Meet the Staff

 

 

 

Rev. Robert D. Smith

The Rev. Robert D. Smith has served First Presbyterian Church since 1992. Bob began his ministry in Badin, NC where he served a small congregation for 6 ½ years, then moved to Dallas, Texas where he served a mid-sized suburban church for 3 years before making the move to First Presbyterian in Roanoke. Bob is a graduate of Illinois State University as well as Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He and his wife, Julie have been married 47 years. They have two married children and seven grandchildren. Contact

 

 

 

Patricia Trail

Patti Trail is the Director of Music and Children's Ministries. Born and raised in Salem, Virginia, Patti graduated from Roanoke College with a degree in music. She served as a director of music for sixteen years before taking on the directorship of Children's Programs for the Presbyterian Community Center in Roanoke, Virginia. Mrs. Trail served as our Director of Children's Ministry from August of 2001 until adding Music Ministry responsibilities in February of 2006. She is married and the mother of an adult daughter. Contact 

 

 

 

Pete Guillard

Pete serves as Director of Youth and Adult Christian Education.  Pete has many years of experience challenging young people to follow after Jesus Christ. He is an active outdoorsman and would love the opportunity to speak with you about your family's ministry needs. Contact

 

 

 

 

Lorri Wright

Lorri has been the Administrative Assistant since 2003. Along with the administrative work required in making the church business run smoothly, Lorri enjoys being at the heart of the day to day activities of the church and assists with scheduling and events for its various ministries.  Lorri and her husband John live in Salem, Virginia.  They have 3 grown sons. Lorri is an animal lover, and participates in Canine Rescue and Transport. She has pets of her own, 2 of which are special needs rescue dogs. Contact

 

 

Mr. William Turner

Bill joined the church staff as organist in December, 2019.  He is a native of Roanoke, VA where he has served several local churches.  As organist-choir director he led the music program at Bedford Presbyterian Church for fifteen years.  Mr. Turner holds music degrees from Bridgewater College and West Virginia University.  From 1990 until 2014 he taught in Bedford County Public Schools.

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Dr. Erma Rose

Erma is Handbell Director. She received her BME and MS degrees from Pittsburg (Kansas) State University and her Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of North Texas. She is Professor Emeritus of Music at Ferrum College, where she was a vocal coach, professor of music history and theory, and directed handbells and vocal ensembles.  In addition to directing the Carillonneurs handbell ensemble she directs the Franklin County Community Chorus.

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Katie Brown

Katie serves as director of our Preschool and Mother’s Day Out program. Joining the staff in 2004 Katie has a genuine heart for our students and staff and has a true open door policy for parents, teachers and the little ones. A graduate of Salem High School and attended Asbury College in Wilmore, KY Katie lives in Salem with her husband of 20 years, Peter, and two beautiful daughters, Sydney and Georgia. She loves serving at her church where she works in the student ministry, specializing in service to high school seniors. In her spare time, Katie is very active in a women's bible study group and enjoys shuttling Sydney and Georgia to their various activities, including Roanoke Valley Children's Choir, school and sports. Contact

 

 

Erika Schweitzer

Erika is the Office Administrator for our Preschool and Mother’s Day Out program.  She joined the staff in May, 2022.  Contact