First Presbyterian Church

Reverend Paul Elgin has been the Senior Pastor at 1st Presbyterian since January of 2017.  He and his wife, Elizabeth, were married in 1991.  They have two adult children.  Pastor Paul holds two master's degrees:  one from Fuller Theological Seminary and a music degree from the University of Washington.  He served as music director for various churches and denominations for over three decades and graduated from Fuller Theological seminary before being ordained at First Presbyterian.  He is active in the community, having served on the Casa Grande Police Department Advisory Board, Casa Grande's Pastor's Fellowship, and is the past President of the Faith Alliance of Casa Grande.

Heather was raised in Florida, but has proudly called Arizona home for the past 25 years.  For the last 13 years, she has faithfully served as the Office Manager at First Presbyterian Church, where her heart for service and strong attention to detail truly shine.  Heather enjoys detail-focused work and takes pride in helping people behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly for both staff and the congregation she cares so much about.

She especially values being part of a close-knit community and loves building meaningful connections with those around her.  Heather has been married to her husband, Scott, for 33 years, and together they have two adult sons and a beautiful granddaughter who brings them great joy.

In her spare time, Heather enjoys traveling to new places and the excitement of barrel racing.  Whether she's at the office, at home with family, or pursuing her hobbies, Heather brings dedication, warmth, and a genuine desire to serve others in all she does.

My name is Nicole Crowder, and my family has been attending this church for approximately a year and a half. I have 15 years of experience in education (2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th/8th Art and Design). I am currently set to graduate with my master's degree in counseling this June. Originally from Tucson, AZ, my family relocated to the Florence area due to my husband's job.

In Tucson, I served as the Director of Children's Ministry at St. John on the Desert and as the Director of Youth at Christ Presbyterian Church. I was actively involved with Presbyterian Campus Ministries, where I had the privilege of participating in mission work in Northern Ireland and various locations around Tucson. Additionally, I contributed to the worship experience by singing in the praise band during church summer camps and services around Tucson, which helped raise money for our trip to Ireland. After moving to Florence, we attended Crossroads Lutheran, where I took on the role of Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry, and I sang in the praise band. 

I have served as a youth leader at Montlure, bringing campers from Christ Presbyterian and leading groups at church camps in Prescott with Crossroads Lutheran families. I also led a family connection trip to Ocean Side, CA, once a year with Crossroads families. I coordinated mission trips to Los Angeles, Prescott, and local communities.  At Crossroads, I successfully brought together our educators to create an engaging summer camp, complete with stage props, music, themed snacks, crafts, and daily science experiments. 

I possess a strong background in addressing the needs of Children, Youth and Family Ministries, as well as supporting worship/praise committees and conducting hospital visits for youth.

I am eager to contribute to First Presbyterian Casa Grande, embracing its rich history and looking forward to its promising future.

Stacey was born in Warragul, Victoria, Australia, and raised in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Stacey moved to Casa Grande in 2004 after graduating from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in music education and taught music in the CG Elementary District before founding the BlackBox Foundation. She holds a master’s degree in theatre education and one in conducting. Stacey is currently the Professor of Music at Central Arizona College. Last fall, she began work on a doctorate in music education, which she anticipates finishing in 2025. In her spare time, Stacey enjoys reading, traveling, participating in improv and stand up comedy, and hanging with her family.

Kim is a retired Choral and Bell Choir Director.  She taught at Casa Grande Union High School for four years and spent 28 years as Director of Choral and Bell Music, Professor of Music Theory and Music Appreciation, and Private Voice Instructor at Central Arizona College.  Kim currently co-directs the Chancel Bells with Susan Quintanar and serves as the accompanist for the Chancel Choir.

Susan has a BS degree in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA.  She has taught General Music and Beginning Band at Chinle Elementary School in Chinle, AZ; General Music, Beginning Band and Handbells at Stanfield School in Stanfield, AZ; and taught General Music at Ocotillo School in Casa Grande.  Most recently, she has directed the Youth Handbell Group, Beginning Chime Group, and Seeds of Hope Handbells at First Presbyterian Church.  She has also taught at Harvest Christian Academy in Casa Grande, AZ.  She currently plays the flute for Harvest Family Church and CAC Community Band, plays and directs Handbells at FPC, and rings handbells in the CAC Community Group.