Senior Minister

Dr. Jody Chapman Wright, Senior Minister, is a native of Chester, South Carolina, and was educated in the public schools there. He is a graduate of Furman University (B. A. Religion, 1981), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div., 1984), and Princeton Theological Seminary (D.Min., 2000). He served previously as the Assistant Minister of the First Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia (1985-1993) and Pastor of The Warrenton Baptist Church in Warrenton, North Carolina (1993-1998). He has been Senior Minister of Lakeside Baptist Church since August of 1998.

He and his wife, Deborah, also a graduate of Furman University, have been married since 1982. She is a Reading Specialist and Tutor with the Nash-Rocky Mount Schools. They have two children: Robert and Catherine.

As the spiritual guide of the congregation, Dr. Wright is responsible for leadership in worship, preaching, teaching, counseling, visitation, and other activities that enrich the religious life of the church and community. As the administrative head of the church, he is responsible for the general supervision of the staff and, in cooperation with the Diaconate and the Board of Finance, gives direction to the church's overall program. He is a member, ex-officio, of all boards and committees of the church.
 

Associate Minister

Elizabeth Jones Edwards, Associate Minister, is a native of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University and a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. She has previously served as Associate Pastor of Rosemary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids (1997-1999) and State Director of Christian Women's Job Corps (1999-2002). She has been the Associate Minister of Lakeside Baptist Church since February of 2002.

Elizabeth and her husband, Mark, also a graduate of Wake Forest University and Wake Forest School of Law, live in Nashville, North Carolina. He is an attorney with Fields and Cooper with offices in Nashville and Rocky Mount. They have two children: Spencer and Daniel.

As Associate Minister, Rev. Edwards is responsible for the Youth and Education programs of Lakeside. With the assistance of committees and volunteers, she plans and supervises a program for young people in grades 6-12, plans events for younger children (especially in grades K-5), plans and implements the Christian education ministries of the church, and assists with other programs and ministries as needed.

Music Minister

Jerry Fay Jolley, Music Minister, is a native of Cliffside, North Carolina. He graduated from Cliffside High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Mars Hill College and his Master of Church Music from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a Baptist Minister at the Race Path Baptist Church in Ellenberg, North Carolina. He has served as Music Minister at First Baptist Church of Elberton, Georgia (1966-1970), First Baptist Church of Greenville, South Carolina (1970-1980), and Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church of Greenville, North Carolina (1980-1987). From 1987-1988 he was the Resident Chaplain of Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina. He has been Music Minister at Lakeside since 1989.

He and his wife, Charlotte, a Pediatric Medical Record Specialist, live in Rocky Mount. Together they have three sons: Jon, David and Michael, a daughter: Amelia, and two granddaughters: Erin and Caroline.

At Lakeside music is considered an integral part of worship and the larger ministry of the church. Rev. Jolley assists in planning worship with the other ministers and is responsible for overseeing the choirs for various age and interest groups (Chancel, Youth Children, and Handbells).

Organist

Mark Gansor, Lakeside's organist, is a musician of the highest caliber.  His musical contributions to worship are inspirational and uplifting. Mark's 20th year at Lakeside coincided with the church's installation of its new pipe organ, Casavant Freres Opus 3876, in January of 2009.

Carol Lehman Lucas is a native of Rocky Mount. She is a graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High School and Wake Forest University and has been a lifelong member of Lakeside since her father, Dr. Gaylord Lehman, came her as pastor. She is employed as a paralegal with the law firm of Keel, Lassiter, Duffy and Sperati. Her husband, Will, is also involved with the music of Lakeside and is employed by Hospira. Their sons, John and Jeff have been very active in all of the youth and music programs.

As part-time Music Assistant, Carol is responsible for the maintenance of the handbells and the filing of the handbell music. She currently directs the Children's Choir and has also directed the Youth Handchime Choir.

Susan and her husband, Berkley, have two children, Carrington and Katie. Working with the Senior Minister and Associate Minister, Susan identifies needs among older adults in the church. She plans, coordinates, and implements all senior adult activities.  This group is extremely active and enjoys luncheons, day trips to museums, musical performances, and exhibits in the area. Whenever a member reaches his or her 90th birthday, a celebration is held in their honor. The youth of the church host an annual Valentine Dinner with entertainment.  An annual Christmas party is held after the Candlelight Service in the home of a church member.

Angela Dell Butler has been the Director of the Lakeside Preschool since 2000. She is a native of Greensboro, N.C. and received her education from Appalachian University.  Angela and her husband, Daniel, have one son, Caleb.

Our preschool program employs both traditional and Montessori methods in preparing children ages 2 – 4 for school.

Mom's Morning Out Director

Sharon Boistard is the Director of Mom's Morning Out (MMO). She is a native of Long Island, New York, and moved to the Rocky Mount area in 2001. She became a member of Lakeside in 2003. She and her husband, Philippe, have one daughter, Marrena. Sharon has worked with children for over 30 years. She started MMO at First Presbyterian Church before moving the program to Lakeside.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Linda Boone Davis is a native of Rocky Mount. She is married to Dan Davis and they have four children: Boone, Andy, Cindy and Adam and five grandchildren: Elli, Mac, Owen, Sadie and Tristan. Linda is a graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High School and received her Associate in Arts degree from Nash Community College. She joined the staff of Lakeside in 2005 and is a member of West Haven Presbyterian Church.

Linda coordinates the daily operation of the office and is responsible for keeping the financial records of the church.

Denise Bennett is Lakeside's part-time assistant secretary. She is a native of Nash County but completed her education in Baltimore, Maryland. She has three daughters, one son, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She joined the Lakeside staff in 2006.

Denise assists the Administrative Assistant in operating the office efficiently and meeting timely deadlines.

Napoleon Taylor has been the custodian at Lakeside since 1999. He is a native of Rocky Mount, but spent several years in New York City where he had many friends in the music industry. When not at at Lakeside, he operates his own lawn service.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees consist of 3 members elected by the church. They serve for an indefinite term.
They hold title to all church property and execute all contracts, deeds, mortgages
or other instruments, subject to the direction and approval of the church.

Hank Strickland,
 Charles Austin Robbins, Jr. (Chuck)
Frederick E. Turnage (Fred)

Clerk
Lela Harrell Chesson

Parliamentarian
J. Brian Scott

Treasurer
Nancy Strickland

Diaconate

The Diaconate directs the spiritual life of the church, determines matters of policy, gives direction to the church's ministry, assists in the care of the families of the congregation and approves the annual budget in conjunction with the Board of Finance. The Diaconate consists of 15 members serving on a rotation system for three years. Five deacons are elected each year by the church. No deacon is eligible for reelection until after the lapse of two years unless filling an un-expired term.  Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Diaconate Members

Board of Finance