Meet Our Staff

Jeanette Gibson, Church Organist and Chancel Choir accompanist
Became our Church organist in December, following the retirement of Julia Yost. She has grown children: Kevin, Sherry, and Larry as well as 7 grandchildren.
Jeanette has been playing piano/organ since age 4 and has played for many schools and various churches for the past 50 years. She is currently accompanying two singing groups: the "Late Bloomers" and the "Note Worthy's".

David Grimes, Sunday School accompanist, Young Promises accompanist
Grew up in Memorial Presbyterian Church as did his brothers Mike and Rob Grimes and sisters Peggy Fields and Phyllis Hill. A long-time professional drummer, David has owned and managed Lafayette's McGuire Music since 1971. He and his wife Muriel have been married for 35+ years and are parents to Patrick, Russell and Joe Grimes and Julie Boles. They are enjoying spending time with their grandchildren.

Julie Boles, Praise Choir Director
A life long member of Memorial Presbyterian Church. She is happily married with 4 wonderful children. She enjoys being a stay at home Mom and in her rare "free time" enjoys singing, painting and just spending time with her family.

Hillary Basden, Sr. High Youth Leader

I am married to Scott and I have a 17 year old daughter Gabreal and a son, Gideon. I also have 2 kitties, Sebastian and Sadie. I have been a member of this church since 2003. I am the senior high youth group leader and the senior high Sunday school teacher. I am a full time nursing student at Ivy Tech and I work part time at VCA Lafayette Animal Hospital as a vet tech. When I am not studying or working I enjoy hanging out with the youth group, reading mystery novels, traveling, rooting for the Indianapolis Colts, riding the motorcycle with my husband, watching Gabby play volleyball or basketball, or spending time with Mr. Gideon.

Brian and Becki Sprague, Jr. High Youth Leaders
Becki is a clinical therapist and works with chronic mentally ill folks (which she loves very much). She collects Teddy Bears and loves scrap booking.
Brian sits in front of a computer most of the day in his engineering profession. He loves working on them. He plans on building their second computer soon. He also likes watching NASCAR and football on TV, as well as watching their kids play sports and performing.

Staff Elders Deacons Trustees One Year Officers
		Meet the Staff of Memorial Church Elders Deacons Trustees One Year Church Officers Justin Schlesinger-Devlin, pastor Justin earned his BA in Visual Arts from Antioch College in 1995, his M. Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2000, and a MSW from Rutgers University in 2001. Justin is currently beginning his final doctoral project as he works to complete a D.Min. in Pastoral Theology from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Justin has been married to his wife Elizabeth for fifteen years, whom he met while they were students at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Elizabeth has recently finished her Ed.D. and accepted a position as the Director of the Early Childhood programs at Purdue University, which prompted their recent move to West Lafayette. They have two children, Delaney who is eleven and Zechariah who is eight. Rev. Ron Kelley, Brown Bag Bible Study I entered Western Seminary, Holland, Michigan August of 1980, graduated in May of 1983. Spent a one year internship at First Reformed Church in Evansdale, Iowa 1983-1984. Was ordained in September of 1984 and served First Reformed until 10/1990. Served High Bridge Reformed Church in High Bridge, New Jersey for 10/1990 to 12/1998. Served First Reformed Church of Harrison, South Dakota from 1/1999 to 9/2004. Served as Pastor of Administration at Calvary Reformed Church in South Holland, Ill. from 10/2004 until 9/2007. I worked at ALCOA in Riverdale, Iowa for 16 years (the last 15 as an electrical apprentice [4years] and a journeyman electrician. Been married to Ivamarie 42 years. Have 3 kids (2 daughters 1 son), 7 grandkids. Enjoy playing bridge, working in my garden, and am building a 31 Ford street rod. Darlene Craig, secretary I am please to be a member of the staff at Memorial. My husband, Gary, and I moved to the Dayton community 34 years ago. We have two sons (Donn and Kerris) and four wonderful grandchildren. I am a member of the Dayton Reading Club and also enjoy crafting, gardening and learning to paint with watercolors and acrylics. Jon Grimes, Church Custodian Jon does an excellent job of keeping our Church looking great. She also teaches our Jr. High Sunday School class.
		Michael Grimes, Clerk of Session Mike is a fifty-plus year member of Memorial Church. He sings in the choir and co-teaches an adult Sunday School class. He has, at one time or another, served on just about every committee and board in the church (except the women’s group). Mike has been an Elder since 1980, and served as Clerk of Session since 1992. He and his wife Jon live in Dayton, and have three grown daughters and five grandchildren.
		Peggy Fields, Choir Director Attended Memorial Presbyterian Church since age four. Singing in adult choir for 37+ years. Elementary school secretary, busy, busy! Free time spent with grandson Dylan.
		Jeanette Gibson, Church Organist and Chancel Choir accompanist Became our Church organist in December, following the retirement of Julia Yost. She has grown children: Kevin, Sherry, and Larry as well as 7 grandchildren. Jeanette has been playing piano/organ since age 4 and has played for many schools and various churches for the past 50 years. She is currently accompanying two singing groups: the "Late Bloomers" and the "Note Worthy's". David Grimes, Sunday School accompanist, Young Promises accompanist Grew up in Memorial Presbyterian Church as did his brothers Mike and Rob Grimes and sisters Peggy Fields and Phyllis Hill. A long-time professional drummer, David has owned and managed Lafayette's McGuire Music since 1971. He and his wife Muriel have been married for 35+ years and are parents to Patrick, Russell and Joe Grimes and Julie Boles. They are enjoying spending time with their grandchildren. Julie Boles, Praise Choir Director A life long member of Memorial Presbyterian Church. She is happily married with 4 wonderful children. She enjoys being a stay at home Mom and in her rare "free time" enjoys singing, painting and just spending time with her family. Hillary Basden, Sr. High Youth Leader I am married to Scott and I have a 17 year old daughter Gabreal and a son, Gideon. I also have 2 kitties, Sebastian and Sadie. I have been a member of this church since 2003. I am the senior high youth group leader and the senior high Sunday school teacher. I am a full time nursing student at Ivy Tech and I work part time at VCA Lafayette Animal Hospital as a vet tech. When I am not studying or working I enjoy hanging out with the youth group, reading mystery novels, traveling, rooting for the Indianapolis Colts, riding the motorcycle with my husband, watching Gabby play volleyball or basketball, or spending time with Mr. Gideon. Brian and Becki Sprague, Jr. High Youth Leaders Becki is a clinical therapist and works with chronic mentally ill folks (which she loves very much). She collects Teddy Bears and loves scrap booking. Brian sits in front of a computer most of the day in his engineering profession. He loves working on them. He plans on building their second computer soon. He also likes watching NASCAR and football on TV, as well as watching their kids play sports and performing.