First Presbyterian Church


	106 North Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036 Phone: (815) 777-0229 (voice & fax)

Meet Our Church Staff and Officers

Jim The Pastor is Rev. Jim McCrea. He is a graduate of West High School in Waterloo, Iowa, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction degree in English in 1976. After holding a series of full-time and freelance writing positions, he felt called to attend the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, where he studied between September 1989 and December 1991. During that time, he served as the solo Student Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Hazleton, Iowa. After receiving his Masters of Divinity degree, Rev. McCrea was called to the First Presbyterian Church of Galena in April 1992. As a professional freelance writer, his work has been published in such national magazines as Better Homes & Gardens, Northwest Airlines WorldTraveler and Mature Outlook. He's currently at work on an original commentary on the Old Testament book, Song of Solomon. He is also a magician with memberships in the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Dubuque I.B.M. Ring as well as having written two books on magic performance.

Brad Hertzler Our SPM student pastor is Brad Hertzler. Brad is currently a student at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and is in his second year. He grew up on Omaha, NE and attended Dundee Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Westside High School, and later attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where he majored in biology. After graduation, Brad returned to Omaha and was hired by Dundee Church to be the Director of Middle School Ministries. Later, he transitioned to become the Director of Student Ministries. It was at the church that Brad met his wife, Allison. They were married in September of 2002. Brad and Allison have two daughters. Havelah was born in April 2005 and Hannah was born in June 2007. Brad has a passion for the local church and its commission from God to be the agent by which God brings his Kingdom to be more fully established on earth. When Brad is finished with seminary, he hopes to be a pastor at a local church. When you donÕt find Brad studying or at the church, you will most likely find him spending time with his family or doing one of his other favorite activities: hiking a local trail, spending time at the family cabin in Canada, or teaching his daughters to play soccer.

The Choir Director is C.J. Burroughs who has been involved in theatre and performing arts for more than twenty-five years. She began her studies under the private tutilage of Mdme. Francie Head, of Monticello, IA. While attending Iowa State Unviersity, C.J. studied performing arts music (voice emphasis) and was a student of voice of Mdme. Janet Alcorn, and Dr. Donald Simonson, and performing arts theatre, (acting, directing). Over the years, she has had the privledge of working with some of Iowa's greatest directors, including: Dr. Paul Torkelson (Wartburg College), Dr. Dennis Darling (Luther College), and Dr. Robert L. Larson (Simpson College). Throughout her career, she has performed in more than 30 musicals and theatrical shows, sung in numerous ensembles, show and performance choirs, and continues working in the field as a soloist for concerts, weddings, and many other engagements. C.J. lives in Galena with her family and long-haired chihuahua, Kiara.

Angie The Organist is Angela Daniel. Angela was born and raised in Colorado. She began studying classical piano at the age of nine under the tutilage of a graduate from the Vienna Conservatory of Music. She competed in district and state piano competitions from age 11 through high school, from which she received numerous honerable mentions. Angela continued to study music during college, and expanded her repetoire to include jazz and blues styles. She has accompanied choirs and ensembles since Junior High and has played for various churches over the years. Angela is also an accomplished ballet dancer, and was accepted to Boston Ballet, Ballet Aspen and Milwaukee Ballet during her dancing career. Her musical and theatrical background has included leading roles in theater and dance, as well as a soloist in concert and show choirs.

Pete The Secretary is Pete Peterson. Pete says of himself, "Born a long time ago in Newark, NJ. Attended Drew University. Served four years merchant marine in WWII, 1941-'45. Worked 4-A advertising agencies in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Partner with Jack Webb, Mark VII Commercials, film production company, Hollywood. Author of numerous articles and five books including: a collection of humorous verse, Especially for Seniors ; We're Fighting A War. Be There! and They Couldn't Have Won The War Without Us; a tribute to the men of merchant marine in WW II. Owner of an advertising agency, Pete Peterson & Associates, and of Lead Mine Press Publishing."

Jim The Financial Secretary is Jim Lander. Jim was born in Freeport, Illinois but has lived in Texas and Wisconsin before his family came to Galena. His undergraduate and graduate studies were at Illinois State University and additional post graduate classes have been taken at the University of Dubuque, University of Iowa, University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Minnesota. He is an elder of First Presbyterian and has been secretary of the Save Turner Hall Board as well as a former member and President of the Galena Public Library Board and is currently President of the Jo Daviess County Board of Health. He and his fourth Scottish terrier, Maisie, live in Galena.

The Church Custodian is Mel Halstead. Mel says of himself "I'm a lifelong resident of the Galena area and an active member of First Pres. I am serving a second term on Trustees and make note, you never want to miss a meeting or you might end up with the janitorial position for a few weeks which has turned into a permanent position! I am retired from Weiderholt's Excavating and have a lawn service business during the summer. My favorite pasttimes include gardening, theater, and grandkids...not necessarily in that order. Last, but not least, "Go Bears!"