Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Jeff Paschal, a native South Carolinian, received the B.A. (cum laude) in music education from Limestone College, Gaffney, S.C. in 1982. He taught band and music appreciation in the public schools for two years. 1984-1987 he served as a member of the U. S. Army Band of New York City. In 1987 he entered Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, where he received the Master of Divinity degree and was co-recipient of the E. T. George Award for excellence in homiletics, worship and public speaking.  He completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2006. Jeff and his wife, Beth, have  five children and enjoy long distance running, reading, and eating out. Beth works for "Neighboring Lake County Services."

Office Manager

Carol Thayer began as office manager in November of 1995. She was formerly a guidance counselor in the Willoughby Eastlake School District. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Elementary Education and earned her Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from John Carroll University, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Willoughby since 1982 and was elected as an Elder in 1993.

Christian Education Director 

Jane Strancar is our Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church in Willoughby. Jane graduated from Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas, in 1969 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education.  

The Strancar family moved to the Cleveland area in 1976. Jane became active in our church in Willoughby, teaching church school, directing the Carol Choir, playing in the Chancel Bell Choir, and being involved in the Presbyterian Women of the Church. In 1985, Jane was elected an elder to the Christian Education Board, and, that same year, took the position of Christian Education Director.  Jane retired on October 31, 2006 after 21 years of faithful service.

Christian Life Coordinator 

Debbie Baxter, Christian Life Coordinator, graduated from Hiram College in Ohio in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Management; Cum Laude..

She and her husband Grant have one son, David. They enjoy camping and sports of all types. Debbie is member/director of the Eastside Homeschool Co-op and a former coordinator of the Ohio Home Educators Network.

Music Director

Dr. Beth Hwang began as our organist/choir director in October of 2002. Beth was born in Korea and lived in Australia for 20 years before coming to America in 1998. She lives with her husband Jason in Mentor. She has earned a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Music Performance from the University of Sydney. She has recently completed work on her Doctorate, also from the University of Sydney. Beth and Jason are the thrilled parents of their baby boy, Daniel 

Handbell Choir Director

Our bell choir director, Shanti Blatnik, began in September of 1999. She started ringing bells in her hometown church, United Presbyterian Church in Cortland, New York in the seventh grade. She continued all through high school and graduate school at Bucknell University. She has attended many festivals and worked with top people in the industry. Shanti and her husband Frank are the proud parents of twin daughters Sophia and Lydia, son Scott, and their new addition, Katia. 

Custodian

Tom Smith began as custodian in May of 2004. Tom and his wife Delores have been married for 25 years as of  May of 2005. They have 4 children - two boys and two girls, and 12 grandchildren. Tom enjoys working around the house, swimming, and playing cards.  Tom retired in March of 2007.

1st Presbyterian Church Willoughby Elders

1st Presbyterian Church Willoughby Deacons

Mission: To serve the Church (Acts 6:1-6)
The office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of the Deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to anyone who may be in distress. Deacons have responsibility for coordinating many benevolent ministries and coordinate Sunday morning ushers and greeters. The current deacons serving at 1st Presbyterian Church Willoughby are: