The
First Presbyterian Church
of
Grove City
Church Staff
Robert Tolar
Pastor
Hello I am the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church (since 2008). I am a P.K. (preacher’s kid) by heritage, a musician at heart, and a pastor by God’s calling. I am blessed in marriage to my wife Paige. We consider it an honor to have two wonderful adult children! One of my true joys is the time our family can gather around the meal table. We have extended occasions of sharing our news, updates, dreams & failures of the day, and exploring what it means to live as Christians in the 21st century. When I am not involved in ministry, I find pleasure in being with my family, being an amateur photographer, riding a bike, and collecting antique "primitives" from Appalachia. When the time arises, I truly enjoy spending time in nature (especially gardening or hiking through the woods and mountains). Favorite Bible verses include Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 21:22. Previously, I have been pastor to Church congregations in Virginia and North Carolina. I received a M.A. and B.A. from Marshall University and an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary (Richmond, VA).
Christine Manns
Church Administrator
I grew up in the small town of London, Oh, moved to Wright State University in Dayton, Oh to obtain my BSBA, and then landed here in Grove City shortly after. I have worked in the FPC of GC office since 2015 and I have felt like a part of the church family here from day one. I am a follower of Jesus, a wife, a mom of 4 beautiful humans, 2 dogs (I ❤ my Boston Terrier) and a runner (at least I try to be). My kids currently have me bouncing around the worlds of collegiate track, high school volleyball, high school band, and adaptive sports (for my child with Down syndrome). I enjoy all of it! If I have a free weekend and it's warm outside, you'll find me pushing my family out the door to go somewhere new to explore, hike and picnic. If it's cold, you might find me working on digital photography projects, or.... sleeping.
Christian (Chris) Dederer
Choir Director and Organist
I am looking forward to seeing what unfolds as we evolve out of the pandemic and have the possibility to redefine what we want our worship to be as we embrace the future and seek to glorify God through praise, prayer, and adoration. While I appreciate our past traditions, I am not afraid to ‘sing to the Lord a new song,’ as the psalmist exclaims! It is important to bring to God a musical offering that expresses all that we are and paint an image of God using a wide brush, not a narrow one, so that our spiritual growth may thrive and the human condition is fully expressed. We are what we sing. This year, my wife, Nancy, (pastor at a sister PCUSA congregation in Circleville, OH) are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. Nancy and I enjoy catching a musical whether it is at a local middle school or on a Broadway stage in NYC. We both love to travel and have been to nearly all the states in the US except for Hawaii. Nancy has been to France, Scotland, and Ireland, while Chris has been to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Together they have travelled to the southern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Nova Scotia. Chris enjoys oil painting and is looking forward to getting back to painting once we are settled. Nancy and Chris have designed and led Hymn Festivals for the American Guild of Organists (AGO). Chris has performed organ recitals in 9 states, and has been a member of several professional organizations including the AGO, American Choral Directors Association, Presbyterian Association of Musicians, Choristers Guild, and Handbell Musicians of America. Chris holds a MM on Church Music degree from Westminster Choir and a BS in Music Education from Towson University. Keep a joyful song ringing in your heart,