Staff

Rev. Dr. Don McGarity

Supply Pastor

Dr. & Mrs. (Bonnie) McGarity were born in Houston, Texas, were confirmed in the same Presbyterian Church, sang in the choir together and in 1965 were married by their Presbyterian minister. In December they celebrated their 59th Anniversary. They have two children, four grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

After a career in Music, Dr. McGarity felt the call to the ministry. In 1972 the McGarity’s moved from Houston, TX to Austin, TX where he attended and graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity (1975). He later received his doctorate in 1981 at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago.

He served churches in Texas before becoming the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, FL. Rev. McGarity then became the organizing and founding pastor of the Amelia Plantation Chapel, an Interdenominational Community Church established by the Presbytery of St. Augustine in the Resort of Amelia Island Plantation.

The McGarity’s retired to Gainesville because of the religious, educational and fine arts opportunities as well as the excellent medical facilities. In retirement he has served as Stated Supply at Bethlehem Presbyterian, Archer and 1st Presbyterian, Starke, he was also Area One Relationship Coordinator for the Presbytery of St. Augustine. For 2 ½ years he served the 1st Presbyterian of Perry part-time (2 Sundays per month and all special services plus was moderator of the session.) Presently, he serves at 1st Presbyterian Gainesville, teaching an adult Bible class once a month, singing in the sanctuary choir, and preaching at the pastors request. He also serves as a supply preacher at various Presbyterian Churches as needed.

Since moving to Gainesville Dr. McGarity has been also been involved locally at various times with St. Frances House, The Gainesville Pops, Shands Institutional Review Board, Oak Hammock and The Village Retirement Communities. In 2004, he established the Volunteer Chaplaincy Program at Oak Hammock establishing worship services every Saturday morning.

Rev. McGarity enjoys playing timpani in the Gainesville Pops, playing the piano and organ and especially spending precious time with his dear wife, Bonnie, their 2 children who live within 5 minutes of them as well as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through the years they have enjoyed traveling extensively.

Tim Redding

Music Director / Worship Coordinator

Tim joined the church in January 2009. After stints as church musician at two other churches, Tim returned as church pianist in 2012, and has been the music director & worship coordinator since July 2014.

Nikki Hubler

Office & Financial Administrator

Nikki Hubler has been our Office Administrator at FPCLC since October 2017. Nikki has worked in the field of bookkeeping / administrative for 10 years with reputable companies in the construction and manufacturing industry.

Johnny Brown

Youth Director

Johnny has been involved in youth ministry in some way or another for most of his life and he has served full-time for most of the past 15 years. He feels that God has given him a gift in feeling young at heart and he loves working with youth. Johnny has spent time working with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and other organizations living out his passion of serving in youth ministry.

Luke Stanziani

Sexton

Luke joined the staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake City in August of 2007. He ensures the house of our Lord is neat, clean, orderly and operational.