Staff
We are pleased to introduce you to several of the folks who lead us in worship, disciple us, coordinate our service and outreach efforts, and make sure the doors stay open.
Rev. Fred Anderson, Pastor
Rev. Fred Anderson grew up in Jesup, Georgia, and has served Georgia Baptist churches for over thirty years. He holds a degree from Brewton-Parker College (Bachelor of Arts in Christianity) and has attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also President of Light of Life Missions, Inc. (501c3).
Pastor Fred has been married to his lovely wife Tammy for 29 years, and they have two daughters, Celeste and Heidi. Celeste is teaching elementary music at Altamaha Elementary in Baxley and Heidi is a sophmore at Georgia Southwestern State University.
Pastor Fred’s heart is to preach and teach the infallible, inerrant word of God that all may come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12, ESV
David Williams, Minister of Music
David has studied at Brewton Parker College, Tift College, Mercer University and Cambridge College. He began his service as Interim Organist in December 2015. He has also served as Interim Music Minister in 2010. David has an extensive background in music and theatre. He has entertained crowds in 41 states, Canada and Ireland. He has had wonderful success with three major solo recordings, “Get On Board” with the Uplifters, "Reflections & Memories," and “Remember When.” David is the Assistant Principal - Director of Instruction at Appling County High School and recently named a finalist in the Georgia Assistant Principal of the Year program. David is an active member of the Gospel Music Association and the Southern Gospel Music Association. He is listed in "WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA," and “WHO’S WHO IN THE WORLD.” He is highly "sought-after” as a solo artist and with David Williams & Legacy –a southern gospel trio.
Rev. Bill Hughes, Associate Pastor / Minister to Students
Bill began his ministry as Associate Pastor / Minister to Students on January 5, 2025. He is married to Dana Hughes (46 years). They have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. He has been a Youth Pastor for 52 years serving churches in Georgia, Florida, Indiana, and Kentucky. His longest tenure was at FBC Tifton where he served 27 years. He has a BA from UCF and an M.Div from Southern Seminary. He has written extensively for LifeWay having had 5 books published and over 20 quarters of Youth Sunday School material.
Gail Carter, Pianist
Gail grew up in First Baptist Church. She began part-time service at twelve years old and served periodically from then through her college years. She began full-time service in the early 1970s. Gail taught mathematics and physics at the high school and was married to the late Jerry Carter, a retired high school English teacher. They have one son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy & Emily Carter.
Larry Varnadoe, Organist
Larry began his service in January 2022.
Phyllis Bennett, Financial Secretary
Elesa Varnadore, Secretary/Receptionist
Elesa began her service in June of 1990. She has been a resident of Appling County since 1973. Her family includes three children: Christy (Luke) Schuster, Joshua, and Caleb. She enjoys spending time with her two grandsons, Evan and Drew. Her hobbies are bird watching, enjoying nature, and collecting “Peanuts Gang” memorabilia. She enjoys spending time with her family.