About Us
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
Our Story
First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro was officially formed in March of 1989, the result of a merger between Forest Park Presbyterian Church, established in 1954, and Jonesboro Presbyterian Church, established in 1879. Rev. Dan Thornton of Forest Park and Rev. Dr. Oliver Wood of Jonesoboro served as co-pastors of First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro for the first several years following the merger. The new congregation worshiped in the Jonesboro Presbyterian building on Lee St until the new Family Life Center at 1842 Lake Jodeco Rd was finished in December of 1993. The church began building its sanctuary several years later, culminating in a dedication service in September of 2004.
Today, First Presbyterian Church of Jonesoboro is a group of Christians meeting for weekly worship, Bible Study, food, and fellowship. We strive to serve our community through our many Outreach Programs as well as our partnerships with The Front Porch Players and Victory Preaching Point of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, two ministries who share our space. Visitors are always welcome to join us in person on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings, or to watch our services online.
Jonesboro Presbyterian Church
Forest Park Presbyterian Church
Our Staff
Joshua Woodsmith
Pastor Joshua Woodsmith (MDiv)
Contract Call Pastor
Email: jbsmith2181@gmail.com
Phone: (803) 381- 2863
Pastor Josh joined FPCJ in January 2022. Josh is a 2021 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary and has previously worked as a youth director at First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City, GA and First Presbyterian Church of Marion, NC. He and his wife, Jesse reside in Jonesboro with their son, Theodore and pups Rupert and Ella.
Blake Hardy
Mr. Blakely Hardy (M.Phil)
Music Director/ Adult Christian Educator
Email: blakelyhardy@gmail.com
Blake has been overseeing the music ministry at FPCJ for more than a decade. For the past several years he has has also led the Adult Education ministry in the Second Cup Sunday school class each week.
Our Session
Committees Ruling Elders
Administration Melissa Ham ('26)
Buildings and Grounds Kevin Taylor ('28)
Congregational Care Traci White ('28)
Outreach /Mission Team DeLores Wiggins ('27)
Stewardship and Finance Alan Bergmann ('27)
Worship & Christian Ed Jane Luetkemeyer ('26)
Moderator Rev. Joshua Woodsmith
Clerk Carol Abdo
Treasurer/Bookkeeper James White
What these positions mean
Committees
At First Presbyterian we have several committees, each chaired by a Ruling Elder. All members (and visitors) are invited to join any committee to get further involved in the life of the church. Committee chairs will be happy to help you find a place where your gifts, talents, and interests best align with the goals and needs of the church.
Ruling Elders
Ruling elders show gifts unique to their roles in the life of their congregation.
Ruling elders have responsibilities in leadership, governance, and worship. They discern God’s calling for the life of a congregation and measure its faithfulness to that call. The PC(USA) resources ruling elders through its Leadership Formation program so congregational leaders can grow through their service and minister in innovative ways to their communities.