Ministers and Staff of First Presbyterian
The Reverend John Brock
Rev. John Brock
John was ordained in 2007 and served First Presbyterian Church Hartselle, AL from 2007-2011 and First Presbyterian Church Fort Payne, Alabama from 2011-2015 part-time as a tentmaker while also teaching US History in Marshall County (AL) schools. In 2015, he began teaching in Phenix City, AL while filling pulpits for the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley (PSL). In 2017, John took a full time call with First Presbyterian Church Eufaula, AL, serving there until accepting the call from First Presbyterian Church, Tupelo. John served as the moderator of the Commission on Ministry for the PSL for the last five years.
John received his Bachelor’s degree from Samford University, a Master’s of Education from the University of Alabama, and a Master’s of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. He plans to pursue a Doctorate in Ministry in the coming years, hoping to put his love of teaching into practice.
John and his wife, Ruth, have four children, all boys, ranging in age from 10 to 24 years old.
Outside of work, John enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and watching sports (Atlanta United/Hawks, Auburn, and Arsenal Football Club)
Melissa McDuffie
christianed@firstprestupelo.org
Melissa McDuffie currently serves as Director of Youth and Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church. She was born, baptized and reared in these halls and pews and is honored to serve in this role. She finds it is humbling to work with the youth group that nurtured her faith and helped shaped her during her middle school and high school years! After high school, she earned a degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Ministry from Belhaven College, married her husband, served with him as Camp Directors of Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji Lake in Northwest Iowa. A week at the beach, fun times outside, trying to stay a step ahead of her three kids, and good conversations with friends are a few of her favorite things.
Melissa’s absolute favorite part of serving as Youth Director is the relationships that are built and the questions and discussions that spill out of those relationships!
Dr. Bob Taylor
Bob Taylor serves as Director of Music at First Presbyterian. His duties include directing the Chancel Choir, Tower Ringer’s handbell choir and supervising the other areas of the music program.
Originally from Crystal Springs, MS, Dr. Taylor received the Bachelors and Master of Music Education degrees from Mississippi State and the Doctor of Arts from the University of Mississippi. His career includes teaching band and choir in the Amory and Monroe County public schools. He was the assistant band director at Mississippi State University and Choral Director at Northeast and Itawamba Community Colleges where he also taught applied voice and Music Appreciation.
He and his wife Jan have two children and two grandchildren.
Dr. Ray Harris
Dr. Harris has been organist at First Presbyterian Church since January, 1994. His duties include providing organ music for weekly worship services, as well as special and seasonal services. In addition, he provides rehearsal accompaniment for the Chancel Choir and soloists. He has recorded a CD of organ music on the Letourneau Organ at First Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Harris holds a Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from Mississippi State University and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Louisiana State University. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists and the Mississippi Music Teachers Association, for which he has served as vice-president for Public Relations.
In addition to his duties at the church, Dr. Harris teaches music at Northeast MS Community College in Booneville, MS. His duties include teaching piano, Music History and accompanying the college choir. He also serves as faculty advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on campus. He has been chosen as Humanities Teacher of the Year, has been named a TOPP teacher and has represented the college at the state capital as a HEADWAE honoree.
Claire Leeke
Claire serves as the Director of Elementary and Youth Choirs. She and her husband, Trey, have been members of First Presbyterian since 2017 and they have two children.
Claire is also the Director of Choral Activities at Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ensembles under her direction include the Northeast Chorus and the Northeast Voices. Other courses taught include Studio Voice, Music Theory Lab, Music Appreciation, and Musical Theatre Workshop.
She holds a B.A. and M.M. from the University of Mississippi. Before teaching at Northeast, she was a choir director at Southaven Middle and High Schools, Oxford High School, and Olive Branch High School.
MJ Whitt
churchsecretary@firstprestupelo.org
MJ joined the Church Office in June 2025. As our Church Secretary, she is responsible for all church publications, including our weekly bulletins, weekly newsletter, and our monthly newsletter, The Tower. In addition, she is the point of contact for our church communications, including emails, website, and assisting our receptionists with social media updates. Originally from Houston, MS, MJ moved to Tupelo in 2025 after living in Columbia, MO for the past eight years. She is happily married with two amazing step-children. MJ enjoys spending time with family, playing board/card games, traveling, antiquing, and cooking. She is always willing to help, so if you need anything, please stop by the church office and see MJ.
Lucy Wells
Lucy is our afternoon receptionist, and you will find her in the office each afternoon welcoming visitors and answering the phone. Lucy is responsible for Wednesday night meals/programs and other event registrations. She also helps with other administrative tasks as needed.
Penny O’Quinn
Penny is our morning receptionist, and you will find her in the office each morning welcoming visitors and answering the phone. Penny is responsible for Wednesday night meals/programs and other event registrations. She also helps with other administrative tasks as needed.
Ricky Kimbrell
maintenance@firstprestupelo.org
Ricky is the Maintenance Superintendent, and he works closely with our Property & Grounds committee, maintaining the church grounds and facilities.