First Presbyterian Church

Our Mission Statement

First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon strives to live by their mission statement.

Grow spiritually, both as individuals and as a congregation.

Share the good news with those around us.

Bring others into communion with Christ.

Act in fellowship, to reach out and support others.

Pastor Grace Howard

Grace Howard is a Minister of the Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She was ordained in 2011. Before coming to Mt. Vernon, she was a pulpit supply pastor for National Capital Presbytery. She also served as Dean of Academics and Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at World Mission College of the Greater Washington, in Fairfax VA.
Pastor Grace grew up in South Korea. She earned a BA of Agriculture in 1988. AShe dedicated her life to God in 1990. At Hanil Theological Seminary she earned her Master of Divinity in 2001. She served churches in South Korea as a director of children, youth, and college ministries.

Grace came to America in 2001. In Los Angeles, she developed an international student’s ministry and a new worshipping congregation. Grace received a Master of Arts in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2003. In 2007 she received a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
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In Maryland, she started a new church, Crossroads International Fellowship, and a campus ministry at University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. She served as Adjunct Professor and Admission Counselor for international students at Salisbury University, MD where she also started a campus ministry, All Nations for Christ. In Delaware, she served as Pastor of Delaware City Presbyterian Church.
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Grace's husband, Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard, is an Honorably Retired pastor of the PC (USA). Jeff has an MBA from George Mason University and an MDiv. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He primarily served as a Transitional Pastor for New Castle Presbytery.

Grace has two sons living in Philadelphia and Boston. JaeCheon is a pharmacist who graduated from Temple University (Pharm.D.). Grace became a grandmother in September. JaeHyon is a physicist who graduated from Harvard University (Ph.D.).
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Pastor Grace likes praising God, playing the guitar, and cooking. She hopes to learn worship dance. loves serving churches and being guided by the Holy Spirit in prayer ministries. She prays continually to advance in her journey with Jesus, our Lord, and The First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon.

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Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard

Pastor Grace Howard

Organist Dennis Carr

Dennis Carr is a native of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and a 1961 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He studied chemistry at the University of Evansville and accepted a position at General Electric in Mt. Vernon on November 6, 1963. He then completed his studies at U of E in 1965 and continued his work as an Analytic Chemist at GE, becoming an integral part of the Research and Development team until his retirement in February of 2001. April 25, 1964, was one of the most important days of his life, for that was when he married Jeanne Morlock, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Dennis serves with a joyful spirit and has overseen a vital ministry of music and praise for the congregants of Mt. Vernon's First Presbyterian Church.Dennis Carr is a native of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and a 1961 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He studied chemistry at the University of Evansville and accepted a position at General Electric in Mt. Vernon on November 6, 1963. He then completed his studies at U of E in 1965 and continued his work as an Analytic Chemist at GE, becoming an integral part of the Research and Development team until his retirement in February of 2001. April 25, 1964, was one of the most important days of his life, for that was when he married Jeanne Morlock, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

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Walt Brunton

Clerk

Charlie Hedges

2025

Bill Henderson

2025

Linda Kuykendall

2026

Bob Bullard

2026

Sarah Maria

2027

Jim Bartlett

2027

History

The First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon, Indiana was founded in 1837 by missionary William Pennell and Mr. Keith. There were 15 charter members and they held services at Mr. Keith's home. The congregation grew and a church building was constructed on Store Street (now College Avenue) in 1842. The church continued to grow and property was purchased in 1872. A new building was built and dedicated on October 16, 1873. An Education Wing and a Grand Piano were added in 1998. Many changes and additions have occurred since the dedication, but the congregation continues to worship in the sanctuary built almost 190 years ago.

The Mohler pipe organ was built into the sanctuary in 1914, a gift of Andrew Carnegie. It was electrified in 1955, refurbished in 1975 and again in 2010. In 1983 chimes were added in memory of Gordon Alldredge by Rev. Ann Melenson and her mother. The organ was upgraded in 2023 enhancing its features and making it digital. This upgrade was celebrated this same with a concert given by area organists.
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Large television screens were added in 2023 and to this day, the congregation continues to modernize the sanctuary, the worship experience, and enhance streaming.

About Us

Our Mission Statement

Resources you might find helpful

Pastor Grace Howard

Organist Dennis Carr

History

Sunday