Rev. Carlyle A. McDonald was the organizing pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church.  A native of Emporia, VA, he graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and the Union Theological Seminary in Richmond.  He did graduate work at the University of Edinburg, Scotland, and served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was ordained in May 1942.

“I feel that I’ve accomplished everything that I set out to do.  Founding this church was something that I wanted to do very much.  I feel a great deal of satisfaction and achievement because of how fast this church has grown.  I have nothing but the highest admiration for this congregation and the fine work that they’ve done.”

-  Rev. McDonald -

Rev. McDonald, after serving 41 and one-half years as a pastor, decided to retire effective October 31, 1983.  One of his last official acts was to conduct the regular morning Worship Service at Providence Presbyterian the day before on Sunday October 30, 1983. 

Rev. McDonald recently celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of his ordination.  He looks forward to joining us at Providence for our twenty-fifth anniversary celebration in November.

Dr. John R. King, a member of Norfolk Presbytery and director of religion and ethics at Eastern Virginia Medical School, served as Interim Pastor from January through July 1984.

Rev. Robert A. Larson (“Parson Larson”) was installed as pastor on July 29, 1984.  Under Pastor Larson's ministry the Church grew and matured.  He retired on August 31, 1992.

Rev. Dr. Robin E. Wooddell was installed as the Associate Pastor on May 14, 1989 and served in that capacity until August 30, 1996.

Rev. Kenneth M. Hicks was installed as pastor on January 30, 1994.  Rev. Hicks attended Columbia Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity degree.  He served a small church in the mountains of western North Carolina for five years and then served for seven years as pastor of a newly organized church in Northern Virginia before answering the call to Providence Presbyterian Church.  He served until February 15, 1998.

Rev. Charles F. Speight joined the staff on May 1, 1997 as Parish Associate and served in that capacity until his retirement.

Rev. Richard Lund served as Interim Pastor from September 1, 1998 until July 2000.  Rev. Lund was a steadying influence in a time of transition. 

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey S. Bell is the current pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church.  Beginning his ministry at Providence Presbyterian on July 1, 2000.  Pastor Bell set about to instill a new vigor and vision for the Church.  His personal example and leadership have imparted vitality and growth to all aspects of Church life.  His personal ministry, distinctive preaching style and sense of humor are an inspiration to the congregation. Before answering the call at Providence Presbyterian Church, Pastor Bell served the First Presbyterian Church in Horseheads, New York.  Prior to that he pastored Southminster Presbyterian Church and acted as Associate Pastor for First Presbyterian Church from 1982 through 1986.   Both churches are located in Cumberland, Maryland. 

Rev. George H. Fitzgerald served as Stated Supply Pastor for the period August 1, 2006 through July 31, 2007 to fill the void left when Pastor Bell was called away to active duty in Iraq with the Virginia Army National Guard.   Rev. Fitzgerald now serves as Parish Associate.