Marion and his wife, Ginger, have returned to the area where they met and spent their first two years of marriage while he attended Gordon-Conwell forty years ago. Two daughters have resulted in three grandsons and one granddaughter.
 
Marion’s favorite job outside the pastorate was working at the Ipswich Public Library. They are delighted to be back after four decades of ministry in the south and at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.
 
Marion’s heart is to be a shepherd—to preach and to pastor. He also enjoys writing, and his books can be found at dmarionclark.com.
 
A native of South Carolina, Marion is a graduate of the University of South Carolina (1976) and of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (1981).

Jon Evans is one energetic guy.  Under his leadership for the past 26 years, our middle and high school youth program has become one of the “signature” ministries at First Presbyterian. 

Jon leads a team of about 20 volunteers on a whirlwind schedule of regular activities including youth group meetings, Sunday school, Bible studies, outreach events, mission trips, summer camps,  concerts,  and a mentoring program.

A theme verse for our youth ministry is Mark 12:29-31 as it encourages us to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves” says Jon.  “It guides us in our growth in our relationship with God and it guides us in how to love others as well.  I love to see students grow from wherever they are in their faith, to the next step in their faith. We see this happen in a variety of ways as we have the privilege of being involved in their lives.”

Jon is especially convicted about involving teens in worship.  Students are involved in helping to lead regular youth worship events and they are often involved in helping to lead worship in our regular Sunday morning worship services.  

On the administrative side of things, Jon works with the Trustees in the care for, scheduling and maintenance of the church facilities, he oversees all aspects of technology,  and he helps to coordinate our fellowship opportunities.

In his free time, Jon loves to be outdoors, especially in the woods and mountains where he enjoys hiking, and mountain biking.  Otherwise, you may see him and Jo, his wife of 29 years, cruising around the North Shore in their classic Chevy pickup truck.

Jon and Jo have a daughter, Shelby, who is married and living in Nevada and Buddy the large and in charge Golden Doodle. 

As the Children’s Ministry Director, Katie can combine the two things she is most passionate about, the Lord and children!  She was born and raised in Florida, and attended the University of Florida earning both her Bachelors and Masters in Elementary Education. She moved to New England in 2013, and has loved every minute of every season. 

After 13 years in teaching in the classroom, Katie switched focuses and joined FPC in 2023 to start a new chapter of teaching kids, this time about the Glory of God! She is energetic (with and without coffee) and enthusiastic about teaching children the Word of the Lord, engaging them in worship, and overall, supporting and encouraging families in discipleship starting in the home. 

When Katie is not working with the kids, she is certainly acting like one! She enjoys puzzles, board games, creating sensory play for kids, trying out new recipes, finding great local coffee shops, and of course, spending time with her family! Katie lives in Boxford with her husband, two young daughters, and their Golden Doodle, Maple Syrup Souza.