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STAFF
Our Pastor is Rev. Dr. Fred Thrower
Fred grew up in Dallas, TX. He and his wife, Kitty met while in high school, but started dating when he was finishing college. They have two adult boys: Thomas and Kaden.
He has a B.A. and a B.B.A. from Southern Methodist University, a M.Div. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He came to Central from Cornerstone Presbyterian in Cary, NC, where he served as pastor for fourteen years. Before that he served congregations in Kingwood, TX; Choudrant, LA; and Stone Mountain, GA.
When he is not at church Fred enjoys cheering on the Texas Ranger and Dallas Cowboys, reading, going on mission trips, playing golf, traveling, and playing board games on his iPad.
Ralph Stannard - Choir Director
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 concert 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.
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 and 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
Johnna Breedon – Office Administrator
Johnna Breedon has lived her whole life in Waxahachie and graduated from Waxahachie High School. She has over 20 years 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.
Winnie O’Donnell – Bell and Youth Choir Director
Winnie O’Donnell – Bell and Youth Choir Director
Unrivaled in dedication and enthusiasm, Mrs. Gene O’Donnell (affectionately known as Miss Winnie to her students) directs and teaches the children of our church in the art of hand bells, chimes and music. She also directs the adult hand bell choir, the Jubilate Ringers. The Jubilate Ringers participate in worship services throughout the church year and have played upon request at Christian community events, especially during the holiday season.
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 most holds dear his family, friends and his relationship with Jesus..
Cheryl Davis Loper
Staff Support for Mission and Congregational Care Ministries
Cheryl is a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She has been a member of CPCW for eight years where she served as the Mission Ministry Team moderator for 6 years. In addition, she sings in the choir, rings handbells, is a member of the Faithful Followers Bible study group, and the Saturday Seekers fellowship group. She also serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Common Ground Ministries in Waxahachie. Her favorite activities are centered around spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoys singing and gardening.