Rev. Mary Beth McCandless, Pastor and Head of Staff
Rev. Mary Beth McCandless has served as the installed pastor of First Pres since October, 2024. Mary Beth, also known as “MB,” has a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Western Kentucky University, and earned her Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She previously served churches in northwest Ohio, Kentucky, Colorado, and Indiana in a variety of roles (pastor, co-pastor, educator, family ministries, and church musician), all of which are integral to her work here at First Pres.
I’m passionate about worship – from the music to the liturgy to preaching – so I privilege worship planning and sermon preparation in my weekly work. Pastoral care and prayer are also vital parts of day to day ministry.
Rev. MB McCandless
In ministry outside of the church building, MB engages in the community through the Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council; she serves the Presbytery of Ohio Valley on the Committee on Ministry; and she serves with faith leaders around the state on the Steering Committee of the Indiana Faith Voices for Justice.
In her personal life, Mary Beth sings with the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus and the University of Evansville Choral Society, is a member of the P.E.O. and participates in AOΠ alumnae events connected to the University of Evansville. MB is a student of emotional intelligence and the enneagram and considers both tools for emotional and spiritual growth. She is also part of Singing Resistance Evansville.
Mary Beth is married to Murray McCandless, and they are the parents of two grown children, Hannah and Jesse (who currently reside in California with their partner and spouse, respectively). They are delighted to have recently welcomed grandson Wyatt (Jesse and Sammie’s son) to the family, and look forward to Hannah and Noelle’s wedding later in 2026. Murray owns his own business, Murray’s Cool Cars, located in Vincennes, Indiana, and also moonlights as a professional Santa.
Read more about Pastor Mary Beth and the pastor nominating committee process that brought her here.
Rev. Jerusha Van Camp, Minister of Spiritual Formation and Connection
Reverend Jerusha Van Camp joins First Pres as our new Minister of Spiritual Formation and Connection.
Jerusha has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Oakland City University, and earned her Master of Divinity degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Jerusha has an extensive history of working with children, youth, families, and marginalized communities for over 30 years both in faith-based and secular non-profit organizations. Most recently, Jerusha has been providing Pulpit Supply, Governance, and Sacramental ministry to small congregations in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley and in Southeastern Illinois. Jerusha is not new to First Pres and we are excited to welcome her back in this new ministry.
Jerusha is wife to Kathryn, mother of three, and dog mom to two rescued lab mutts. Jerusha is currently a Doctorate of Ministry student focusing her study on prayer, liturgy, and discipleship practices for renewal. When Jerusha is not studying or working, she can be found cooking or baking, watching Lord of the Rings and Star Trek, or sitting on her porch watching the birds.
Robert Nicholls, Director of Music
Robert Nicholls was born in Cambridge, England, to a British farmer and an American mother from Carmi, Illinois, and grew up in rural Cambridgeshire. At the age of eight, he joined the choristers at Westminster Abbey in London under the direction of Simon Preston. He graduated from Oundle School and Cambridge University. Robert was a member of the choirs of Gonville and Caius and St. John’s Colleges in Cambridge where he sang tenor. He maintained an abiding interest in the organ to the chagrin of his singing teacher and joined the staff of First Pres in 1996.
Robert is married to Emma Nicholls Ph.D., a pediatric Clinical Psychologist whom he met next door in Evansville. They are proud parents of Elena and William.
Robert enjoys walking to work in all seasons along historic First Street, running along the greenway, and growing what food he can in a small backyard. His other passions are organ and choral music, silence for reading, and teaching youngsters to read music. However, his secret desire is to be a good jazz pianist.
Lora Blaylock, Office Administrator
Lora Blaylock was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She came to Indiana to attend the University of Evansville, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Music Management. Lora plays the flute and handbells, and she has sung soprano with the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus and Evansville Chamber Singers over the years. She joined the Choir of First Presbyterian Church in 1994, and the staff in 1999.
Lora met her husband Paul, an Electrical Engineer, at UE, despite growing up within an hour’s drive of each other in Ohio. They still have family there and enjoy visiting whenever schedules allow.
When not in the church office or choir loft, Lora enjoys cooking, gardening, sewing, and old television shows. She and Paul love living in downtown Evansville and are still happily married even after building their home-away-from-home (aka the garage!).
Finch Parker, Technology/Marketing Coordinator
Finch Parker (they/them) was born in 2003, grew up in Evansville Indiana, and attended Evansville Christian School. They have a passion in electronics and how they work.
They began working at First Presbyterian Church in April of 2022 and has been a member since. working first on livestreaming the services for everyone online to handling media and marketing.
They enjoy tinkering with computers, creating art in many different ways, creating gardens, hiking especially in the great smoky mountains, and caring for their dogs, cats, and reptiles.
Bri Alley, Music Support Assistant
Brianna Alley (they/them), preferably known as “Bri” (pronounced brī, not brē), was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. Bri is a full-time student at the University of Evansville, where they will be receiving a Bachelor of Science in Music degree in the Spring of 2026. Bri is a mezzo-soprano and plays the Double Bass, being a member of the University Choir at UE, as well as UE’s Symphony Orchestra. Bri also serves as an Alto Section Leader at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Bri is entering their second term as President of the Beta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, an organization that promotes the further advancement of women and gender-queer individuals in music. Bri also enjoys their part-time position at a local credit union in Evansville, where they have been since the summer of 2023. Bri is thrilled for the opportunity to play a part in the wonderful ministry here at First Pres!
Outside of their passionate commitments in school and work, Bri loves spending time with family and friends, thrifting cool clothes, adding to their beloved vinyl record collection, and savoring the outdoors. Officially being a new Evansville resident, Bri is looking forward to exploring the downtown Evansville area as their second home!
Gary Harper, Church Caretaker
We are pleased to welcome our new church caretaker, Gary Harper, to the First Pres staff! Gary has a wealth of experience in facilities care and management in both education and hospitality environments. He is quiet but friendly! If you see him in church, be sure to welcome him to the team!