The Rev. Anthony Lorenz has served as pastor at First Church since July 2015. In addition to his service at First Church, Tony is an active member of the Presbytery of Carlisle, currently serving as co-chair of the Commission on Ministry. He regularly participates in mission trips to the Presbytery’s partner church in Honduras, and has traveled to Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq multiple times with the Outreach Foundation. Prior to coming to First Church, Tony served for seven years as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Upper West Conococheague, Mercersburg, PA. He also served for one year as a supply pastor at the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church in Ohio. Tony is a native of Warsaw, OH, and grew up in the First Presbyterian Church there. He is an honors graduate of Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2007 and was ordained by the Muskingum Valley Presbytery in 2008. Pastor Tony can be reached at alorenz.fpcarl@pa.net.
Ron Richcreek, Music Director, graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a BS in Music Education. He was director of vocal music at Carlisle H.S. for ten years until resigning and going into business. His family joined the congregation in 1980, and as Sue Hammann puts it, this is now “Richcreek 3.” Maybe the 3rd time will be a charm.
Arthur Thompson, Organist, is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, having served as organist since 2013. Art is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, Winchester, VA. In addition to being a private piano instructor, he has performed for many professional and civic organizations and has served as musical director/accompanist for over 70 mid-state theater productions.
Avis Allen has been the church’s administrative secretary since November 2007. A Newville, PA native, she returned to the area in August 2007 from Northern Virginia upon retiring as a proud Army civilian. Avis currently serves as organist and secretary at Big Spring Presbyterian Church, Newville. She can be reached at fpcarl@pa.net.
Charles Adler has served as Sexton since April 2018. In addition to his church duties, “Chuck” is the public relations coordinator at Universe in Motion School of Creative Arts, Carlisle. He enjoys serving First Church as he feels it allows him to serve the community through his music, his message of unity, and his passion for the Arts.
