First Presbyterian Church

_{Meet Our Pastor}_{Rev. Dr. Grace Howard}

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‍Pastor Grace leads our church with a joyful, Spirit‑led heart. Originally from South Korea, she has served in campus ministries, several congregations, and a church plant. She has also served as Professor and Director of the M.Div. and Christian Education programs at Washington Theological Seminary, taught Korean language at Salisbury University in Maryland, and served as Academic Dean at World Mission College. She holds degrees from Hanil Theological Seminary in South Korea, Fuller Seminary, and San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Grace is married to Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard, an Honorably Retired pastor. They have two sons and three grandchildren who bring them great joy. She loves praising God, playing guitar, cooking, and hopes to learn worship dance someday. Pastor Grace is passionate about helping people experience God’s presence, and she has a deep heart for evangelism and mission. She is grateful to walk alongside the church family as together they follow Jesus and listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading.
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Music Director
Rian Napitupulu

Febrian Napitupulu, known as Rian, is a professional singer-songwriter, pianist, music producer, and award-nominated artist. Originally from Indonesia, he gained national recognition in 2015 as the runner-up of Indonesian Idol Junior. He has participated in
international music competitions and performed across the United States and Asia. Rian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta and a Master of Music in Jazz Voice Performance from California State University, Sacramento.

Raised in a Christian family and the Presbyterian tradition, Rian has been involved in church music ministry from an early age. He has served in churches in Indonesia and California as a worship leader, pianist, vocalist, and church musician. His experience in both denominational and nondenominational churches has equipped him to lead a variety of musical and worship styles while respecting each congregation’s identity and traditions. As Music Director of First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon, Rian values collaboration, musical excellence, and worship that is both meaningful and anointed. He encourages people of all generations to share their gifts in gratitude for God’s grace. As Rian likes to say, “There is always room for another voice.”

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Organist
Dennis Carr

Dennis Carr is a native of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and a 1961 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He studied chemistry at the University of Evansville and accepted a position at General Electric in Mt. Vernon on November 6, 1963. He then completed his studies at U of E in 1965 and continued his work as an Analytic Chemist at GE, becoming an integral part of the Research and Development team until his retirement in February of 2001. April 25, 1964, was one of the most important days of his life, for that was when he married Jeanne Morlock, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Dennis serves with a joyful spirit and has overseen a vital ministry of music and praise for the congregants of Mt. Vernon's First Presbyterian Church. Dennis Carr is a native of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and a 1961 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He studied chemistry at the University of Evansville and accepted a position at General Electric in Mt. Vernon on November 6, 1963. He then completed his studies at U of E in 1965 and continued his work as an Analytic Chemist at GE, becoming an integral part of the Research and Development team until his retirement in February of 2001.

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Walt Brunton

Clerk

Charles Hedges

2025

Bill Henderson

2025

Janet Johnson

2026

Bob Bullard

2026

Sarah Maria

2027

Jim Bartlett

2027

History

The First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon, Indiana was founded in 1837 by missionary William Pennell and Mr. Keith. There were 15 charter members and they held services at Mr. Keith's home. The congregation grew and a church building was constructed on Store Street (now College Avenue) in 1842. The church continued to grow and property was purchased in 1872. A new building was built and dedicated on October 16, 1873. An Education Wing and a Grand Piano were added in 1998. Many changes and additions have occurred since the dedication, but the congregation continues to worship in the sanctuary built almost 190 years ago.

The Mohler pipe organ was built into the sanctuary in 1914, a gift of Andrew Carnegie. It was electrified in 1955, refurbished in 1975 and again in 2010. In 1983 chimes were added in memory of Gordon Alldredge by Rev. Ann Melenson and her mother. The organ was upgraded in 2023 enhancing its features and making it digital. This upgrade was celebrated this same with a concert given by area organists.
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Large television screens were added in 2023 and to this day, the congregation continues to modernize the sanctuary, the worship experience, and enhance streaming.

About Us

Our Mission Statement