Staff

 
 

   Robert Drake - Pastor 

     Office Phone: 218-233-1192
     E-mail: robert@firstpresmhd.org
 
Pastor Robert came to serve the church through a long and winding road. Although he grew up in church, he stopped going immediately after confirmation. This period lasted for about eighteen years. Yet, just because he stopped attending church, he did not stop talking and arguing with God. This experience forms his approach to faith, Christian belief, Presbyterian tradition, and church organization.

 
Having had multiple jobs since graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1993, Pastor Robert spent most of his time as a carpenter, construction foreman, and owner of his own handyman repair business.
 
Sensing a call to ministry, Pastor Robert attended Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 2017.
 

He and his husband were both born and raised in northern Minnesota, and enjoy gardening, running, and cycling. A far-off dream is to own a small hobby farm with Highland cattle, chickens, and goats.
 

Robert currently enjoys listening to 89.1 Ken’s FM, MPR, and years ago was an early fan of Drive-By Truckers and Neko Case.

 

   Joni Lordeman - Keyboardist

 
Joni has played piano and organ for many years.
 
"I am happy to serve my church family." - Joni
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Tim Ortez - Music Team 

   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Diane Wray-Williams - Music Director

     E-mail: dianewraywilliams@gmail.com

 
"Song is a response to God which engages the whole self in prayer." - Diane

The role of our music ministry is to lead our congregation in various ways to be a part of this deep prayer. Through congregational singing and response, choir anthems, solos and instrumental music, we unite in faithful worship.

Diane brings a lifetime of choir experience to her position.