Staff
Rev. Dr. Fred Thrower
Meet Pastor Fred, a Texas native who grew up in Dallas. He holds two bachelor's degrees from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Before joining our Central Presbyterian family, Fred spent fourteen years as pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian in Cary, NC. His pastoral journey has taken him across the South, serving congregations in Kingwood, TX; Choudrant, LA; and Stone Mountain, GA.
Fred met his wife, Kitty, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Today, they're proud parents to their two sons, Thomas and Kaden. When he's not in the pulpit or visiting with congregation members, you might find Fred cheering on his beloved Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, immersed in a good book, or enjoying a round of golf. He has a heart for mission work and has led trips to Mexico and Peru. Fred also embraces technology in his downtime, enjoying strategic board games on his iPad.
Ralph Stannard - Director of Music
Ralph Frederick Stannard served as the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Richardson (FPCR) since August 1998 and retired from that position in December of 2023. He held prior positions at Bethel Temple in Oak Cliff, St. Stephens Presbyterian in Irving, and Munger Place Methodist in Dallas. Has was also the Artistic Director and Conductor for the Plano Civic Chorus (PCC) for twenty-three years and stepped down from that position in May of 2023. Along with FPCR and PCC, Mr. Stannard served as Music Director for Temple Emanu-El (TE) in Dallas from 1999-2016. During his tenure at the Temple, Mr. Stannard conducted the Temple Choir in weekly Shabbat services, yearly High Holy Day services, and in several programs of important Jewish concerts and liturgical music. The Temple Choir performed for the American Choral Directors Association national convention in Dallas in 2013. Mr. Stannard also served as associate conductor for special performances for the Dallas Symphony Chorus under chorus directors Ron Shirey and David R. Davidson.
Mr. Stannard received his undergraduate degree in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Texas in 1978. He earned a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 1980 and continued his studies completing three years of additional graduate work towards a PhD at UNT. Mr. Stannard studied choral techniques and conducting with Frank McKinley, Henry Gibbons, Ron Shirey, and David R. Davidson. He also studied orchestral conducting with Kate Tamarkin (former associate conductor with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra) and graduate wind band conducting with Robert Winslow. Mr. Stannard has also had extensive study in Synagogue music with composer Simon Sargon and Cantor Richard Cohn.
Johnna Breedon – Office Administrator
Johnna Breedon has lived her whole life in Waxahachie and graduated from Waxahachie High School. She has over 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant with local businesses.
Johnna’s hobby is her family. She and her husband, Harold, have two children, Aidan and Mary. They worship at the Avenue Church.
Randy Arey – Organist
Since 2001, Randy Arey has served as the organist. In 2008 he received The American Guild of Organists Service Playing Certificate. In 2015 he received The American Guild of Organists Colleague Certificate. Presently he continues his organ study with Dr. Jason Alden.
Prior study was with Charles Harris at Dallas Baptist College, Dr. Al Travis at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Christina Harmon, and Dr. Robert August. In 2007 he participated in the German Organ Music Seminar and played many famous organs in Hamburg, Weimar, Freiberg, Dresden, and Leipzig. In 1999 he was featured in a recital in Paris at the church of St-Roch in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Caville-Coll (famous French organ builder), as part of his participation in The French Organ Music Seminar.
Randy and his wife, Cheryl, have a grown son Adam, and his wife Jenny. In addition, Randy and Cheryl are very proud grandparents of their grandchildren, Dean Walter and Eliza Blake
Mack Fountaine - Sexton
Mack Fountaine has been a resident of Waxahachie for more than 40 years and is an enthusiastic student of the Bible. Visitors – and members – of Central Presbyterian Church who marvel at our historic building can thank Mack for the loving care he provides our facilities. An avid reader and fan of history and “do-it-yourself” television shows, Mack holds most dear his family, friends, and his relationship with Jesus.