Minister of Education, Norma Walter received the Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and the Master of Music Degree from West Virginia University. After teaching public school music for 19 years she served as Music Director, Organist and Program Director at West End Presbyterian Church in West End, North Carolina for 14 years. Her duties at that church included Christian Education and Youth Ministry. She served as Minister of Music at Chestnut Street United Methodist in Lumberton, North Carolina for 8 years at which time she was ordained a Diaconal Minister in the United Methodist Church. At FUMC in addition to the Christian Education Programs she serves as Chancel Choir Accompanist and Adult Handbell Choir Director.

Organist, Webpage Coordinator, and Media Consultant, Dr. George R. Walter, retired in 2007 from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he taught organ, piano, music history, church music, and music appreciation for 40 years and where he holds the title, Professor Emeritus. He earned degrees from West Virginia University (B.M. and Ph.D.) and Indiana University (M.M.). In 2004 he was presented North Carolina's highest civilian award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, by Governor Mike Easley and the Orpheus Award for "significantly and lastingly contributing to the cause of music in America" by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Professional Men's Music Fraternity. In addition, he has served in a number of offices for the North Carolina Music Teachers Association including president, membership vice-president, and treasurer. Prior to accepting his present position at FUMC, he served as organist at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lumberton and Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Southern Pines. George and Norma have two grown children (Adrienne and Mark) and two grandchildren (Gavin and Gabrielle).

Minister of Youth & Recreation, Matt Harrold is a Wilkes County native and a 2008 graduate of High Point University with a B.A. in Religion. Matt is pictured here with his wife Sarah, whom he married shortly after graduation in August of 2008. His future plans include pursuing a Masters degree in Christian Education or a related field. Matt demonstrates his love of God and love of young people in all areas of his ministry.

Janice Burchette, the church’s Administrative Assistant, and her husband David recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They have a daughter, Lauren, who is attending Pharmacy School at Campbell University. She hopes to receive her doctorate in Pharmacy and masters in Clinical Research by May 2012. Their younger daughter, Abby, is a student at East Wilkes Middle School where she plays basketball, sings in the chorus and is involved in various other activities. As a family, they like to travel and camp, but mostly enjoy going on church sponsored mission trips. Janice and her family are active members of Macedonia Baptist Church in Ronda where she is co-director of Vacation Bible School, assistant director of women's missions and Sunday School secretary.

David Brooks, FUMC Music Director, is a graduate of Appalachian State University where he received his BM in Choral Music Education. Mr. Brooks has studied voice with Randall Outland, the resident tenor at ASU. David is also currently the choral director at Wilkes Central High School. He grew up in a family that housed two choral directors and a brother that performed as well. He has sung professionally along side of his brother in Myrtle Beach, S.C., performing in P.G. Productions, “High Steppin’ Country.” Mr. Brooks has now become more of a teacher than a performer who earns superior ratings at state competitions. He is a member of both MENC and ACDA and has just been elected to the high school choral board of NCMEA as a member at large. Along with his choral duties at Wilkes Central High School, he is also a member of the football coaching staff. He is married to Laura Snipes Brooks who also teaches at Wilkes Central High.