Rev. Dr. Lon Graham
Senior Pastor
Bachelor of Arts, Biblical Studies-Languages, Union University, 2002
Master of Divinity, Liberty University, 2013
Ph.D, Vrije Universiteit/International Baptist Theological Study Centre, 2021
Lon Graham is originally from Longview, Texas. Dr. Graham brings over 20 years of pastoral and ministry leadership. He was ordained at Ashley Heights Baptist Church in Aberdeen, NC. He served as Senior Pastor at Christ Community Church in Blaine, WA for 13 years and as Senior Pastor at The Woods Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 4 years. Since 2022, he has served in leadership roles with Christian nonprofits as Executive Director of The Matt 25 Hope Center in Clovis, NM and Vice President of the New Mexico Baptist Children's Home in Portales, NM.
Dr. Graham's ministry focuses on Christ-centered discipleship, biblical preaching, pastoral care, leadership development, and community outreach. He emphasizes authentic fellowship and engaging the community with Christ's love. He and his wife Amy (from Raeford, North Carolina) met while working with college students in Seattle. They have been married for 26 years and have four children: Lainey, Sarah Grace, Abby, and Joey. Dr. Graham enjoys spending time with family, reading, and exercising. Lon joined the FBC Marion staff in September 2026.
Rev. Jennifer H. Jennings
Associate Pastor for Children and Discipleship
Bachelor of Arts in English, with departmental honors, and Bible and Religion, Erskine College, 2016
Master of Arts in English Literature, Gardner-Webb University, 2021
Master of Divinity, The School of Divinity, Gardner-Webb University, 2021
Jennifer is a native of Tennessee; she was born in Knoxville and raised in a small town north of Nashville. Jennifer and her parents moved to the upstate South Carolina in 2008 where she attended high school and college. In 2017, she moved to North Carolina to start seminary. In the fall of 2021, she was ordained at her home church First Baptist Church Greenwood, South Carolina. She has been active in the leadership of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina by serving on the Coordinating Council. Jennifer realized her calling to ministry while serving as Summer Camp Director at Delta Hands for Hope in Shaw, MS, a CBF rural poverty initiative. She has also served as a preschool teacher at FBC Greenwood’s preschool, Cheerful Cherubs, and as a ministry intern at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC; First Baptist Church Shelby, NC; and First Baptist Church Laurens, SC with their children and youth. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, journaling, a good cup of coffee, and watching Netflix. Jennifer has served with FBC Marion since 2021.
Alexandria McNeely
Director of Music
Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music and Vocal Performance, Lenoir-Rhyne University, 2019
Master of Music, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, 2021
Allie grew up in nearby Catawba County, heavily involved in Baptist church life and music. An accomplished opera singer, Alexandria has won numerous competitions and awards, including winning the Tess Verbesey Encouragement Award and the Heafner-Williams competition in 2024. She is regularly involved in major musical productions and with respected ensembles such as the Hickory Choral Society, Taylor Festival Choir, Blue Ridge Consort, Winston Salem Choral Artists, and Opera Carolina of Charlotte. Alexandria also enjoys teaching music at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. Allie joined the FBC Marion staff in June 2024.
Alexandria’s website: https://alexandriamcneely.com
Heather W. Anderson
Organist/Pianist
Bachelor of Music Education, Appalachian State University, 1990
Master of Instructional Technology, Appalachian State University, 2011
Heather was raised in First Baptist Church and was heavily involved in our Music Ministry from childhood forward. Starting in 1988 while a college student, Heather became our primary organist and pianist. She’s been devoted to that role ever since, playing in worship, accompanying the Sanctuary choir and congregational singing, while also assisting with youth and children’s choirs. Heather has been a steady, supportive presence in the Music Ministry for over 36 years. Beyond her leadership at FBC, Heather is a full-time classroom teacher at Glenwood Elementary School. Heather is married to Greg Anderson. They have two adult children, Grace and Molly.