Church in Baltimore, Maryland.  Cleveland enjoys spending time vacationing with his wife, Kimberly, and fishing for freshwater bass with his son, Courtney, daughter-in-law, Tabitha, and grandsons, Kristian and Greyson.

Amber Earley, Communication Coordinator

Amber has enjoyed her role as Communication Coordinator since August 2018. Her most fulfilling role since graduating from Radford University, has been as a stay-at-home Mom to her twin boys, Van and Thatcher.

Amber grew up in Chesterfield County and currently lives in Midlothian with her husband, Jarad, sons and two Chinese Crested dogs. As a family they enjoy spending their summer days boating, doing water sports and hiking. Amber enjoys crafting, gardening and a good book.  

Pauline King, Music Makers Director

Pauline started as Music Makers Director in the Fall of 2018. With over 20 years of experience creating and leading ministries for kids, Pauline loves working with kids of all ages.  She’s married to Jim (yes, that Jim King!) and has 2 grown kids, Libby and Drew.

Jenny Kirkbride, Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs

Cathy Armistead, Organist

Cathy Armistead began as Salisbury’s Organist/Accompanist in October 2018, at which time she also began teaching piano at the Music Academy. Previously, Cathy has served churches in and around Richmond in full-time Music Ministry since 1982, and taught music at St. Edwards-Epiphany School in the late 70’s. Cathy received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Masters degree in Organ Performance. She and husband, Keith, have been married 41 years and have a daughter and a son. They also have 3 “fur babies”, Tuxie, Timon and Nala. Cathy is a runner and enjoys watching college basketball and tennis. Go Rafa!

Marti Thompson, Handbell Director

Marti was born and raised in Ohio, where she attended Denison University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education. She taught public school music for 12 years before having children, then another 6 years here in Virginia. She and her husband and two boys moved to Midlothian in 1995 and have been members of SPC since then.

Marti has been a part of the music ministry in many different ways, beginning in 1998 when she accompanied the Youth Choir on their tour. Since then she has accompanied Cherub Choir, Junior Choir, Youth Choir, Jubilation, currently plays for Joyful Voices and has been known to fill in occasionally with the Chancel Choir. She was the Assistant Director of Music for a time, and has been the Handbell Director since 2000. In her spare time she enjoys riding one of her two horses, along with husband Steve.

Dale Davis, Music Academy Coordinator