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Our Staff
Gary Strickland, Interim Pastor
Gary served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Mauldin from 1991 to 2007. He served as Professor of Pastoral Care at Sioux Falls Seminary in South Dakota from 2007 to 2020. He has extensive experience in interim ministry. A native of Georgia, Gary and his wife, Stephanie, recently moved back to the upstate of South Carolina. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
Janice Hinnant, Minister of Music
I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina before going to Furman University where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in church music. I then earned a Master’s degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. I served churches in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Maryland before joining the staff at Earle Street in 1995. In addition to music, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, running, singing with Greenville Chorale, dogs, and being a mom, (not necessarily in that order.) I am also a reluctant gardener, mainly out of necessity rather than enjoyment. My son, Kevin, and daughter-in-law, Salem, are both teachers in Greenville County.
Lucy Wilkinson, Minister of Youth and Recreation
I grew up in Greenville and went to Clemson University where I was on the Rowing Team. I love being outside, going on adventures and trying to keep up with my husband and three boys. At Earle Street, I am the leader for our young leaders (youth) and our future athletes (recreation). Please let me know how I can help you find your home here!
Catherine Carnes, Interim Minister of Preschoolers and Children
I grew up in Greenville and I recently graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. While I thought I would be in a classroom teaching right now, God had other plans for me! In my free time I love to spend time with my husband Malachi and our dog Gracie. I also love to read and cook! I am honored to be the interim children and preschool minister here at Earle Street. Please let me know how I can help you and your family!
T. Dale Lynch, Interim Connections Minister
Dale has Associate of Arts degrees from Anderson University and Furman University, and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dale served as the Minister of Education and Outreach at City View Baptist Church in Greenville, and as the senior pastor at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Walterboro, Mon-Aetna Baptist Church in Union, and most recently at First Baptist Church Belton, from which he retired in 2021. Dale and his wife, Harrianne, have two sons, Berry and Adam (wife, Bonnie) and two grandchildren, Dax and Indie. They enjoy time with their family, good food, travel, and walking for exercise.
Ellen Heyward, Office and Facilities Manager
Greenville has been home for my entire life. I love this city and all of the unique sights and sounds and am proud to call it home! I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and running my small leather goods business. I joined the Earle Street staff in June of 2013. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way. I hope you will find a family here at Earle Street like I have. Welcome home!
Gina Conn, Ministry Assistant for Finance
I grew up in Michigan, moving to the Greenville area in 2019. I am enjoying getting to know the area and its beautiful features. I have 3 children that keep me busy, the youngest of which is graduating from high school this year. I enjoy singing, playing the piano, traveling, reading, and walking. I joined the Earle Street staff in July of 2020 as the Ministry Assistant for Finance, and also help with Sunday school administration.
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