Meet your FBC Ministry Staff:

Matthew McDaniel, Pastor:
Matthew came to First Baptist Church in April of 2010. He was born in 1982 and is a native of this area. He was saved in Vacation Bible School at the age of 11 and surrendered to the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ at the age of 21. Matthew Graduated from Kennesaw State University, in December, 2003, with a BBA Degree in Management. He earned his Master of Divinity Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009. His prior experience includes serving as Pastor of Kingtown Baptist Church in McCasyville and as Associate Pastor of Students in Hayesville, NC. He and his childhood best friend, Miranda Long, were married on December 21, 2002. They have two sons, Mason Isaac, born November 27, 2006 and Marshall Evan, born September 30, 2009. Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, reading, playing the piano, watching sports, and camping.

Harry Gilbert, Minister of Music:
Harry Gilbert and his wife Katie came to First Baptist in March of 2001. The Gilberts have served in music ministry for 35 years in churches in Indiana, North Carolina, and Alabama before beginning their ministry at First Baptist. Harry is a graduate of University of North Alabama and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Harry leads worship, age-graded choirs, and hand bells and is active in pastoral visitation ministry. He is also the director of a community senior adult choir known as the Primetimers.

Sarah Arp, Church Secretary:
Sarah is married with three children and seven gorgeous grandchildren. She grew up at FBC McCaysville, and gave her heart to Jesus at the age of nine. She was baptized a few weeks later by the Rev. Charles C. Duncan, FBC's pastor at the time. After Sarah married Don Arp, her husband of 45 years, his job caused them to move several times but they have always considered FBC home. After moving back to the Copper Basin area, Sarah and Don immediately became involved with our youth ministry and nursery. Sarah has been the church secretary since 1997. Her favorite pastime is to hang out with her grandchildren, whom she spoils shamelessly.